What are pastel colors?

Pastel colors are a family of colors that have low to intermediate saturation, and are generally described as light, washed-out, neutral or soothing. The most common pastel colors are light pinks, yellows, blues, greens and lavenders.

In the United States, pastel colors are often associated with spring and holidays such as Easter. Pastel colors are popular in fashion during spring months as well. Different pastel colors have different meanings; for instance, pastel blues symbolize peace and harmony, while pastel greens represent hope, birth and renewal. Yellow is thought to symbolize joy and happiness, and pastel pink represents playfulness and a new beginning.