Colour Symbolism in CHinese Culture
The Colour Symbolism in Chinese Culture
There are many different colours in the world. Each colour has a symbolic meaning behind that one would have certain impression and perception towards that particular colour. It is interesting to note that this kind of perception and impression vary among cultures. Every country has its own perception towards the colours. In the following paragraphs I would introduce briefly the colour symbolism in Chinese culture. Please note that only colours which do not have the same symbolism as French culture will be introduced.
Red
The colour of red has always been a very popular and important colour in Chinese culture. In China, red represents happiness and joy. Traditionally, red is widely used in Chinese New Year as well as other festivals in order to symbolize a good fortune and luck. In these festive periods, people tend to dress themselves in red clothes (sometimes including red underwear) to wish for good fortune in the coming year.
Being a symbol of happiness and good luck, the colour of red is also a traditional bridal colour. The traditional wedding dress, for example, is red in colour. Other accessories as well as the decorations in the bride’s and the groom’s house are as well based on the tone of red.
In modern China, red is affiliated with the communist government as it represents the success of the revolution of the Communist party. This is why the national flag of China is red in colour.
White
Unlike the western culture, the colour of white is often associated with death in China. It represents mourning for the dead people. The special clothes to be worn in funerals, for example, are white. It symbolizes the respect we have for the dead people. In Ancient China, Chinese people do not wear white clothes at all times unless they have to attend a funeral and mourn for the dead. Even until today which people would wear white clothes in different occasions, wearing a whole white look (with white shirts and
There are many different colours in the world. Each colour has a symbolic meaning behind that one would have certain impression and perception towards that particular colour. It is interesting to note that this kind of perception and impression vary among cultures. Every country has its own perception towards the colours. In the following paragraphs I would introduce briefly the colour symbolism in Chinese culture. Please note that only colours which do not have the same symbolism as French culture will be introduced.
Red
The colour of red has always been a very popular and important colour in Chinese culture. In China, red represents happiness and joy. Traditionally, red is widely used in Chinese New Year as well as other festivals in order to symbolize a good fortune and luck. In these festive periods, people tend to dress themselves in red clothes (sometimes including red underwear) to wish for good fortune in the coming year.
Being a symbol of happiness and good luck, the colour of red is also a traditional bridal colour. The traditional wedding dress, for example, is red in colour. Other accessories as well as the decorations in the bride’s and the groom’s house are as well based on the tone of red.
In modern China, red is affiliated with the communist government as it represents the success of the revolution of the Communist party. This is why the national flag of China is red in colour.
White
Unlike the western culture, the colour of white is often associated with death in China. It represents mourning for the dead people. The special clothes to be worn in funerals, for example, are white. It symbolizes the respect we have for the dead people. In Ancient China, Chinese people do not wear white clothes at all times unless they have to attend a funeral and mourn for the dead. Even until today which people would wear white clothes in different occasions, wearing a whole white look (with white shirts and