October 6, 2009

Color symbolism in Chinese culture in many respects differs from the Western one.

In general, red is the color of honesty and virtue, associated with good manners (fire, summer, south, happiness and fortune). Yellow is the gods' color (glory and prosperity), associated with center, earth, the season between spring and summer, law and order, loyalty and faith. Green is associated with east, spring, good, life and inner peace; many goddesses choose green as the color of their garb; and in dramas or operas, demons and devils have green faces. Blue is associated with sky, sea, desire for knowledge and a promise of great achievement/prominent status. Black is associated with north, winter, water, dark but also wisdom and honor; and in theaters, a face painted black signifies an honest, sincere man. White is associated with woe, autumn, sunset, old age; and in theaters, a white face signifies a scheming/deceiving character.

In the old times, red is for good luck and happy events, like weddings and such, while white is normally for mourning. Historically, yellow and gold were restricted colors - only the emperor and certain members of the royal family/court were allowed to wear it. Certain shades of purple were also associated with royalty. And if a man wears a green hat, it means that his wife is having an affair. As for black, that's the color assassins wear.

In Feng Shui, the colors have additional meanings too. Red means warmth, power and luck.; while yellow means utmost authority and longevity. Therefore, it's not difficult to understand the presence of those two colors in the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City), Beijing. Tangerine/ yellow/saffron represents highest divinity. Thus you'll see Buddhist monks draping themselves with this color. Orange represents passion, recommended for couples in their bedroom. Green means renewal. Grey, as a combination of black and white, represents sorrow and retardness/stagnation. Thus grey isn't popular.

However, color symbolism is not so much of a big deal anymore now. No one is going to frown at you for showing up in a festive celebration decorated with red color. In a traditional Chinese mourning event a family member is expected to wear white, and guests can wear black like in the West.

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