Color in Chinese Culture

Color in Chinese culture

Color in Chinese culture refers to the various colors that are considered auspicious or inauspicious. The Chinese character for color is 顏色 (yánsè). In ancient China, the character more accurately meant color in the face. During the Tang Dynasty, yánsè began to refer to all color.

In traditional Chinese art and culture, black, red, blue-green, white and yellow are viewed as standard colors. These colors correspond to the five elements of water, fire, wood, metal and earth, taught in traditional Chinese physics.

· Black

Black, corresponding to water, is a neutral color. The I Ching, regards black as Heaven’s color. The Taiji symbol uses black and white to represent the unity of Yin and Yang. Ancient Chinese regarded black as the king of colors and honored black longer than any other color. And the Dao School chose black as the color of the Dao.

In modern China, black is used in daily clothing. And in some area, black may also be used during a funeral to symbolize the spirit's return to the heavens. A black ribbon is usually hung over the deceased's picture.

· Red

Red, corresponding with fire, symbolizes good fortune and joy. And there is a red complex of Chinese. The ancient Chinese thought that red stems from the sun, because of hot sun like fire, they depended on and worshiped to the sunlight. They knew only under the red sunshine, things can be full of vitality. In this cultural context, the prosperous red color naturally has had the jubilation and propitious meaning. During Chinese New Year and other holidays and family gatherings, red can be found everywhere. And red is strictly forbidden at funerals as it is a traditionally symbolic color of happiness.

In modern China, red remains a very popular color and is affiliated with and used by the Communist government.

· Blue-Green

Blue-green, corresponding with wood, represents nature and renewal and often indicates spring. The color implies vigor and...