Symbolism of Colors between China and Europe
Wong Hoi Tak, Jennifer (06009522)Cheung Sin Man, Andrea (07007140)
Color conveys meanings in two primary ways Natural associations (universal & timeless) Psychological symbolism (x universal)
Cultural associationsPolitical and historical associationsReligious and mythical associationsLinguistic associations, etc.
What does Culture have to do with Color?
China:Supreme Power, NobilitySplendor, Preciousness
Five elements of Yin Yang Theory ( 陰陽五行 ): stands for earth
Concept of Five Dimensions: symbolizes the center of the universe
Exclusive color for the imperial family during Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Most common color in the Buddha School
Yellow
Yellow
Europe:Color of sunshineDual Symbolism:
Energy, Creativity, Optimism Jealousy, Cowardice, Illness
Associated yellow with the clothes worn by Judas Iscariot (猶大 ), one of the twelve original apostles of Jesus but betrayed Jesus into the hands of Roman authorities.
Negative symbolism (Eg. yellow-bellied ≈ cowardice)
Purple
China:Elegance, Affluence
In traditional Chinese myth, the God of Heaven ( 天帝 ) is believed to live in the “Purple Myrtle Palace” ( 紫薇宮 )
Tang Dynasty: used in the clothing of officials ranking above the “fifth class” The prime minister was granted a "gold seal with a purple
silk ribbon." symbol of the highest power next to that of the emperor.
Europe:Associated with Royalty since ancient Roman
timesPower, Leadership, SuccessWisdom, Wealth, Respect
First used by the King of Phoenix(1600 B.C)declared it to be the royal color (imperial purple)
Rarity of purple dye and was used to decorate statues of the gods
purple clothing was limited to Emperors only.
Purple
China:Taboo color, color of mourning.Purity, VirginityDeath, Inauspicious
Stands for metalSymbolizes the west & autumnTraditional Chinese dislike autumn and white
Eg. in Chinese Opera, characters with white masks represent insidious, treacherous
White
Europe:Color of PerfectionTruth, Purity and Peace
Associated with the clothes worn by Jesus in Christian paintings
In Christianity, white symbolizes joy, glory and the road to heaven
The color of newly baptized Christians as well as the Pope
White
Black
China: Neutral
Seriousness, FormalityRepresents “water” in the five elements
Western influence: black clothes are wore during funerals
Black
Europe: Negative, Associated with death,
Darkness and Bad OmenBlack cat, Ravens = bad luckBlack Death, etc.
A symbol of mourning
Red
China: Positive Symbol of “Fire” and the South Good Luck, Happiness, Boisterousness
E.g. WeddingsRed envelopes (Lai See)Colors theme of the Chinese New Year
Red
Europe: Connected with blood;
represents strong emotions Love, passion: red roses,
Valentine’s day Anger e.g. “to see red” Danger: warnings, signs
The Devil: Satan is often depicted with red skin
Political movement: communism/socialism
Green
China Wearing a green hat ( 戴綠帽 ) = infidelity
Mixed with the color “Blue”( 青 )
Represents “wood” in the 5 elements and “East”
Lush greenery, represents Life and Growth
Green
EuropeContradictory meanings
Stands for devil in the mediaeval Envy, Sickness Associated to the nature
Environment protection e.g. Greenpeace, Die Grünen (the Green Party in Germany)
Going green: to change to a more environment-friendly way of living
Freshness
The interpretation of colors has changed across time, both in the East and West Chinese culture: 5 elements Western culture: Greek philosophy/Christianity
Western influence in Asian culturesSome meanings stay the same throughout
centuries.
Conclusion
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