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