Text of Symbolism Of Colour, Hkbu, Contemporary Europe And Asia Pols 3620
1. Symbolism of Colors between China and Europe Wong Hoi Tak, Jennifer (06009522) Cheung Sin Man, Andrea (07007140)
2.
Color conveys meanings in two primary ways
Natural associations (universal & timeless)
Psychological symbolism (x universal)
Cultural associations
Political and historical associations
Religious and mythical associations
Linguistic associations, etc.
What does Culture have to do with Color?
3.
China:
Supreme Power, Nobility
Splendor, Preciousness
Five elements of Yin Yang Theory ( ):
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
4. Yellow
Europe:
Color of sunshine
Dual Symbolism:
Energy, Creativity, Optimism
Jealousy, Cowardice, Illness
Associated yellow with the clothes worn by Judas Iscariot ( ) , one of the twelve original apostles of Jesus but betrayed Jesus into the hands of Roman authorities.
Negative symbolism (Eg. yellow-bellied cowardice)
5. Purple
China:
Elegance, Affluence
In traditional Chinese myth, the God of Heaven ( ) is believed to live in the Purple Myrtle Palace ( )
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 .
6.
Europe:
Associated with Royalty since ancient Roman times
Power, Leadership, Success
Wisdom, 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
7.
China:
Taboo color, color of mourning.
Purity, Virginity
Death, Inauspicious
Stands for metal
Symbolizes the west & autumn
Traditional Chinese dislike autumn and white
Eg. in Chinese Opera, characters with white masks represent insidious, treacherous
White
8.
Europe:
Color of Perfection
Truth, 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
9. Black
China:
Neutral
Seriousness, Formality
Represents water in the five elements
Western influence: black clothes are wore during funerals
10. Black
Europe:
Negative, Associated with death, Darkness and Bad Omen
Black cat, Ravens = bad luck
Black Death, etc.
A symbol of mourning
11. Red
China:
Positive
Symbol of Fire and the South
Good Luck, Happiness , B oisterousness
E.g. Weddings
Red envelopes (Lai See)
Colors theme of the Chinese New Year
12. 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
13. Green
China
Wearing a green hat ( ) = infidelity
Mixed with the color Blue ( )
Represents wood in the 5 elements and East
Lush greenery, represents Life and Growth
14. Green
Europe
Contradictory meanings
Stands for devil in the mediaeval
Envy, Sickness
Associated to the nature
Environment protection e.g. Greenpeace, Die Gr nen (the Green Party in Germany)
Going green: to change to a more environment-friendly way of living
Freshness
15.
The interpretation of colors has changed across time, both in the East and West
