Energy of Nature, Healing Power, Cultural Spirit and Good Fortune

Most westerners may already have the knowledge of “Chinese Red“. It is the most common color being used in occasion of celebration, such as traditional Chinese weddings, Chinese New Year, or birthday. Some others may learn that “White” is the color of death to Chinese. Why Chinese choose those colors? Are there any stories behind the color red with white? How about “Yellow“, “Green” or the word “Color” itself? What are the symbolic significance of those colors for Chinese?

Red: Symbol of of happiness, auspicious, flourishing and protection

First, red, yellow, blue, white, black are the five orthophoto for Ancient Chinese (Han). Red is the first of these five colors.

Red is the color of summer (the flourishing season). The ancestors of the Chinese nation is the Yan Emperor(Yan Di – 炎帝), who had two fire symbols in his name. When summer arrived, ancient Chinese use to wear red at the first day of summer in the Ceremony to welcome the prosperous of summer. Not only their costumes, but also the flags and their carriages are in red. In later dynasty, even some of the armies dressed all in color red.

Then, fire is one of the five elements and red is the color of fire. It’s considered the incarnation of the sun and the Vulcan. Chinese turn their worship of Apollo, god of fire, to the worship of color red. As the symbol of happiness and auspicious, red was not only used with environmental decoration. In addition hung a red light, put up red double happiness signs, etc. the bride should wear a red dress, red pants, red belt tied at the waist, his head red damask, and some places also have to wear red shoes. The groom must lead his bride into the bridal chamber with a red fabric. In some places, the bride and groom both must select a chicken. Cock for the groom and the hen is for the bride, but both of the cock and hen’s color must be red. It’s indicating the auspicious of their marriage. In modern wedding, the groom and bride often wear the red flowers. It’s the inheritance of this vulgar.

Chinese believe in the protection of red. It’s strong enough to keep the bad spirit away in their weak period of life such as in their “Benming Nian” (12 years old, 24 years old, 36 years old, etc.) So, many Chinese choose to wear red cloth, underwear, necklace with red thread or other talisman to avoid disaster in those years.

To be continues…