Color symbolism changes from culture to culture. One of my Chinese colleagues told me that wearing all white clothing is a definite no-no when going to a party for an older person because for the Chinese, white is the color of funerals and death. White is used to express sorrow and grief. For this reason, she explained, Chinese brides wear red, beige, or if wearing white, mix it with another color.
The opposite of white is red. “Red, a bright, auspicious color associated with warmth, life and the Fire Element, denotes good fortune and happiness. It emerges as a sacred and vitalizing color used on festive occasions. In China, the color red not only serves to express joy, but also to ward off evil influences. The Chinese regard red as the “lucky color.” At Chinese New Year, children in Chinese families are given little red packets or envelopes packed with money or treats as tokens of good wishes. (At the office blessing I went to for the Chinese New Year, the staff and I were also given red packets with money inside.) The color red is also featured prominently in the clothing and other ritual objects pertaining to the traditional Chinese wedding. In fact, Chinese brides wear red dresses and wedding invitations are printed on red paper.” Good to know when going to a party or wedding.
[ad#icu new]
