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The importance of the color red in Chinese culture

The color red in Chinese culture

Colors have a different impact and meaning in every culture. In this case, red is one of the most important color in Chines culture, and it's even considered one of the three lucky colors in China (red, yellow and green).
One clear example of its impact is: Chinese new Year, during this festivity all you will see is red and gold.

The history of the color red in China 

The color red can be traced back to ancient time. In the majority of the caves drawings found, the color red was prevalent, one clear example of this is the Buddhist art in the Cave temples of Dunhuang. It's also said that early pottery, walls, and gates were also painted in the color red.
There is not an exact period where the color red became so important. Nonetheless, there are still two myths that try to explain this phenomenon. 

The first myth states that red became an auspicious color during the Han Dynasty It is believed that the first emperor of the Han dynasty was the son of the Red Emperor. As such, people in that period saw color as a symbol of privilege and authority and decided to honor it.

Another myth is that there was a mythical beast called Nian (年獸). The Nian used to terrorize the Chinese people every New Year's Eve. But one day a brave old man found out that the beast was scared of loud noises and the color red. So, the whole town started hanging red scrolls in front of their door, they will also light firecrackers and perform the lion dance to scare off the beast.

What's the meaning behind the color red?

The color red or 紅色 (in Chinese), as in many cultures represent fire, but that's not its only meaning. In Chinese culture red also represents: happiness, good fortune, success, beauty and vitality. 
Depending on the occasion the meaning of the color varies, for example: In weddings, the bride and groom wear red to symbolize prosperity and happiness. Meanwhile, the famous red envelopes (紅包) are red to represent good fortune and economic prosperity. 

Sources:

Ye Lang. (2021). Why is the color red important in Chinese culture. Son of China. (Retrieved:2022, July). https://sonofchina.com/china-traditions/why-is-the-color-red-important-in-chinese-culture/

Getty Center. (2016). Cave Temple of Dunhuang: Buddhist Art of China's Silk Road. The Getty Research Institute. (Retrieved:2022, July). https://www.getty.edu/research/exhibitions_events/exhibitions/cave_temples_dunhuang/gallery.html

Jiang F. (2021). Lucky Colors in China. China Highlights. (retrieved: 2022, July). https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/culture/lucky-numbers-and-colors-in-chinese-culture.htm
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