The Chinese language has a rich vocabulary and many words have multiple meanings. Words for colors, apart from their primary definitive meaning, always contain additional cultural meanings as well.
Red is the color most favored by Chinese people because it is a symbol of fortune and joy. At festivals or holidays, large red lanterns are always hung up, red “fu” characters (meaning “blessing”) are stuck on doors and pairs of red scrolls placed on walls, and older people often give red envelopes containing money to kids. On the occasion of weddings, brides put on red clothes and wear red veils over their heads while grooms wear red silk and flowers. Red candles are also lit on wedding nights. Red also signifies smoothness and success. Thriving businesses are described as “fiery red” and good luck is also dyed red.
Red also has the connotations of revolution and progress. Revolutionary armies are called “the Red Army” and the revolutionary regime “the red regime”. The practice of demanding progress politically and studying businesses assiduously is described as “being both red and expert”. Red also represents authority. Documents issued by governmental organs are headed with red-font characters. Red is also believed to have the power to exorcise evil spirits, so people tend to wear red underwear and waistbands in their birth years. Red, moreover, can be used in a derogatory sense. People who become envious of others’ good fortune are depicted as having “red eyes” or “pinkeye”.
White has the most diverse symbolic meanings in the Chinese language. It stands for elegance and purity. Perfect people or things are portrayed as “flawless white jade”.
A man who is of great moral integrity and is of good behavior is thought to be sinless. White also indicates justice and promising prospects. Telling good from bad is described as “making a clear distinction between black and white”. Proper and legitimate channels are called “white channels” which contrast with “black channels”. White is also a taboo however, because it is linked with death and disasters. When loved ones pass away, their families have to dress in white clothes and wear white flowers. Those defeated in war who come to surrender need to raise white flags. White symbolizes corruption and rebellion politically. Revolting armies are called “white armies” and opposition regimes “white regimes”. The pursuit of businesses with no intention of getting involved in politics is judged as “a white focused path”. White can also show insignificance, humbleness and shallow knowledge. Ordinary people are called “white folks”.
Black, similarly, has both negative and positive implications with the former always prevailing and the latter rarely seen except in the phrase “black-faced Bao Zheng” which conveys noble characteristics such as being impartial and incorruptible. Black is a symbol of darkness and evil. Confounding right and wrong is compared to “failing to distinguish black from white”, illegal channels are called “black ways”, criminal groups that carry out clandestine activities in society are called “black gangs”, money obtained from illegal means like embezzlement, bribe-taking and blackmailing is known as “black money” or “black income”, attempts to legitimize black money such as through bank deposits are called “black money laundering”, stores that operate without business licenses are called “black shops”, and vicious minds are called “black hearts”. “Bearing black pots” means taking the blame for others.
Yellow used to be a noble color symbolizing supreme status and power. The emperor’s dragon robes were yellow; ascending the throne was described as being “crowned with yellow robes”; imperials edicts were called “yellow scripts”, and “yellow jackets” were clothes that emperors in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) conferred on important civil and military officials. Yellow also meant hope, wealth and glory. Days when everything went smoothly were chosen as “lucky days”. Later, however, yellow took on a symbolic meaning of vulgar taste. The word “yellow” in such phrases as “yellow films”, “yellow songs”, “yellow novels” and “wiping out yellow publications and cracking down on illegal activities” refers to pornography. Yellow also describes the process of growing aged and decadent, e.g. “a woman with a yellow face” and “yellow complexion and bony body”.
Green is a symbol of peace, friendliness, hope and vigor. Permitting something is described as “giving the green light”. Things that comply with the requirements of environmental protection are considered to be “green”, such as “green food” and “green transportation”. Easy, convenient and safe channels are “green channels”. Green also has a derogatory sense. A wife who engages in extramarital affairs is said to put a “green hat” on her husband. The implications of words for colors should be highly valued if you want to learn the Chinese language well.
