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SYMBOLISMS & METAPHORS
Symbolisms
The Chinese culture consists of many elements symbolising various aspects, such as nature, colours, dances, and even masks. Each of them has their own symbolisms. Let’s learn some of the symbolisms in the Chinese culture!
Chinese uses colours for different aspects in different ceremony, ritual or festivals. Colours play significant roles when it comes to hidden meaning or associating symbolism. There are 5 important symbolic colours in the Chinese cultures.
COLOURS
Red
Normally worn during Chinese New Year, red is a popular colour among the culture. Brides will wear red colours on their dresses to avoid evil spirits for their future household. Red symbolises luck, joy, and happiness.
Other than that, red in Chinese culture represents summer and the elements of fire that comes along with the season. Red is an official colour for the Chinese culture as they believe wearing red gives them better luck in life.
Yellow
Yellow is the main colour shade in Buddhism. It represents being free from worldly cares.
Other than that, yellow represents the colour of royalty. Although each dynasty has designated each rank with their own colour, the yellow colour is reserved for only the emperor. Until today, yellow is symbolic to the higher social status.
Yellow too is considered as a lucky colour!
Black
In contrast to the red colour, black is considered as a dark colour that gives off bad energy in the Chinese culture. Black in Chinese is ‘Hei’ which means bad luck. Everything related to black is considered as unlucky because it attracts the energy of sadness, evil spirit, or cruelty!
Thus, it is very important to avoid wearing black if any of you are attending a Chinese ceremony or celebrations.
White
White is symbolic to deaths. During funerals, Chinese will wear white to mourn and show sadness over the death of the deceased. In Chinese culture, white symbolises purity and innocence.
Other than that, white is a popular colour to wear during the ghost festival. The Chinese people will wear white because they want to summon the spirits of the deceased during the festival. White is considered as an unlucky colour too.
Green
Besides yellow and red, green is one of the lucky colours in the Chinese culture! Green represents wealth and money. Most of the buildings in China are painted in green to attract luck. Green is also considered as the colour of harmony, hope, and growth! It also symbolises cleanliness and purity.
Pine Tree -松
This is an evergreen tree and symbolises longevity because it can endure many kinds of weather.
Bamboo Tree -竹
Bamboo tree can be bent but it is unbreakable. In Chinese, it symbolises the characteristics of a scholar – strong, unbreakable, and modest.
TREES
Trees contain mysterious and hidden secrets behind them. They are beautiful and powerful and are ancient beings in this world. The three trees below are called ‘Three Friends in winter’ because they do not wither in the cold weather.
Let’s look at some symbolism of the three trees in the Chinese culture.
Plum Tree -梅
Usually blooms during Chinese New Year, early winter. It symbolises courage and hope because it bravely stands against the danger of winter.
MASKS
Masks in Chinese culture are practically used since 3,500 years ago. Special occasions required wearing masks for different purposes. There are several different types of masks. What are their symbolic meanings?
Chinese Exorcising Mask
Usually used in exorcising rituals, it symbolises driving away evil spirits. There are times when it has become popular in the army because they were praised for being responsible for the army’s success.
Chinese Shamanic Mask
The dark tone of the mask chasing or scaring away the ghost.
Masks have been used in Chinese theatres over the years. The interesting part is that every colour of the masks symbolise their own characters in the theatre!
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Red mask – courage and heroism
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Yellow mask – evil and cruel
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Black – a neutral character
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Green – violent
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Golden and silver – supernatural character (god and evil spirit)
Chinese New Year Dragon Mask
There are several other masks in Chinese New Year celebrations. However, the most important mask is the dragon mask! The dragon mask is made with few complexity because it is an important mask. Dragon symbolises wealth and fortune in Chinese culture. Sometimes, the dragon mask is so big that a few people have to carry it!
