SYMBOLIC MEANING OF BLACK IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE COLORS

Abstract

Color did not initially carry symbolic significance but gradually gained meaning through human activities and the evolution of consciousness. In the earliest stages, people divided the world’s colors into two basic categories: black and white. As their understanding of color deepened, more hues were recognized. Few civilizations have been as deeply shaped by the symbolism of color in politics, economics, and cultural life as China. This article focuses on the significant and unique role of black in China's cultural systems. As one of the 'Five Colors' in the traditional Chinese color system, black embodies a variety of symbolic meanings. This paper seeks to explore how the Chinese have historically used and interpreted black, examining its symbolism and evolution within a historical context, with particular emphasis on its role in traditional Chinese colors.