选题理由
Color words are a crucial aspect of language, reflecting a culture's worldview, thoughts, and rich cultural significance In Vietnamese, color terminology primarily derives from Classical Chinese; however, over time, some terms have retained their original meanings, while others have evolved to express different or even entirely new meanings This article aims to compare the cultural connotations of basic color words in Vietnamese and Chinese, highlighting their similarities and differences.
In ancient times, the Vietnamese adopted and utilized Classical Chinese, leading to similarities and discrepancies between ancient Vietnamese and Classical Chinese Over time, ancient Vietnamese evolved into modern Vietnamese, while Classical Chinese transformed into contemporary Chinese, resulting in notable differences between the two languages today As society progresses, the importance of foreign language education has increased, prompting students and teachers to explore the similarities and differences between their native and target languages, as well as the cultural meanings behind them Given the growing cultural and economic exchanges between Vietnam and China, more Chinese individuals are learning Vietnamese, and more Vietnamese are studying Chinese This article aims to compare the cultural connotations of color terms in both languages, helping Vietnamese learners of Chinese and Chinese learners of Vietnamese to deepen their understanding of the cultural significance of color terms, ultimately assisting students in mastering their target languages.
Currently, there is limited and shallow research on the cultural connotations of color terms in Vietnamese and Chinese This article aims to conduct a comparative study of the cultural meanings of color terms in both languages, building upon previous research to provide a more in-depth analysis of the similarities and differences between Vietnamese and Chinese color terminology Through this comparative study, we uncover both commonalities and distinctions in the cultural significance of color terms in the two languages.
研究对象
By comparing the cultural connotations of color terms in Chinese and Vietnamese, we can gain insights into their similarities and unique characteristics This approach not only enhances vocabulary acquisition in Chinese language learning but also contributes to the theoretical foundation of Vietnamese lexicon studies, enriching the field of comparative linguistics.
I have chosen "The Cultural Connotations of Chinese Color Terms and a Comparative Study of Basic Colors in Chinese and Vietnamese" as the topic for my graduation thesis This article focuses on the cultural significance of color terms in both languages, aiming to identify the similarities and differences between Chinese and Vietnamese color vocabulary.
研究的现状
越南语颜色词文化研究现状
Nghiên cứu về từ vựng màu sắc trong tiếng Việt đã có từ lâu, nhưng vẫn còn hạn chế trong việc khai thác các khía cạnh văn hóa của từ ngữ này Các công trình đã được thực hiện chủ yếu tập trung vào những từ màu cơ bản, như bài viết của Trần Thị Thu Huyền về hoa cỏ và màu sắc trong thành ngữ, hay nghiên cứu của Trần Đăng Phạm về tính từ chỉ màu sắc trong thơ ca Ngoài ra, Văn Tình cũng đã đề cập đến hình tượng của người thầy qua các từ màu sắc, trong khi Lê Thị Vy khám phá đặc trưng văn hóa dân tộc thông qua từ chỉ màu sắc Những nghiên cứu này đều góp phần làm phong phú thêm hiểu biết về màu sắc trong ngôn ngữ và văn hóa Việt Nam.
Ngoài ra, có một số luận văn nghiên cứu về văn hóa và ý nghĩa của từ màu sắc trong tiếng Việt, chẳng hạn như "Đặc trưng và màu sắc trong thơ Xuân Diệu trước cách mạng tháng Tám" của Lê Thị Thanh Điệp (1996), nêu bật ý nghĩa của từ màu trong thơ Xuân Diệu Bài viết "Về tính từ chỉ màu sắc trong thơ Nguyễn Khuyến" của Biện Minh Điền (Ngôn ngữ số 7-2000) đã thống kê tỷ lệ xuất hiện của từ màu trong thơ và câu đối của Nguyễn Khuyến, xác định rằng màu sắc nổi bật, đặc biệt là màu xanh, chiếm tỷ lệ chính.
Bài viết của Thành Thắng về "Màu Xanh trong thơ Nguyễn Bính" mở rộng ý nghĩa đa dạng của từ "xanh" và nêu bật đặc trưng nghệ thuật của Nguyễn Bính Trịnh Thị Thu Hiền cũng đã nghiên cứu các đặc điểm của từ chỉ màu phụ trong tiếng Việt, làm sáng tỏ cấu trúc và phạm vi sử dụng của chúng Hà Thị Hoài Thu đã phân tích từ chỉ màu sắc trong tác phẩm "Truyện Tây Bắc" của Tô Hoài, giúp miêu tả vẻ đẹp thiên nhiên Những nghiên cứu này đã truyền cảm hứng cho tôi để khám phá và so sánh văn hóa màu sắc trong tiếng Việt với tiếng Hán, từ đó làm nổi bật những giá trị văn hóa sâu sắc của ngôn ngữ.
汉语颜色词语文化研究现状
The rich and diverse vocabulary of Chinese color terms inherently attracts scholars Numerous studies have explored this topic, including Wu Tieping's "On Color Terms and Their Ambiguous Nature," Zhang Qingchang's "Outline of Chinese Color Terms," Chen Jiaxu and Qin Lei's "Categorization and Metaphorical Cognition of Basic Chinese Colors," Zhang Wangxi's "Preliminary Discussion on Associative Meanings of Color Terms," and Li Yan's "Cognitive Study of Basic Chinese Color Terms."
Numerous studies explore the cultural connotations of Chinese color terms and the symbolic meanings of color words in both Western and Eastern languages Notable works include Zhuang Shujuan's "Comparative Study of Symbolic Meanings of Color Vocabulary in Chinese and Western Cultures," Li Dongliang's "Comparison of Color Vocabulary in German and Chinese," Li Ling and Wu Daping's "Cultural Implications of Chinese and English Color Vocabulary Differences," Zhao Guannan and Chen Shuanglian's "Comparative Study of Cultural Differences in Color Vocabulary between Chinese and English," and Huang Chaonan's "A Brief Discussion on the Symbolic Meanings of Color Vocabulary in Chinese and Western Cultures."
越汉颜色词语文化内涵对比研究现状
So far, there has been limited comparative research on the cultural connotations of color terms in Vietnamese and Chinese The few existing studies primarily explore the differences and similarities in the cognitive and cultural meanings of color terms in both languages Notable works include Nguyen Chi Li's master's thesis on the comparison of basic color terms in Vietnamese and Chinese (Central China Normal University, 2006), Nguyen Thu Cha's comparative study of color terms in both languages (Yunnan Normal University, 2007), and Nguyen Yun Zhuang's research on the symbolic meanings of color terms (Shanghai Jiao Tong University - International Education College, 2010).
The research findings on the comparative cultural connotations of color terms in Vietnamese and Chinese provide a foundational understanding; however, they lack depth and have several shortcomings, indicating a need for further improvement and refinement.
研究方法
This article conducts a comparative study of the cultural connotations of seven basic Chinese color terms and five basic Vietnamese color terms, utilizing various methods such as literature review, analysis, induction, and comparison By employing a combination of descriptive and translational approaches, as well as dynamic and static analyses, the study identifies similarities and differences between the two languages Additionally, a survey was conducted among Vietnamese learners of Chinese to assess their understanding of the cultural meanings of Chinese color terms The findings aim to inform the design of a teaching plan focused on the cultural connotations of Chinese color vocabulary, enhancing learners' knowledge and fostering a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture, ultimately aiding their Chinese language acquisition.
研究目的及意义
The comparative study of color terms in Vietnamese and Chinese cultures holds significant theoretical and practical importance.
Language serves as a crucial carrier of culture, continually evolving and adapting to environmental changes throughout human history This evolution leads to differences in understanding among individuals, ethnic groups, and nations Such distinctions are closely related to the historical culture, customs, geographical settings, religious beliefs, national psyche, thought patterns, and lifestyles of the Vietnamese and Chinese peoples.
A comparative study of the cultural connotations of color terms in Vietnamese and Chinese can enhance our understanding of the cultural backgrounds and historical characteristics of both nations.
Color terms serve as linguistic symbols that reflect the various hues found in nature Due to differences in language habits, historical backgrounds, and traditional customs, the understanding of the same color can vary between different cultures, such as the Chinese and the Western cultures People tend to describe colors based on their own perspectives and standards, leading to diverse associations and uses of colors in language Consequently, many color terms carry distinct cultural meanings across different societies, highlighting the cross-cultural expressions of color.
A comparative study of the cultural connotations of color terms in Vietnamese and Chinese can provide valuable insights for second language teaching and cultural exchange between the two nations Additionally, this research is significant for the comparative study of the linguistic cultures of Vietnam and China, as well as for enhancing intercultural communication.
理论基础
关于颜色的定义
Color is an objective natural phenomenon and a way for people to perceive the world around them It exists in various forms throughout nature and social life, making it a topic of interest across different countries and cultures.
Color is a visual effect of light perceived through our eyes, brain, and life experiences The light we see is produced by electromagnetic waves with very narrow wavelength ranges, where different wavelengths correspond to different colors Our ability to recognize colors arises from the stimulation of visual nerves by electromagnetic radiation Colors possess three key characteristics: hue, brightness, and saturation.
关于颜色的概念
Color words refer to the terms used to describe colors, which reflect human perception of the objective world Colors play a significant role in daily life, as people exist within a vibrant spectrum In human language, there is a vast array of symbols that represent colors, each imbued with rich emotional and cultural significance It's important to note that in cross-cultural communication, individuals from different ethnic backgrounds or even within the same culture but from distinct social groups perceive color symbols differently This variation is linguistically significant, as it allows color words to carry multiple associative meanings.
关于颜色的词
Color words encompass the totality of terms that represent various colors People from different countries perceive and name colors through unique cognitive frameworks, using colors to symbolize a wide array of concepts Extensive research has been conducted by Western psychologists, anthropologists, and linguists in this area The flourishing of natural sciences in the 17th century significantly advanced the study of the physics and optics of color.
The flourishing of philosophical studies in the 18th century sparked a heightened interest in the aesthetics of color The rise of cultural studies in the 19th century established a solid foundation for cross-cultural comparisons of color terminology In the 20th century, this exploration continued to evolve, further enriching our understanding of color in various cultural contexts.
The inclusion of linguists has brought significant attention to the universality of language in the study of color vocabulary systems Over the past 40 years, advancements in neurology, genetics, cognitive science, and cognitive psychology have unraveled the intricate relationships within color terms This progress has greatly enhanced our understanding of the internal mechanisms and external functions of natural language color vocabulary systems, thereby advancing linguistic research on color terms.
In their study "Basic Color Terms: Their Universality and Evolution" (Berlin & Key, 1991 [1969]), American folklorist Berlin and linguist Key analyzed 98 languages, identifying key patterns in color terminology across cultures.
The article discusses 11 basic color terms: black, white, red, green, yellow, blue, brown, purple, orange, pink, and gray Through cross-cultural comparisons of color words in different languages and their English counterparts, researchers identified inherent patterns in the development of basic color terms, which are evolutionary and orderly They discovered that within each color category, there are representative colors that define the category People categorize colors based on reference points, known as focal colors, which segment the color continuum Although the boundaries of color categories may vary across languages and individuals, focal colors remain consistent Consequently, four criteria for determining basic color terms were proposed: (1) they must be monomorphemic, meaning their meaning cannot be inferred from their components, as seen in English.
的 yellowish（带黄色的、发黄的）就不是基本颜色词；（2）有独立的
The concept of color meaning refers to colors that do not belong to other color categories; for instance, "earthy yellow" is not considered a basic color term when compared to "yellow." Additionally, it is not limited to a specific type of object, as seen in the English term "loessial," which describes the yellow color of soil rather than a basic color Furthermore, colors possess psychological prominence and stability.
Li Hongyin (2001) suggests that identifying a language's basic color terms should not only consider four primary criteria but also take into account the historical development, frequency of usage, and morphological capabilities of color words The way different ethnic groups name the same objects or concepts is influenced by their historical living environments, natural surroundings, economic structures, lifestyles, customs, traditions, and beliefs Therefore, when determining basic color terms, it is essential to factor in cultural elements alongside the spectral distinctions Archaeologists believe that human recognition of color began to differentiate during the Neolithic era.
Human perception of color varies across cultures, with Europeans typically identifying certain colors as white, while Asians would never perceive them as black This distinction is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural contexts of each ethnicity Color terminology not only conveys basic meanings but also reflects the cultural heritage and cognitive characteristics passed down through generations, encapsulating the unique semantic significance of each ethnic group.
颜色词的分类
1.4.1 汉语颜色词的分类
Color is a visual effect produced by the interaction of light with our eyes, brain, and life experiences The light we perceive consists of electromagnetic waves with a narrow range of wavelengths, each corresponding to different colors Our ability to recognize colors is a sensory response triggered by the stimulation of our visual neurons by these electromagnetic waves Colors possess three primary characteristics: hue, brightness, and saturation Below is a compilation of terms related to color.
The article explores various Chinese idioms that incorporate the character "白" (white), highlighting their meanings and cultural significance Notable phrases include "白手起家" (to start from scratch), "白云苍狗" (the transience of life), and "白日升天" (to achieve great success) Other idioms like "白璧无瑕" (flawless like a white jade) and "黑白分明" (clear distinction between right and wrong) emphasize purity and clarity The expressions also cover themes of aging, such as "白头偕老" (growing old together) and "白发苍髯" (white hair and beard) Additionally, idioms like "真相大白" (the truth is revealed) and "不白之冤" (an unjust accusation) reflect concepts of justice and truth Overall, these idioms illustrate the rich linguistic and philosophical heritage associated with the color white in Chinese culture.
The article explores various Chinese idioms that incorporate the character "黑" (black), highlighting their meanings and contexts Key phrases include "黑里透红" (red hidden in black), which suggests a concealed brilliance, and "黑白分明" (clear distinction between black and white), emphasizing clarity and morality Other expressions like "黑灯瞎火" (pitch dark) and "月黑风高" (dark moonlit night) evoke a sense of danger or uncertainty Additionally, idioms such as "颠倒黑白" (turning black and white upside down) and "混淆黑白" (confusing black and white) reflect themes of deception and moral ambiguity Overall, these idioms illustrate the rich cultural significance of color symbolism in the Chinese language.
The article discusses various Chinese idioms that incorporate the character "red," highlighting their meanings and cultural significance These include "red attire wrapped in white," symbolizing beauty and elegance; "a beautiful woman’s short life," reflecting the fragility of beauty; and "red flowers and green leaves," representing harmony Other idioms like "red not shining brightly" and "red men and green women" depict vivid imagery in social contexts Additionally, expressions such as "red emotions and green intentions" and "red and green together" illustrate the complexity of human feelings The idioms also encompass themes of innocence, harsh words, extreme poverty, and the intensity of summer heat, showcasing the richness of the Chinese language and its ability to convey deep meanings through color symbolism.
The article explores various expressions and idioms related to colors, particularly focusing on the significance of red and its associations with loyalty, beauty, and vibrancy Phrases like "red lips and white teeth" and "green willows and red flowers" highlight the aesthetic appeal of these colors in nature and human features The text also reflects on cultural meanings, such as "those close to red become red," emphasizing the influence of one's surroundings Additionally, it contrasts shades and hues, illustrating the interplay between red and purple, as well as the richness of colors in life, encapsulated in phrases like "a myriad of colors" and "black with a hint of red." Overall, the article celebrates the beauty and symbolism of colors in various contexts.
The article discusses various Chinese idioms that incorporate the character "黄" (yellow), highlighting their meanings and cultural significance Key phrases include "黄袍加身," symbolizing sudden elevation to power, and "黄粱一梦," representing illusory dreams of success Other idioms like "黄钟大吕" refer to profound music, while "黄花晚节" signifies integrity in old age The idioms "飞黄腾达" and "面黄肌瘦" describe rapid success and a gaunt appearance, respectively Additionally, expressions such as "数白论黄" and "人老珠黄" reflect themes of aging and the passage of time This collection showcases the richness of the Chinese language and its ability to convey deep meanings through concise phrases.
The article explores various Chinese idioms featuring the character "绿" (green), highlighting their meanings and cultural significance Notable phrases include "绿肥红瘦," which reflects the balance of nature, and "绿水青山," symbolizing the beauty of the environment Other idioms such as "绿林好汉" and "灯红酒绿" depict vivid imagery of heroism and nightlife, respectively The expressions "花红柳绿" and "桃红柳绿" celebrate the vibrancy of spring, while "愁红惨绿" conveys a sense of melancholy Each idiom enriches the language, showcasing the interplay of colors and emotions in Chinese culture.
【蓝】字成语: 蓝田生玉、筚路蓝缕、青出于蓝。
The article discusses various Chinese idioms that incorporate the character "紫" (zi), highlighting their meanings and cultural significance These include "紫气东来," which symbolizes auspiciousness, and "万紫千红," representing a vibrant array of colors Other expressions like "朱紫上夺" and "姚黄魏紫" illustrate the interplay of red and purple hues, while "紫冠黄旗" and "黄旗紫盖" reflect themes of nobility and status The idioms collectively showcase the beauty and richness of the color purple in Chinese literature and art.
The term "灰" (hui) is featured in various idioms that convey feelings of despair and loss of motivation Expressions such as "灰心丧气" (to feel discouraged), "灰飞烟灭" (to vanish completely), and "万念俱灰" (to be utterly hopeless) reflect a sense of resignation Additionally, phrases like "心灰意冷" (to feel disheartened) and "心如死灰" (to have a heart like dead ash) emphasize emotional desolation Other idioms, such as "灰头土脸" (to be embarrassed) and "槁木死灰" (to be lifeless and inactive), further illustrate the theme of hopelessness and defeat.
（a）.根的基本颜色词
The composition and classification of color words in modern Chinese include independent color words, which can be used on their own and can have modifiers added to create new color terms Additionally, there are basic color words that serve as roots for forming other color expressions.
现代汉语中具备稳定而能产的扩词能力的基本颜色词是“红”“黄”
“蓝”“白”“黑”“绿”“灰”“紫”8 个颜色词，这 8 个基本的颜
Color words can be used independently or combined with the character "色" to form compound words that describe colors When describing the color of an object, we can say it is red, yellow, or blue, or we can refer to it as red color, yellow color, or blue color.
（b）.根的非基本颜色词
Non-basic color words that can serve as root words possess the ability to expand vocabulary and can be utilized as foundational elements These color terms can be categorized into several types based on their structural characteristics.
Specialized color terms, which have evolved alongside the development of human color perception, are largely derived from ancient Chinese and originally referred to objects of specific colors Over time, these terms have become predominantly associated with particular colors themselves, including words like brown, chestnut, green, pink, indigo, crimson, and scarlet.
(2)借用动物名称命名，例如：水鸭色、麒麟色等;
(3)借用植物名称命名，例如：亚麻色、栗色、桔色、橙色、紫罗 兰色等;
Using food and beverage names for color descriptions can enhance creativity and relatability Colors such as chocolate brown, cream, egg white, beige, wheat, tea, coffee, and champagne offer vivid imagery and appeal This approach not only makes color identification more engaging but also taps into familiar associations, enriching the descriptive experience.
Natural objects and minerals often inspire color naming, leading to terms like amber, ivory, coral, gold, silver, and bronze.
中国颜色词文化内涵的研究
红色
Red is a fundamental color in Chinese culture, symbolizing both spiritual and material pursuits It represents good fortune and celebration, prominently featured during festivals with vibrant decorations, clothing, and accessories that express joy and heartfelt congratulations The term "matchmaker" is associated with those who facilitate beautiful marriages, while festive occasions are marked by red lanterns, couplets, and auspicious characters Additionally, red signifies prosperity and progress, as seen in terms like "red regime" and "Red Army," reflecting political advancement and dedication to hard work It also denotes success, with phrases like "to walk red" or "red person" indicating favorable circumstances and recognition Furthermore, red embodies beauty, as seen in expressions like "red makeup" for women and "red face" for stunning appearances Overall, the auspicious color red conveys an enduring atmosphere of joy, symbolizing happiness, health, enthusiasm, vitality, and life.
In the medieval period, officials wore red as a symbol of high status, a tradition that continues to influence various aspects of life today For instance, during traditional Chinese weddings, brides don vibrant red attire and cover their heads with red scarves, while homes are adorned with red characters of joy, and red candles are lit on the tables, reflecting the enduring significance of the color red in cultural practices.
The color red not only brings a festive atmosphere to weddings but also symbolizes a prosperous future in married life During the Spring Festival, red candles, couplets, and new clothes dominate the celebrations Red envelopes are exchanged during holidays, and terms like "matchmaker" (红娘), "beautiful woman" (红颜), and "favored individual" (红人) highlight the cultural significance of red This influence extends into modern political life, where red represents progress and the power of socialism, as seen in terms like the Red Army and red flags During the Cultural Revolution, the Red Guards painted streets and buildings red, aiming to transform China into a "red ocean." However, red also evokes associations with bloodshed, as seen in warning signals Thus, red is a color that embodies both joy and concern.
Red often symbolizes positive meanings, associated with sacrifice and loyalty, as reflected in Wen Tianxiang's line, "Since ancient times, who has not faced death? Let my loyal heart shine through history." Its connection to fire evokes feelings of passion, warmth, and brightness, making it a symbol of success, good fortune, loyalty, and prosperity, as seen in terms like "red envelopes" and "red profits," rooted in ancient sun god worship In weddings, red attire and decorations signify celebration, while historically, the residences of the wealthy were referred to as "vermillion gates." In Peking opera, red faces symbolize loyalty and bravery, exemplified by figures like Guan Yu Politically, red represents revolutionaries, embodying progress, resilience, optimism, and unwavering loyalty However, red can also convey negative emotions like anger and jealousy, illustrated by phrases such as "red-faced" and "green with envy."
绿、蓝色
Green is often regarded as a symbol of harmony, representing balance, vitality, and peace As a neutral color, it is associated with renewal, growth, change, innocence, abundance, and tranquility In today’s society, there is a strong emphasis on green chemistry, green vegetables, and green foods, highlighting the importance of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Color symbolizes health and environmental consciousness Green, in particular, alleviates eye fatigue and instills a sense of tranquility It fosters a vibrant and uplifting psychological experience, promoting a lively and energetic feeling in individuals.
Green is the color of plants and symbolizes vitality, often associated with positive meanings such as environmental protection and youthful energy in modern contexts The phrase "green light" indicates permission or eased restrictions granted by superiors to subordinates However, in ancient culture, green also carried negative connotations, initially representing the attire of the lower class and later evolving into phrases like "green hat," which has a distinctly derogatory implication Additionally, it can describe an unpleasant atmosphere, as in the expression "his face turned green with anger."
Green is a symbol of youth and vitality in nature, representing life and environmental sustainability It occupies the largest area in the natural world, with most plants displaying this vibrant color Green evokes feelings of tranquility, peace, and safety, while also embodying concepts such as energy, hope, freshness, youth, and spring The cultural significance of peace and hope associated with green is universally recognized across different regions of the world.
On the other hand, green symbolizes low status, as seen in the Han Dynasty when servants wore green headscarves, and later during the Yuan Dynasty, prostitutes were required to wear green headscarves to indicate their lowly position The term "wearing a green hat" refers to a husband whose wife is unfaithful, signifying his humiliation Additionally, "green forest" refers to organized groups that gathered in the mountains to resist the government or commit robberies, often seen as bandits or vigilantes In a broader sense, green embodies both tranquility and instability, making it a multifaceted color in cultural contexts.
Blue is a cool color that evokes feelings of purity and vastness, reminiscent of the clear sky, expansive oceans, and the infinite universe Its clean appearance conveys a sense of rationality, calmness, and breadth Due to its stable characteristics, blue is often chosen as a primary color in corporate and commercial design to emphasize technology and efficiency, commonly seen in products and branding for automobiles, computers, photography equipment, uniforms, and printers Additionally, blue is associated with melancholy, influenced by African blues music, a concept that is frequently utilized in literature and emotional commercial design.
In Peking opera, the color blue is used to portray characters with a strong and unyielding personality, exemplified by figures such as Ma Wu and Dou Er Dun Additionally, blue evokes a sense of tranquility and vastness Influenced by Western culture, it has also come to symbolize melancholy and sadness.
Language and culture are intricately linked, as highlighted by anthropologist White, who stated that human culture relies on symbols, with their creation and use enabling cultural existence and permanence From the perspective that language serves as a symbolic system for communication, it acts as a vessel for culture, which is inherently embedded within language Each ethnic group's language carries profound cultural significance The complexity and importance of color terms in culture have led to extensive research by scholars, including Wu Tieping and Zhang Wangxi, who explored the meanings of color terms, and Xiong Wenhui and Li Ruihua, who examined their ethnic characteristics through English-Chinese comparisons In today's rapidly changing society, Ye Jun and others are working on constructing a color term attribute database Overall, research on Chinese color terms is expanding and deepening, focusing on cultural connotations related to customs, hierarchical concepts, and philosophical ideas This study aims to systematically analyze the relationship between color terms and culture through their cultural implications.
In traditional Chinese culture, blue is rarely seen, primarily appearing in flags and clothing Historically, common people wore garments in earthy tones like yellow, blue, and black, which are considered cool colors, while nobility donned warmer hues Dark blue was associated with lower status, and lighter shades did not signify much either Thus, blue is perceived as a color that approaches warmth, symbolizing the potential for wealth, freedom from oppression, and the prospect of a better life.
Now, let's discuss modern culture For instance, blue business cards are typically associated with workers in the water resources sector This choice of color, while somewhat traditional, symbolizes water as a vital resource and represents life itself Additionally, blue signifies the sky, and in architectural design, it can effectively enhance light absorption within buildings.
白色
中国人常说“红白喜事”，这里“白”和“红”是相对而言的：
In Chinese culture, "red" symbolizes weddings, while "white" represents funerals The term "白喜事" refers to the passing of elderly individuals, seen as a transition to a blessed afterlife, yet funerals are generally perceived as unfortunate events, making white a taboo color White signifies lifelessness and death, traditionally associated with mourning attire and funeral rituals In contrast to red, which represents the Communist revolutionary regime, white is linked to the bourgeoisie and counter-revolutionary forces, as seen in terms like "白区" for areas controlled by reactionary forces and "白色恐怖" for their oppressive actions Interestingly, the symbolism of white also connects to its natural associations, such as white clouds, snow, and flowers, conveying meanings of purity and brightness This notion resonates with Western culture, where white symbolizes God, angels, and virtues in the Bible, embodying purity and elegance, leading to a cultural reverence for the color.
The bride wears a traditional white wedding dress, symbolizing purity and chastity With the exchange of Eastern and Western cultures, white attire, including suits, gowns, and accessories, has gained popularity The significance of white in Chinese culture is evolving, showcasing a harmonious coexistence of seemingly contradictory cultural meanings.
In Han Chinese culture, the color white is closely associated with death and mourning, as seen in the phrase "red and white celebrations," where "white" signifies funerals During Chinese funerals, relatives and friends of the deceased often wear black veils and pin white flowers to their clothing to express their respect and grief Additionally, white symbolizes foolishness and failure, with terms like "idiot" reflecting this association In conflicts, the defeated side traditionally raises a "white flag" to indicate surrender Furthermore, white is linked to treachery and deceit, exemplified by the term "white-faced villain." It also represents individuals lacking status or knowledge, as "white" historically referred to commoners in feudal society, with terms like "white ding" and "white body" denoting the lower class Experiencing neglect or ridicule from others is also implied by this color association.
会说“遭到某人的白眼”；常会把阅历浅薄、缺乏锻炼的读书人称作
In traditional drama, the term "white-faced scholar" symbolizes treachery, cunning, and deceitful individuals, with the act of offending others referred to as "singing the white face." The color white also represents purity and nobility.
White has historically symbolized death and misfortune, representing the depletion of life During funerals, white altars are set up, and family members wear white mourning attire In various contexts, white often conveys negativity; politically, it has been associated with decay and failure, as seen when the Kuomintang was referred to as "a hundred bandits" during revolutionary times In warfare, surrender is signified by raising a white flag, while those lacking knowledge or status are labeled as "white dings." In Peking opera, a white face represents treachery and suspicion, exemplified by the character Cao Cao Additionally, white signifies emptiness and lack of reward, as expressed in phrases like "working in vain" or "taking without giving." However, on a positive note, poets view white as snow, symbolizing purity, innocence, and nobility, celebrated as a representation of admirable qualities.
黑色
In Chinese culture, both black and white are considered ominous colors associated with death and mourning, leading to taboos in clothing choices These colors evoke memories of funerals and spirits like the Black and White Impermanence During funerals, it is customary to wear black veils or white mourning attire and to use white paper flowers As a result, many people avoid wearing pure black or white, especially during festive occasions such as weddings, childbirth, and holidays, as it is believed to bring bad luck However, black has not always been viewed negatively; historical texts like the "Book of Rites" mention that the Zhou Dynasty emperor donned black during winter ceremonies.
The text discusses the significance of colors in ancient Chinese culture, particularly focusing on black and its associations In "The Analects," Confucius is described wearing black clothing, symbolizing a deeper philosophical meaning Historical records indicate that different dynasties favored specific colors: the Shang dynasty valued white, the Zhou favored red, and the Qin emphasized black During the Six Dynasties period, black was often linked to evil, contrasting with Buddhism's association of white with good deeds Thus, black represents a duality of meaning, encompassing both negative and philosophical connotations in the context of morality and virtue.
The "Abhidharma-kosa" states that all unwholesome actions are inherently labeled as black due to their contaminating nature As Buddhism spread, the negative connotations associated with black became widely accepted The color black evokes associations with heaviness, depth, obscurity, loss, hardness, bitterness, smoke, and coal Today, black symbolizes a range of complex emotions and states.
The color black carries a range of meanings, often associated with negativity such as illegality, disaster, shame, and danger, as seen in terms like black market and black humor In psychology, it represents a complete loss of consciousness, embodying darkness and despair However, black also symbolizes seriousness and justice, exemplified by characters like the righteous Judge Bao in folklore and heroic figures in traditional Chinese opera In modern society, black has evolved to convey sophistication, stability, and technological advancement, becoming a popular choice in the design of high-tech products like televisions and sports cars Additionally, its solemn imagery is frequently utilized in special occasion spaces, lifestyle products, and fashion, making it a favored color for conveying elegance and luxury.
Black has gradually broken through traditional taboos to become a timeless and dominant color It represents solemnity and seriousness, symbolizing justice and dignity, as seen in figures like the "black-faced" Bao Gong from folklore and characters like Li Kui and Zhang Fei in traditional Peking opera Conversely, its inherent darkness can evoke feelings of insidiousness and terror As a powerful color, black can convey elegance and sophistication while enhancing the prominence of other colors When used alone, it imparts a sense of weight and depth.
The color black has long been associated with the north and winter, symbolizing feelings of desolation, anger, and solemnity It often conveys negativity, as seen in terms like "black-hearted" or "gangster," which evoke unpleasant connotations In Chinese opera, characters with black facial paint represent integrity and seriousness, exemplified by figures like Bao Gong and Zhang Fei Historically, black also signified nobility and dignity, while in modern contexts, it embodies mystery and fear due to ancient fears of darkness Consequently, in formal settings, men in black suits and women in black dresses are viewed as elegant and respectful, and during funerals, wearing black signifies mourning and reverence.
黄色
In Chinese culture, the color yellow is closely associated with imperial power and authority, symbolizing holiness, nobility, and dominance Historically, yellow was revered and monopolized by emperors, as noted in "Qing Bai Lei Chao," which states that only princes could wear golden yellow robes, while other kings were prohibited from doing so The emperor's ascension is marked by the phrase "huang pao jia shen," meaning "draped in the yellow robe," further establishing yellow as the color of royalty This reverence for yellow is also linked to ancient beliefs about land, as it represents the earth's natural hue and reflects the rich heritage of the Huaxia people originating from this yellow land The Yellow River, which flows through the central plains, shares this same color, reinforcing the connection between land and reverence Yellow evokes associations with prosperity, joy, and abundance, symbolizing the golden harvest and life's vitality However, in contemporary times, the color yellow has also become a target for criticism, reflecting a shift in its perception.
The initiative "Sweep Away Pornography and Illegal Publications" focuses on eliminating obscene publications, audio-visual materials, and sexual services in entertainment venues and the service industry This campaign aims to eradicate cultural pollution, including obscenity and feudal superstitions, that harm public health and degrade the social cultural environment The term "yellow" reflects a cultural connotation influenced by Western culture, encompassing both "noble" and "vulgar" meanings, extending beyond the confines of traditional cultural inheritance.
In ancient China, yellow was regarded as a color of nobility, exclusively reserved for royalty, with commoners forbidden from using it Its visibility made it a popular choice for packaging and professional attire, such as safety helmets and vests worn by road workers, symbolizing urgency and safety Today, the term "yellow" often carries connotations of explicit content.
In ancient China, yellow was the exclusive color of the imperial family, symbolizing supreme authority and central power This hue, positioned at the center of the five elements, represented earth, which signifies land and the nation As such, yellow embodied the concept of sovereignty and the central imperial authority, reflecting the importance of the state and its governance.
Yellow, often referred to as the color of the central earth and associated with imperial attire, symbolizes authority and governance in Chinese culture This hue is prominently featured in royal garments, edicts, and various decorative and everyday items, with palatial architecture predominantly showcasing red and yellow, exuding opulence Buddhism also reveres yellow, as seen in the robes of monks and the depiction of deities, representing enlightenment In traditional Chinese opera, golden faces signify majesty and are used for divine characters like the Buddha and Erlang Shen However, the negative connotations of yellow have emerged from Western influences, leading to terms like "yellow publications" and "yellow films," reflecting a cultural shift.