Colours in Chinese Culture

Colour in Chinese culture has a rich history. Western countries have lots of colour associations such as red for love and green for nature. China has even more associations and even have an in-depth colour theory that has influenced their use of colour for over a thousand years.

We’re going to look at what some of the colours mean in China. Once you’ve learned about the Chinese colour meanings you’ll be able to understand why things look the way they do in China.

Five Elements Colour Theory

In China, colours have a very symbolic meaning. Their symbolic meaning is connected to the 5 elements theory. This theory explains that there are 5 elemental forces that interact with each other to make the world.

These elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each element has many associations. For example, Fire is connected with Summer, the planet Jupiter and the Zodiac Signs of the Snake and Horse. Each element also has a colour association, which we’ll look at now.

Try and guess what each colour the 5 elements are associated with, you might be surprised by what they are!

Red

In ancient China red or Hóng 红, gained its meaning from fire.

Fire is not seen as a symbol of destruction. Quite the opposite, it has multiple meanings of extended life and prosperity. It can also symbolise a rise in popularity: a book, film, restaurant or just a busy market with lots of activity. In Chinese, the word ‘popularity’ is called huǒ le 火了, which translates as ‘caught fire’.

Red also represents happiness, good fortune and wealth. This is why the colour is everywhere at New Year’s Eve or the Spring Festival as it is known as in mainland China.

In China at New Year and other celebrations like your graduation or wedding you might receive a red envelope with money in it. The red envelope not only symbolises good luck but it is also thought to ward off evil spirits!