Colors play an important role in Chinese culture and can influence a person’s fortune and luck. Certain colors are considered auspicious and lucky, while others are believed to be inauspicious. When used properly, lucky colors can enhance positive energy and bring good luck to various life aspects like career, relationships, health, and finances.
The Meaning of Colors in Chinese Culture
In China, colors are strongly associated with the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth), as well as the principles of yin and yang. Red, for example, represents fire, joy, and good fortune. Black corresponds to water and is thus connected to wisdom and calm. Green is associated with wood and symbolizes growth and vitality.
The color meanings also draw on observations from nature. Yellow resembles ripe grain and is considered the most auspicious color. White suggests metal and purity. Blue evokes the sky and open spaces and implies advancement and self-cultivation.
Buddhist and Taoist influences have also shaped symbolic color meanings in China. For instance, golden yellow is linked to Buddhism and spiritual awakening.
Lucky Colors Based on Gender
In Chinese culture, men and women have traditionally been associated with different energies and elements. As such, their corresponding lucky colors are also different.
For males, red and gold are considered to be lucky colors as they promote success, fame, and power. Blue and black are also auspicious colors for men.
For females, purple and magenta represent nobility and wisdom and are regarded as fortunate colors. Pink and red promote happiness in love. White, silver, and gold bring elegance and suggest growth in relationships.
Lucky Colors Based on Purpose
The most favorable colors also depend on what you want to attract or achieve in life.
In terms of career, blue and black boost confidence, intelligence, and stability at work. Brown, gold, and yellow enhance professional relationships and success in business.
For relationships, pink and red are classic colors for love and passion, while white brings new beginnings. Green helps resolve conflicts and promotes harmony at home.
Health is associated with green and blue representing vitality and calm. Purple has healing properties and creates positive energy.
For wealth, gold, yellow, and purple attract prosperity and abundance. Red brings luck in financial investments and boosts the flow of money.
Lucky Colors by Zodiac Sign
In Chinese astrology, each of the 12 zodiac animal signs has lucky colors based on five elements of nature.
| Zodiac Sign | Lucky Colors |
|---|---|
| Rat | Blue, Gold, Green |
| Ox | Yellow, Red, Purple |
| Tiger | Blue, Grey, Orange |
| Rabbit | Pink, Yellow, Red |
| Dragon | Gold, Silver, Gray |
| Snake | Black, Red, Yellow |
| Horse | Yellow, Brown, Purple |
| Sheep | Blue, Purple, Gray |
| Monkey | White, Gold, Blue |
| Rooster | Gold, Brown, Yellow |
| Dog | Green, Red, Purple |
| Pig | Yellow, Gray, Brown |
Those born under the Rat zodiac, for example, are linked to the water element and do well with colors like blue and black. For Tigers, their wood element makes blue, grey and orange more favorable.
Incorporating Lucky Colors
There are many effective ways to integrate lucky colors into your life and environment in Chinese culture:
- Wear clothing in energizing shades
- Choose bedsheets and soft furnishings in auspicious colors
- Decorate your home or office with lucky colors
- Select a fortunate color when buying a car
- Choose fresh flowers in colors that suit your purpose
- Display art, photos, and objects in colors that uplift you
- Pick lucky color items like candles, tableware, and stationery
When selecting lucky colors, always go with shades that you are naturally drawn to and find beautiful. The colors should make you feel confident and uplifted.
Feng Shui Use of Color
Feng shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement, also relies heavily on color meanings and symbolism. Key areas to use color in feng shui include:
- Front door – Red or purple to attract wealth and success
- Entryway – Green or brown for grounding energy when entering
- Living room – Blue or green for healing and growth
- Dining room – Yellow or orange to stimulate appetite and conversations
- Kitchen – Yellow, orange or red for nourishment
- Bedroom – Pink or pastels for romance, white for serenity
- Home office – Blue or purple for productivity and focus
The feng shui bagua map provides further guidance on lucky colors in different life areas.
Symbolic Meaning of Numbers
In Chinese culture, certain numbers are deemed luckier than others. The numbers 6, 8, and 9 are the most auspicious:
- Six represents smoothness and balance. It is strongly associated with wealth and prosperity.
- Eight is linked to financial growth as its Chinese word sounds similar to the word for prosperity.
- Nine symbolizes eternity and longevity. Multiples of 9 are also very lucky numbers.
Based on the meanings, numbers like 68 and 88 are used extensively in addresses, phone numbers, and even as stock tickers. Lucky numbers can be incorporated through colors too, like wearing 8 black bracelets or having 6 blue cushions.
Unlucky Colors to Avoid
On the flip side, there are also colors considered inauspicious that are best avoided in Chinese culture:
- White – Symbolizes mourning and death. Should be avoided in gifts.
- Blue – May cause conflict and quarreling, especially lighter shades.
- Black – Represents bad luck, darkness, illness, and misfortune.
- Brown – Indicates lack of prosperity and financial difficulty.
- Green – Relates to infidelity and distrust.
However, most colors have both positive and negative associations. Their meaning can vary depending on shade and usage. Ultimately, follow your intuition in choosing colors.
Conclusion
Color deeply influences one’s emotional state, energy, and harmony in Chinese culture. Using lucky colors that correspond with your gender, purpose, and zodiac animal can provide good fortune in all aspects of life. Consider incorporating more auspicious colors in your environment through clothing, decor, feng shui, and numbers. With some thought and care, surround yourself with shades that uplift your spirit.
