Colour holds great significance in Chinese culture. Unlike Western colour theory which focuses on the primary colours of red, yellow and blue, Chinese colour theory uses five primary colours – red, yellow, blue, white and black. These five colours represent the five elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy – fire, earth, wood, metal and water. Each colour also correlates with a direction, season, emotion, body organ and more. Understanding the five primary colours in Chinese culture provides insight into TCM principles, feng shui, astrology, food therapy and other facets of Chinese tradition.
The Origins and Symbolism of the Five Colours
The importance of the five colours dates back over 2000 years to the Han Dynasty and the concepts of yin-yang and the five elements or phases (wood, fire, earth, metal and water). Each element represents different qualities and stages of change in nature and the universe. The elements and their corresponding colours provide a framework for classifying natural phenomena, human personalities, diseases, foods, directions, seasons and more.
Here are the five primary colours in Chinese culture and their associated symbolism:
Red
Red corresponds to fire, the south, summer and the planet Mars. Red symbolizes luck, joy, success and celebration in Chinese culture. It is a popular colour for weddings, birthdays and Chinese New Year. Red is also associated with the heart, tongue, energy and speech.
Yellow
Yellow represents the element of earth, the centre direction, late summer and Saturn. It symbolizes friendship, harmony and warmth. Yellow is considered a royal colour and the colour of emperors. In TCM, yellow is linked to the stomach, spleen and pancreas. It promotes stability and nourishment.
Blue/Green
The Chinese language does not distinguish between blue and green in terms of colour terminology. This primary colour represents the element of wood, the east, springtime and Jupiter. It symbolizes youth, vitality and growth. In TCM, it is associated with the liver and gallbladder and their free flowing energies.
White
White corresponds to metal, the west, autumn and Venus. It represents purity, refinement and fulfillment. In TCM, white relates to the lungs and large intestines and their role in respiration and immunity. White foods like daikon radish nourish the lungs.
Black
Black represents the element of water, the north, winter and Mercury. It connotes stillness, mystery and the unknown. Black symbolizes storage and potential. In TCM, black relates to the kidneys, bones and hearing. Black foods like black beans nurture the kidneys.
The Five Colours in Feng Shui
In feng shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement and arrangement, the five colours are used to promote balance and cultivate positive qi or chi. Here is how the five colours are applied in feng shui:
| Colour | Feng Shui Use |
|---|---|
| Red | Used in the fame and reputation area; attracts attention and action |
| Yellow | Used in the prosperity corner to enhance wisdom and wealth |
| Blue/Green | Used in the health area; encourages growth and renewal |
| White | Used in children’s rooms for purity and refinement |
| Black | Used in the career area for mystery and depth |
In general, warm colours like red, yellow and orange are considered energizing and expansive. Cool colours like blue, green and black have calming and stabilizing energy. Feng shui experts combine the five colours to create balance in a space.
The Five Colours in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the five colours help diagnose and treat health conditions by providing clues to underlying disharmony. Each colour relates to a body organ system and its associated emotional state:
| Colour | Organ System | Emotion |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Heart and Small Intestine | Overexcitement |
| Yellow | Spleen and Stomach | Worry |
| Blue/Green | Liver and Gallbladder | Anger |
| White | Lungs and Large Intestine | Sadness |
| Black | Kidneys and Bladder | Fear |
For example, a red tongue or complexion may indicate heart fire and overexcitement. Yellowish skin can signal spleen qi deficiency and worry. Greenish teeth point to liver dampness and suppressed anger. Practitioners use the five colours for diagnosis as well as treatments like colour light therapy, visualization, foods, and herbs.
The Five Colours in Astrology and the Five Elements
The five colours and five elements are also integral parts of Chinese astrology and the Chinese zodiac. Each zodiac animal has an associated element and colour:
| Zodiac Animal | Element | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Rat | Water | Black |
| Ox | Earth | Yellow |
| Tiger | Wood | Blue/Green |
| Rabbit | Wood | Blue/Green |
| Dragon | Earth | Yellow |
| Snake | Fire | Red |
| Horse | Fire | Red |
| Goat | Earth | Yellow |
| Monkey | Metal | White |
| Rooster | Metal | White |
| Dog | Earth | Yellow |
| Pig | Water | Black |
People can maximize their potential by wearing their lucky elemental colours and avoiding their unlucky colours. Knowing your favourable colours based on your zodiac sign and elements brings good fortune according Chinese astrology.
The Five Colours in Chinese Cuisine
The five colours also relate to Chinese cooking and nutritional therapies. Incorporating ingredients from all five colour categories promotes balance and wellbeing according to TCM food principles:
| Colour | Foods | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Tomatoes, red peppers, cherries, strawberries, red meats | Improves heart health, circulation, energy |
| Yellow/Orange | Lemons, oranges, yellow squash, carrots, ginger | Aids digestion, eases anxiety |
| Green | Leafy greens, broccoli, kiwi, grapes, kiwi | Supports liver function, eyesight |
| White | Onions, cauliflower, potatoes, mushrooms, white fish | Boosts lung health, immunity |
| Black | Black beans, mushrooms, black sesame seeds | Strengthens kidneys, bones |
Balancing all five colours ensures a visually appealing meal that nourishes the body and spirit.
Significance of the Five Colours in Chinese Culture
In summary, the five primary colours in Chinese culture carry profound meaning. They represent fundamental natural forces and themes:
- Red = fire, fame, the heart, summer, south, joy
- Yellow = earth, wisdom, the spleen, late summer, center, harmony
- Blue/green = wood, growth, the liver, spring, east, vitality
- White = metal, purity, the lungs, autumn, west, refinement
- Black = water, potential, the kidneys, winter, north, mystery
The five colours connect all aspects of traditional Chinese thought and medicine. They provide insight into achieving balance and good fortune in feng shui, health, diet, astrology and everyday Chinese culture. Harnessing the energies of the five colours continues to be an influential component of Chinese traditions today.
Conclusion
In Chinese culture, the five primary colours of red, yellow, blue/green, white and black hold profound meaning beyond their literal hues. Rooted in Yin-Yang and five element theories, the five colours represent essential qualities, energies and correspondences. They offer guidance in feng shui, Traditional Chinese Medicine, astrology, nutrition and all facets of life. Understanding the symbolism and applications of the five fundamental colours provides a window into the ancient wisdom and holistic worldview that underlies Chinese culture. The five colours maintain their importance as a valuable model for vitality and positive chi.