TOP ⁄ トピックス一覧 ⁄ English Speech ⁄ Cultural Colors

English SpeechEnglish Speech

Cultural Colors

In many countries, red is a very powerful color. In China, red is a lucky color. It brings good luck, joy, and happiness. People wear red clothes and decorate with red during Chinese New Year and weddings.
However, in some Western cultures, red can mean danger or anger. A stop sign is red because it tells people to stop. When someone is very angry, their face may turn red. So, red can be both positive and negative.
White can have opposite meanings in different cultures. In Western countries, white is often seen as pure and clean. Brides wear white dresses at weddings because white means new beginnings. White is also the color of peace. A white dove is a symbol of peace.
But in some Eastern cultures, white is the color of death. In China and India, people wear white when someone dies. So, white can mean life and purity, but also death and sadness.
Black is often linked to mystery and sadness. In many Western countries people wear black clothes at funerals to show respect for the dead. Black is also seen as a color of power and elegance. For example, a black suit or a black dress can look very formal and serious.
In some cultures, black can have more positive meanings. In parts of Africa, black is a strong and powerful color. It can show respect for ancestors and traditions.
Yellow is a bright and happy color in many cultures. In countries like the United States, yellow is the color of the sun. It can bring feelings of warmth and energy. Yellow is also used in warning signs because it grabs attention.
In some parts of Asia, yellow is a royal color. In Thailand, yellow is linked to the king. It is a symbol of the power and truth of the king.
However, yellow can also have negative meanings. In some cultures, it can mean being a liar or being sick.
Green is often the color of nature and growth. In many cultures, it represents life, health, and freshness. Green is linked to plants, trees, and new beginnings. In Western cultures, green is also linked to money and success.
In Islam, green is a very important color. It is a symbol of heaven. You can often see green in the flags of Islamic countries.
However, green can also mean something negative. In English, “green with jealousy” which means someone has jealous feelings. In some places, green can also mean sickness.
Blue is a calm and peaceful color. In many cultures, blue is linked to the sky and the ocean. It brings feelings of peace, trust, and stability. Many companies use blue in their logos to make people feel safe. In some cultures, blue can also protect against evil spirits.
In some places, blue can mean sadness. In English, if someone says, “I feel blue,” it means they are feeling sad. In ancient Rome, blue was the color of remembering someone who died.
As we can see, colors have many different meanings in different cultures. Red, white, black, yellow, green, and blue can all mean something positive or negative depending on where you are. It is important to understand these meanings, especially when you travel or work with people from other countries. Color is not just about what we see; it is also about what we feel and believe.