by Paula Johnson
Cultures around the world not only have different traditions for holidays or even different holidays altogether, but colors also play a very important part in observing similar traditions.
Two generally accepted traditions held around the world are weddings and funerals. Yet, celebrating or observing the moments can be very different.
The most accepted color worn by brides around the world today is white. However, a bride in India would never wear white, red is the preferred choice. Red was a preferred color of brides in the States as well as in England before Queen Victoria made white the popular choice.
The wedding dress is often the one thing a little girl thinks about and plans for from the time she sees her first wedding dress. Some girls don’t even want a dress, but might choose something more casual or bohemian.
The wedding dress takes on a different design in various places around the world. Women in India wear the timeless saree; those in Japan might choose an elegant kimono. In China, the traditional qipao with a high collar and likely long sleeves and floor-length skirt all embroidered with beads and metallic threads of reds, yellows and blues symbolizing luck and fortune adorn the outfit.
The Korean hanbok, pictured, dates to antiquity and is often still worn. It was once to be only in white with other colors forbidden. Today, it is making a resurgence in North Korea, South Korea and even by Koreans in China.
The women of African countries looking for a traditional dress might choose the fabric from Ghana called kente cloth. It has various patterns symbolizing blessings and good fortune in colors bold and vibrant, mostly reds, blues, and yellows.
For women of Morocco, the wedding and its preparation hold many rituals. The bride even has a specialist called a neggafa who sees to her multi-day process. The wedding dress is called a takchita and is considered the center of the bridal look.
by the ethnic clothing of the Manchu people
During WWII, fabric was scarce and expensive. Some brides were known to make their wedding dress from parachute fabric. One specific dress was made for the bride of Major Claude Hensinger who parachuted to safety from his flaming bomber plane, and he used the chute as a pillow and blanket until he was rescued. That dress can now be found at the Smithsonian.
An equally ritual-filled human event is the funeral. For this ceremony Queen Victoria also plays an important role. When Prince Albert died, she steeped herself into such a grief that she wore entirely all black including jewelry for 40 years.
Though black is a most accepted color for mourning in many countries, if you step outside the United States for a funeral, check up on the preferred color there.
For instance, in South America (especially Brazil) and Thailand, purple is worn by most mourners. In many countries of Africa, red is the most common funeral color, symbolizing blood. However, do not wear red to a funeral in China – that is for weddings there.
In China, a country of Buddhism, white is the accepted solemn color. Countries practicing Hinduism, such as India, also wear white as a color of respect for the deceased and the family.
Yellow is the color of choice for funerals in Egypt. Islam is the primary religion in Egypt. Yellow is associated with the sun and represents everlasting life. Mummies and the sarcophagi often have masks painted in yellow and gold.
In the United States, either black or white is accepted. I can remember wanting a black dress while in high school. My father said that I would have plenty of time to wear black. So, at his funeral, I purposefully wore white. To my mother’s I wore navy and white.
Though mostly celebrated in Mexico, the Day of the Dead, is also celebrated in other countries by those of Mexican heritage. To coincide with the Catholic/Christian holidays of November 1 and 2 – All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day, it honors and pays respect to those who have died, most often family members and loved ones.
Rather than a time of grief found at funerals, these days are more festive and celebratory. Color plays an important role in these festivities. Red symbolizes blood and for Christians, the blood of Christ. Purple is more for sadness or pain and grief. Pink is for the joy of remembering this soul. White, of course, as always is for hope and purity. Yellow and orange are for the sun, light, and marigolds (noting gold coins often given as an offering to the Virgin Mary). Black is reserved to represent the Land of the Dead.
Colors, flowers, and attire all play huge parts in traditions and rituals. Knowing the region or religion oneis entering can often prevent unintended hurt feelings. Surprisingly, many of the younger generations are looking to their heritage and, for some, ancient ways to express their individuality.
“I have learned that only two things are necessary to keep one’s wife happy. First, let her think she’s having her own way. And second, let her have it.” — Lyndon B. Johnson
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