Back to Colors Lesson Plan	China
COLORS	SIGNIFICANCE
Overview	A color can be interpreted very differently each time it is combined with a different color.
Red	Worn by the emperors to worship the sun; red is generally the color of joy and festive occasions. Black on red: Happiness Gold on red: Special happiness Red on blue: Old mourning Red on green: Happiness Red on white: Important notice Red on yellow: Royal White on red: Good luck
White	Worn by emperors to worship the moon; associated with burial ceremonies and mourning. Blue on white: Devil's color Gold on white: Aristocratic Red on white: Important notice White on black: Historic White on blue or black: Lower class mourning White on red: Good luck White on yellow: Buddhistic Yellow on white: Holy
Blue	Worn by the emperors to worship the sky. Black on blue: Low class Blue on black: Evil spirit Blue on green: Women's color Blue on white: Devil's color Blue on yellow: Old mourning Red on blue: Old mourning White on blue or black: Lower class mourning Yellow on blue: Divine
Black	Black on blue: Low class Black on red: Happiness (used for wedding invitations). Black on yellow: Religious Blue on black: Evil spirit Gold on black: Old man's death White on black: Historic White on blue or black: Lower class mourning Yellow on black: Old man's death
Gold	Gold on black: Old man's death Gold on red: Special happiness Gold on white: Aristocratic Gold on yellow: Imperial
Green	Blue on green: Women's colors Red on green: Happiness Yellow on green: First class
Yellow	Worn by emperors to worship the sky; symbolizes earth, honor and imperial dignity. Black on yellow: Religious Blue on yellow: Old mourning Gold on yellow: Special happiness Red on yellow: Royal White on yellow: Buddhistic Yellow on black: Old man's death Yellow on blue: Divine Yellow on green: First class Yellow on white: Holy
Purple	Worn by literary and educated figures.
Source: Japan Color, Ikko Tanaka & Kazuko Koike, 1882.