Colours & Clothing

Colours
Clothing

Colours

There are three main colours, or 'central' colours, namely red, black and white.

Red is considered a lucky number, thus it is always associated with good luck, thus many items/ decorations, spring couplets, even firecrackers which are assiociated with the Lunar New Year are in red.

Black signifies bad fortune and must not be worn during festivals, wedding celebrations etc. or used in home decoration. Black symbolises a lack of civilisation and backwardness.

White represents moderation and purity, but is also commonly used at funerals as it is believed it can harmonise all elements. It can be used in all rituals and ceremonies as it is essentially neutral.

Other colours are classified according to their relative darkness and lightness and associated significance thereof.


Clothing

Clothing is very important in the past, but there are less regulation of clothing nowadays. Traditional costumes are rarely worn and clothing is usually chosen for comfort or according to the fashion of the day.
Black or dark coloured clothing is discouraged to be worn in festive occasions such as the Lunar New Year, while red or yellow coloured clothing are discouraged to be worn at funerals.




Point of Interest
Why are old debts cleared before the Lunar New Year?

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