Originally posted on May 10, 2023 @ 6:01 pm
In Japan, certain colors are believed to bring bad luck or misfortune to an individual or situation. These “unlucky colors” are avoided in various contexts, including clothing, gifts, and decorations. Understanding the significance of these colors is an important aspect of Japanese culture and etiquette. In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings behind some of the most commonly regarded unlucky colors in Japan.
The Significance of Colors in Japanese Culture
Colors play a significant role in Japanese culture, and they are often associated with different emotions and meanings. In Japan, colors are not just for decoration or aesthetics, but they also have symbolic and cultural significance. Colors are used to represent different seasons, events, and emotions. For example, red is associated with happiness, while blue is associated with sadness. However, not all colors in Japan are considered lucky. Some colors are believed to bring bad luck and misfortune.
The Notion of Unlucky Colors in Japan
In Japan, the concept of unlucky colors is deeply ingrained in the culture. People believe that certain colors can bring bad luck, misfortune, and even death. The belief in unlucky colors is so widespread that it affects many aspects of daily life, from fashion to interior design. In Japan, it is not uncommon to see people avoid wearing or using certain colors that are considered unlucky.
The Color Black
Black is one of the most common unlucky colors in Japan. It is associated with death, mourning, and darkness. In Japan, black is the color of funeral attire, and it is considered inappropriate to wear black to a joyous event like a wedding or a birthday. The superstition around the color black is so strong that some buildings in Japan do not have a fourth floor, which is pronounced the same as the word for death.
The Color White
White is another color that is considered unlucky in Japan, especially when it comes to weddings. In Japan, white is the color of funerals, and it is associated with death and mourning. It is considered bad luck to wear white to a wedding, as it is believed to bring death and misfortune to the newlyweds. Moreover, white is also associated with ghosts and spirits, which makes it a taboo color in some parts of Japan.
The Color Yellow
Yellow is considered an unlucky color in Japan, and it is associated with betrayal, cowardice, and jealousy. In Japanese culture, yellow is the color of the devil, and it is believed to bring bad luck and misfortune. It is considered inappropriate to wear yellow to a job interview, as it is believed to decrease the chances of getting hired.
The Color Green
Green is also considered an unlucky color in Japan, especially in the entertainment industry. In Japan, green is associated with infidelity and unfaithfulness. It is believed that wearing green to a performance can bring bad luck and misfortune to the performer.
The Color Purple
Purple is another color that is considered unlucky in Japan, and it is associated with death and mourning. In Japanese culture, purple is the color of the underworld, and it is believed to bring bad luck and misfortune. It is considered inappropriate to wear purple to a joyous event like a wedding or a birthday.
The Reality behind Unlucky Colors in Japan
Despite the superstition around unlucky colors in Japan, the reality is that these beliefs are not based on any scientific evidence. The notion of unlucky colors is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and tradition, and it is passed down from generation to generation. However, there is no evidence to suggest that wearing or using certain colors can bring bad luck or misfortune.
In reality, the belief in unlucky colors is more of a cultural phenomenon than a scientific fact. People in Japan avoid certain colors not because they believe in their bad luck, but because they do not want to offend or disrespect the cultural norms and beliefs of their society.
One key takeaway from this text is that colors hold great significance in Japanese culture, and they are used to represent different emotions, seasons, events, and other cultural aspects. However, the belief in unlucky colors is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, even though there is no scientific evidence to support it. It is important to approach cultural traditions with an open mind and a willingness to learn to appreciate the beauty and complexity of different cultures.