In Western Culture, white is a pure color that symbolizes a virgin, which also explains why most Brides where it at weddings. White can also translate into kindness and innocence. In most pictures that have pictures of Jesus, he is wearing white. That is because Jesus, the son of God, could do no wrong and because he also was the purest human on earth. Now if Jesus was to appear in Chinese culture, he might just be mistaken as the Angel of Death.
That’s because white symbolizes death in Chinese culture and is worn (and then burned) at funerals. The interpretation of white between two cultures has provides two completely opposite meanings as one symbolizes death and the other symbolizes new life.
In Chinese culture, white, black or blue are used when burying a person. If there are many relatives, a white piece of cloth is used to link the hearse to family members behind. The order of the funeral procession follows the status of the family members. A white piece of cloth is tied to vehicles accompanying the hearse, or a white piece of paper can be pasted on their windshields. The loss of a loved one means that family and friends will begin the process of mourning, which last 49 days, and the white clothes will appear showing that one has died. (http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_chinaway/2004-03/03/content_46092.htm) This is the Chinese process of mourning.
In Chinese culture, white, black or blue are used when burying a person. If there are many relatives, a white piece of cloth is used to link the hearse to family members behind. The order of the funeral procession follows the status of the family members. A white piece of cloth is tied to vehicles accompanying the hearse, or a white piece of paper can be pasted on their windshields. The loss of a loved one means that family and friends will begin the process of mourning, which last 49 days, and the white clothes will appear showing that one has died. (http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_chinaway/2004-03/03/content_46092.htm) This is the Chinese process of mourning.
In America, Black symbolizes death the best, a color that is on the opposite side of the color spectrum from white. White in America shines brightest and is known for being an elegant, beautiful color. I've discussed how the color is used in marriages and the connection between Jesus, but white is also bringing a whole different meaning in this day in age. White is now being connected with status and also is known as a popular color. There are even 'All-White-Parties' where the biggest and most loved celebrities come out. 
Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs is known for throwing outlandish all white parties where people dress with only the finest threads that include just one color. This is a time to celebrate with others that have that high status is America.
The two differences are miles and miles apart, just like the location between the two areas in the world. If you don't know things like this, I would recommend that you look up information before heading over there so that the cross cultural differences don't make you stand out of place.
Some great observations here! Very true that white is associated with status and wealth in celebrity culture. Maybe because P. Diddy doesn't have to get his hands dirty working hard at a manual labor job?
ReplyDelete