Other than emerging during CNY, red is also linked to many other aspects related to the Chinese community.
According to A Study on the Metaphor of “Red” in Chinese Culture by Huang Qiang, red or hong is also linked to praises, celebrations and is used as a form of respect in China.
For example, hong pi (red wrap) is a red band usually placed over the shoulders of a hero or a respected person as a token of honour.
Hong tie (red card) is an invitation to a happy event such as a wedding or birthday.
In China, when you say hong yan (red face) to a woman, it is actually a compliment and it means that she is pretty.
Of course not everything positive is linked to the colour red la. There are some taboos associated to it as well.
For example, red should never be worn during funerals because it's more of a celebratory colour.
Red ink should also never be used to write a person's name. This is because the colour is usually used to write the names of the dead. Eeek!
Understanding its significance
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Image credit: Malay MailSo, people. Even if you don't strictly adhere to traditional customs, cultures and taboos related to the colour red, at least you know a little bit more about why it's such an integral part of Chinese New Year and Chinese culture.
Also, learning about the connections could give you a different understanding as to why Popo is so insistent that you dress from head to toe (undies included) in red during the festivities. ?
Happy Chinese New Year semua!
