1. Introduction
Mourning is an important part of many cultures and Japan is no exception. The colors associated with mourning in Japan have a long and varied history, with different colors symbolizing different aspects of grief. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the colors used for mourning in Japan and discuss traditional funeral customs that incorporate these colors.
2. History of Mourning Colors in Japan
Mourning colors have been used in Japan for centuries, with each color having its own unique meaning and significance. In ancient times, white was the primary color associated with mourning, as it was believed to represent purity and peace. This tradition continued until the Meiji period (1868–1912), when black became more popularly accepted as a mourning color due to its association with death and funerals.
3. The Meaning Behind the Color White in Japan
In Japan, white has long been associated with death and funerals due to its symbolism of purity and peace. It is often used at funerals to represent the soul of the deceased person passing on peacefully into the afterlife. White is also used to represent a clean slate or new beginning, which is why it has become popularly accepted as a mourning color in modern times.
4. Traditional Japanese Funeral Customs and Colors
Traditional Japanese funeral customs involve wearing white clothing during burial ceremonies as a sign of respect for the deceased person’s soul passing on peacefully into the afterlife. The family members of the deceased may also wear white clothing during these ceremonies as a way to show their grief for their lost loved one.
5. The Meaning of Black in Japan
Black has become increasingly popular as a mourning color in modern times due to its association with death and funerals in Japanese culture. It is believed that wearing black can help people express their sorrow over someone’s passing while still maintaining an air of dignity and respect for the deceased person’s memory. Black is also seen as a way to ward off evil spirits that may try to take away from the solemnity of funeral ceremonies.
6. Other Colors Used for Mourning in Japan
While black is now widely accepted as a mourning color in modern times, other colors such as gray, purple, red, yellow, and green are also sometimes used during funeral ceremonies or when expressing grief over someone’s passing away from this world into another realm or existence beyond this life on earth.Gray typically symbolizes sorrow, while purple represents respect for those who have passed away; red signifies courage; yellow stands for hope; and green represents eternal life or rebirth after death.
7. The Significance of Red and Purple in Japanese Culture
Red has long been associated with courage and strength in Japanese culture, while purple is seen as a sign of respect towards those who have passed away from this world into another realm or existence beyond this life on Earth.Red can be worn during funeral ceremonies or when expressing grief over someone’s passing away from this world into another realm or existence beyond this life on earth,while purple can be worn by family members at funerals or other occasions where they wish to honor their lost loved one’s memory.
8 Conclusion
.In conclusion, different colors have different meanings when it comes to mourning in Japan – white representing purity and peace; black representing death; gray representing sorrow; purple representing respect; red representing courage; yellow standing for hope; and green representing eternal life or rebirth after death.Ultimately,each individual should choose whatever color best expresses their feelings towards their lost loved one’s memory.
9 Sources
.Kato,K.( 2014 ) “The Meaning Behind Mourning Colors In Japan ” Culture Trip,https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/the-meaning-behind-mourning-colors-in-japan / accessed April 14th 2021
Nakamura,M.( 2020 ) “Funeral Customs In Japan : What To Expect ” Tofugu,https://www.tofugu.com/japan/funeral – customs / accessed April 14th 2021
How do the Japanese mourn death?
something Kichu-fudda is a day-long mourning practice. The family and friends of the resurrection called themselves Sua which literally means to spend the night. A vigil is held as soon as possible after death.
Why is white the color of death in Japan?
White was originally the color of mourning clothes. White (white) is a symbol of purity in Japanese culture as in many cultures since ancient times. It was closely associated with the spiritual world. Even today Shinto priests and most female assistants called miko wear white.
Do Japanese wear black to a funeral?
All guests at the funeral dress in black: men wear black clothes with white shirts and black ties and women wear black dresses or black kimonos. If the deceased was Buddhist the guests carried prayer beads called juju (数珠).
Does Japan wear white to funerals?
Japanese funerals wear black. The man wears a suit white shirt and black tie with four hands and the woman wears a kimono. After the funeral the coffin is opened and flowers are given to the family and guests to place in the coffin.
What is the color of mourning in China?
White
4. White is a symbol of the unknown and purity. The color white is used during the time of mourning, death, and during ghost festivals. Therefore Chinese people will wear white during a funeral or while summoning ghosts.
What do Japanese say when someone dies?
お恨み (o-kuyami sympathy/condolences) is a more formal expression of condolences.