Why is black a mourning colour

In India, Hindu religions designate white as a mourning and funeral color. Unlike China, white is considered a color of purification that symbolizes the cycle of death and rebirth. Where there has been bloodshed, the mourning color is often red. Red is the commonly recognized color of mourning ever since the Apartheid era to s. Some people speculate this was because of the gold associated with the Egyptian royalty.

The mourning colors aren't always so specific in the modern world, with the blending of traditions and cultures. However, in , The Sacred Heart Review gave a very clear account of various countries and their respective mourning colors.

Of course, since that time, these traditional colors of mourning for many countries have changed. The history of mourning colors in various cultures around the world are sometimes quite different from the modern world. The formality of the past has fallen away for most countries, although some religions still observe mourning colors and traditions. Black as a Mourning Color The Western world has traditionally viewed black as the appropriate color for a funeral and subsequent mourning period.

Exceptions to Mourning Period and Wearing Black There are exceptions for wearing black during an observed mourning period. Black Mourning Color Worn for Centuries With the Roman Empire being far reaching, donning black clothing became a tradition that continued well beyond the Renaissance period.

Black Mourning Color in Modern Western Countries Black is still considered a mourning color in the Western world, although it is generally relegated to funeral wear and not long-term mourning attire of the past. Japan: Black Mourning Color Japan commonly practices wearing black for mourning. Thailand: Black and Purple Colors of Mourning In , when Thailand's beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej died, the country went into mourning for a year and everyone wore black, including shoes.

White as a Mourning Color White is the color of mourning in Ethiopia. Red Color of Mourning Where there has been bloodshed, the mourning color is often red. What colors are appropriate? What would they not want to wear to a funeral?

Attending a funeral service is one way of mourning for a loved one. What are some other ways that people mourn the loss of someone they loved? Think of people you've known who have passed away. How do their closest relatives mourn them?

What do they do to keep their special memories alive? Curious to learn more about funeral traditions from around the world? Read this article from TED. Be aware, this article is intended for our older Wonder Friends. Did you get it? Test your knowledge. Wonder Words loss sad flood regret toga purity deceased emotion West somber attention confusion surrounded overwhelming insecurity predecessor comprehend occasion Take the Wonder Word Challenge.

Join the Discussion. Feb 19, Ranita Dec 7, Dec 11, Hi Ranita! Namwaan Sep 28, I am from Thailand and we never ever wear purple to funeral. That would be extreamly disrespectful to the loss one family. We do also wear black. You might need to adjust this artical accordingly. Oct 3, Mar 7, We're so sorry for your losses, destiny. Mar 8, Zanalia May 21, I went to a funeral in for my great grandma and most of the people in my family wore sunglasses so others wouldn't see them cry.

Janyha Feb 7, My grandma just died last week. Feb 10, Tyler B Aug 5, May 23, Oct 16, We are so sorry for your loss, anthony. Ethan Apr 28, I never got to meet my grandparents on my moms side of the family May 1, We are sorry to hear that, Ethan.

Dallas Mar 16, My dog died. I know how it feels. Well not mine my grandmothers but still. Mar 17, Oct 27, Rylee Sep 3, Sep 8, Sep 4, Marli Mrs. Murphy's Class Sep 2, Brie B Sep 1, Black is sometimes considered a mourning color in China as well as white. No matter which region of China the deceased resided in, it is considered in poor taste to wear bright colors, such as red or yellow, while mourning.

Besides wearing black or white clothing, family members may also wear a coarse overcoat, hat, and slippers to show that they care little for appearances or comfort because someone they loved has died.

Mourning pins are also worn in China. The pins are typically small pieces of cloth that are pinned to the sleeve of the mourner. The pin may be worn for either 49 days or days, with the first day being the day of the funeral. The mourning pin is worn on the left sleeve if the person who died was a male, and the right if the deceased was a female. While white is a sign associated with purity, black is the traditional color of mourning.

For this reason, you will find that most people who attend Jewish funerals wear black or dark colors. You may also notice men and perhaps women wearing a kippah or yarmulke.

You may even see that the immediate family members have tears on their clothing, perhaps on a collar, pocket, or label. The practice of tearing a garment after being overcome with grief is called kriah or keriah. Orthodox Jews usually tear the actual garment while other Jews wear a black, torn ribbon as a symbol of the practice. David also tore his clothes when he heard that King Saul was deceased.

Jacob also expressed his grief for his troubled life by tearing his mantle. In many cultures, the color white represents purity, but in some religions, the color white symbolizes additional ideas. For example, white can express the concept of oneness with God or represent eternal life in others. For these reasons, white is also an appropriate color to wear to funerals.

The most affluent would top the rest, opting for wearing mourning jewelry which including things like brooches, rings, necklaces, etc. It was also during the Victorian era that the duration of time to wear mourning clothing became more or less established in the West.

Parents and children of the deceased were expected to wear dull, dark mourning clothes for two years, although the heavy crepe was only worn for one. Not as much was expected of widowers, and they wore a black suit and gloves for only a year. Siblings only had to endure the heaviest mourning clothing for six months, after which they were expected to wear only gray, white or black.

After the various mourning periods ended, proper etiquette also indicated that movement to brighter shades was to occur gradually, although there were no hard rules on this front.

For their half mourning another six months , the color remained severe for widows, and was either black with a bit of white, or white with a bit of black. Catholic children under age 12 were allowed to wear gray in the winter and white in the summer, and they, like older children of deceased parents, were only expected to endure six months of heavy mourning, six of half and three of light.