From among a world of colors, red stands out the most in China. Chinese like red so much. The color red is fresh and pure, and in China we call it China Red. Chinese people are fascinated by the color red not only because of its intoxicating vibrancy, but also because of its rich meaning in Chinese culture and history.It was believed that a long time ago, there was a monster in China, who came for offerings of children for sacrifices every lunar year. People finally found a way to chase away that monster by wearing bright red, poping fire crackers and making loud noises. 

It is also considered to be lucky because, older generations believes that it chases away death, so grandparents loves to dress grandchildren up in red.

It is believed that no country in the world has ever adopted a color in such a thoroughgoing way as China, where red is a symbol that gives color to the soul of the nation. In the past, red stood for dignity and mystery. Even now, we adore the color much more than we love it. It is can be said that ‘China Red’ is an eternal theme for China, and an essential color for the Chinese people. “China Red” has become a quite popular word, attracting the world’s attention.

Shooting red-colored things in China is an easy task, as its powerful presence can be found every-where. All traditional red things have been playing special roles in China: the walls of ancient palaces, the national flag, Chinese knot, lantern, couplet, clothes, traditional paper-cuts for window decorations, and even red tanghulu (sugar-coated haws on a stick). Red is the color of the auspicious, signifying reunion, health, happiness, harmony, peace and prosperity. Only real things and events can fully display and explain its beauty. Only in its relation with people can the color be alive and meaningful. Here we will reveal the cultural significance of China red.

 

Toffe fruits on sticks are popular in the northern parts of China. They are made of various kinds of small fruits - haws, crabapples, grapes or yam. It looks bright.

The characteristic of Chinese Knot is that every knot is made of a single rope and named by its specific form and meaning.

Red Chinese Knot, a kind of elegant and colorful art from China

Red Lantern, a special handicraft of Chinese tradition, are widely used for decorations in the country on festivals and hoilidays, on weddings and othe celebrations.

Today, of course, electric lights have long replaced the candles. But lantern is still beautiful!

Cheongsam is a female dress with distinctive Chinese features and enjos a growing popularity in the international world of high fashion.

By tradition, the Chinese love to paste couplets on their gateposts or door panels when celebrating Spring Festival.

Pasting “fu” during the Spring Festival, a Chinese tradition

The sound of firecrackers is a distinctive feature on Chinese festival and joyous occasions.

Red Pockert 红包hong bao, cash wrapped up in red paper, symbolize fortune and wealth in the coming year. 压岁钱 ya sui qian, gift money; money given to children as a lunar New Year gift.

Unlike Western tradition, the color red dominates traditional Chinese weddings. Chinese people tend to use or wear red to add a joyful atmosphere of such a festive occasion.

Keywords:

1红包hóng bāo :a cash gift

2中国结zhōng guó jié :Chinese knot

3鞭炮biān pào :firecrackers

4旗袍qí páo: cheongsam

5糖葫芦táng hú lu: Tomatoes on sticks

6婚礼hūn lǐ :wedding ceremony

7灯笼dēng long :lantern

8剪纸jián zhǐ :paper-cut