For a long time, I used to regard black as a color standing for death and tragedy, which always brings adversity to us. However, after Wednesday’ journey to Singapore National Museum, I realize that black symbolize disparate meanings in different cultures.
Apart from representing misfortune for Singaporean, black is also associated to elegance and luxury. Furthermore, wearing black is able to be a symbol of progressiveness and an expression of a new post-war self identity as a citizen of modern Singaporean. Compared to Singapore, black in China does not mean the same things. It is not only considered as the color of mourning, but also relates to power, mystery and melancholy. For instance, approximately two thousand years ago, to distinguish the noble from populace, the first Chinese empire commanded that all the aristocrats were supposed to wear black clothes, which definitely made the black become the color of power. In addition, in a number of African countries, black has its distinctive meaning. As is known to all, a part of African countries suffer from drought frequently, causing a series of problems for them. In their opinion, black is equal to thick cloud in the sky, which is signature of rain. Therefore, the color black is flourish and new life for them.
Black has a variety of meanings, not just standing for misery or death, but also symbolizing power and prosperity. From now on, I will change my attitude towards the color black.
How was it shown at the museum that black was associated with elegance and luxury? It would be good to describe the exhibit a little. The explanation about African countries perception of the color black was insightful.
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