Culture and tradition What is in a colour?

What is culture? The culture of a group of people is the things that they believe in and the traditions and rituals that they have. The same thing can have different meanings to different people from different cultures. One person can be fine with something another person would find offensive.

What does the colour red mean in different cultures? Red is the most common colour on flags from around the world. It has many different meanings from across different cultures. In many cultures, red shows danger. Many road signs in Britain have a red surround to show a warning. In China, red means good luck. A child will be given a red envelope with money in for their birthday. In China, red is also the colour worn by a bride at her wedding. In many western cultures, red also represents love.

What does the colour blue mean in different cultures? Blue is a colour that promotes a calming feeling that is linked to the sky and the oceans. In most forms of Christianity, the colour blue is a sign of holiness. The Virgin Mary is often shown wearing a blue world. In almost all parts of the world, police uniforms are made in blue as it represents trust and authority. In Iran, blue is colour worn by people in mourning over the death of a loved one. In France, deep blue is associated with royalty.

What does the colour yellow mean in different cultures? A colour that makes people feel happy. An optimistic colour, a colour that grabs attention. For Buddhists, the colour yellow symbolises wisdom. In Asia and China, the colour yellow is a sign of royalty and importance. Hindus believe that yellow is a sacred colour. Yellow can also represent cowardice and betrayal.

What does the colour green mean in different cultures? Green is the colour most associated with nature, springtime and new life. It also represents environmental issues. In the USA, green is a colour associated with wealth and money. All notes in the USA are printed in green ink. Some people associate the colour green with bad luck. Others associate it with good luck. In China, the colour green is linked to disgrace Green is also the most important colour for people who are Muslims and the colour for respect and the profit Mohammed.

A time for reflection… How do YOU treat people that have a different way of life or beliefs that you do not share. Should you treat people differently based on their beliefs? “A proud moment”: LS and DB “Mr Little not eating meat on a Friday”… ABSTINENCE Why do you think you have to be aware of different cultures?

Football World Cup Activity… As a form, I would like you to choose 2 random World Cup teams and produce an A3 poster on the culture of that country. I would like you to include: A picture of the countries flag, what languages and religions are most prominent, customs and traditions, well known landmarks, national dish (food and drink), traditional costumes etc. Make these as interesting, eye catching and as colourful as possible. There will be a prize for the winning form, entries will be voted on by each form on Tuesday 12th June.

7 VJ: 8KF: Sweden & Japan 8 TF: Egypt & South Korea 8 HY: Portugal & Saudi Arabia 8KF: Sweden & Japan 8 TF: Egypt & South Korea 8 HY: Tunisia & Colombia 9 TB: Poland & Panama 9 AS: Nigeria & Uraguay 9 DP: France & Denmark 10 TO’N: Argentina & Iran 10 KM: Australia & Senegal 10 ME: Brazil & Russia 10 ST: England & Peru