Cinnabar Red in Chinese Culture
Since Oracle Bones originated in the Shang Dynasty (1600 B. C. — 1046 B. C.), Cinnabar had been used to color or directly write those inscriptions on bones. Founder of Han Dynasty (202 B. C. — 220), the Emperor Liu Bang, was believed the son of Emperor Yan (Yan means Fire and Red in Chinese Language); therefore, the Cinnabar Red became one of the most orthodox color in the history of China for the next thousands of years, until today.
Many stone inscriptions and emperors’ written comments are Cinnabar Red, as well as Buddhism and Taoism Religion’s scripture, the charm and alchemy.
Moreover, only honorable families could paint their front door using Cinnabar Red, such as the Forbidden City.
Nowadays, Cinnabar Red is still the most popular and lucky color in Chinese culture, which are used in couplets for Spring Festival, wedding gown of traditional Chinese Wedding Ceremony, many lucky decorations, as well as the Chinese national flag.
