Colors, Images, and Symbols

1. Colors, Images, and Symbols Kayleigh Shangle Globalization, FSP

2. Begins with Birth Gender Typing begins at birth: boys are assigned the color blue, and girls are assigned pink. More often now however, parents are choosing to wrap babies in gender neutral colored blankets like green and yellow. Though, the traditional pinks and blues still dominate baby clothing, accessories, toys, and home furnishings.

3. Symbols in Religion Buddhism Christianity Hinduism Islam Judaism

4. Buddhism • The Lotus is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols and one of the most poignant representations of Buddhist teachings. The growth of the flower represents the progress of the human soul. • The Swastika symbolizes auspiciousness and good fortune as well as the Buddha’s footprints and the Buddha’s heart. The swastika is said to contain the whole mind of the Buddha, and is often found imprinted on the chest, feet, or palms of Buddha images. • The Wheel Symbol, or Dharmachakra, represents the teachings of the Buddha. The wheel’s motion is a metaphor for rapid spiritual change endured because of the teachings of the Buddha. The wheel also represents the “Cycle of Samsara”, meaning the cycle of rebirth, which can only be escaped by means of the Buddha’s teachings. Some Buddhists regard the three basic parts of the wheel as “the three trainings” in Buddhist practices: the hub (center) symbolizes moral discipline, each of the eight spokes represents wisdom, and the rim around the edge represents training in concentration, which holds everything together.

5. Christianity • The cross is the most widely recognizable Christian symbol. In the general sense it symbolizes the Christian religion, however it more specifically represents and memorializes Christ’s death. There are many kinds of crosses, though the Latin cross is the most common. • The Christian fish was an early symbol of Christianity, and is currently seen on bumper stickers and businesses. There are many different speculations as to why the fish is a significant symbol. One of these ideas is that the fish is an abnormal animal, and therefore not obvious to persecutors. • The Eye of God is an equilateral triangle with a single eye in the middle, most often there are three rays coming out of each of the sides of the triangle. It symbolizes the omnipresence of god, who watches over everything. It is also associated with the Trinity.

6. Hinduism • The Lotus represents beauty and non attachment. It represents how one should live in the world without attachment. A popular belief is that because the lotus is rooted in the mud but floats on the water without getting muddy, it symbolizes this detachment. • The swastika is most commonly used as a charm to bring good luck. It is often used in Hindu art, architecture, and decoration. • The Bindi is one of the most recognizable symbols in Hinduism. Traditionally it is worn by married Hindu women (though, it can be found on men and women today) because it symbolizes female energy and is believed to protect these women and their husbands. Additionally the Bindi is a way of accentuating the third eye, the area between the eyebrows, where attention is focused during meditation.

7. Islam • The star and crescent are the most commonly known Islamic symbol. Surprisingly the symbol is not Muslim in origin, it was actually a polytheistic icon adopted during the spread of Islam. It has since become associated with Islam. • The color green is significant in Islam because it is often used to represent it among other religions. It is often found in mosques and other significant religious places, as well as the flag of Saudi Arabia. Some say Muhammad’s favorite color was green, and that he wore a green cloak and turban. Others believe it symbolizes vegetation and life. Either way, the color green is very embedded in the Islamic culture.

8. Judaism • The Magen David, or Star of David, is the most widely recognized Jewish symbol. It is supposed to represent the shape of King David’s sheild, however there is no literate evidence of such claims. There are many intricate claims defining why the Star of David is shaped the way it is, and why it is so significant in the Jewish culture, however there is no definite reason, though it has come to symbolize unity. • The Yarmulke is the most recognized piece of Jewish garb is actually the one with the least religious significance. The root of the word is Yiddish, and translates directly to skullcap. It is an ancient practice for Jews to cover their heads during prayer and it thus shows respect to God by doing so. Wearing a Yarmulke however is regarded more as a custom than as an actual commandment.

9. Images Across the World • China-the Chinese dragon is a legendary creature in mythology and folklore, symbolizing the Chinese culture as well as power and strength. • Russia- the red star in Russia symbolizes communism as well as socialism in general. It was one of the emblems representing the Soviet Union. • Mexico- the coat of arms of Mexico, depicting a Mexican Golden Eagle eating a snake while perched on a cactus, holds great religious meaning. • Egypt- the Great Pyramids of Giza, according to the Ancient Egyptians symbolize the very fabric of “creation”.

11. US Politics Democrat Donkey Republican Elephant

12. Political Color Meanings: Across the World • Red- Socialism, Communism, Nationalism • Pink-Homosexuality • Blue- Conservatism, Monarchism • Green- Environmentalism, Capitalism • Black- Anarchism, Fascism • Orange- Christian Democracy • White-Monarchism, Christian Democracy • Purple-Monarchism • Brown-Nazism • Gold - Capitalism • Lavender-Homosexuality

13. Flags Flags Promote: • Nationalism. • Symbols associated with a nations culture and/or religion. • Superiority of the colors and images on the flag.

14. Colors and Meanings • Red- energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination, and passion, desire, and love. • Orange- joy, enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, attraction, success, encouragement, stimulation. • Yellow- sunshine, joy, happiness, intellect, energy, cheerfulness, and freshness. • Green- growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. • Blue- depth, stability, trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. • Purple- royalty, power, nobility, luxury, ambition, wealth, extravagance, wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic. • White- light, goodness, innocence, purity, virginity, safety, cleanliness, the “color of perfection”. • Black- power, elegance, formality, death, evil, mystery, fear, unknown and authority.

15. Examples of Differences in Interpretations of Colors Across Cultures • In the east white is the color of funerals, in the west it is the opposite where black is the color of funerals. Additionally, in Thailand the color of mourning is purple. • In China, yellow is the color of nourishing, where as in Egypt it is the color of mourning. • In the east, red is worn by brides, where as in the west it is traditional that bridesonly wear white. • In South Africa the color red symbolizes mourning. This stands in grand contrast to its interpretation in the west, where it stands for excitement, celebration (Christmas), love and passion. Additionally, in China, red stands for good luck and celebration. • Green is the symbol for the whole of Ireland, and in the west green symbolizes rebirth and spring. Furthermore, in China, wearing green hats indicates a man’s wife is cheating on him. • In Iran blue is the color of heaven and spirituality, where as in the west blue is the color of depression and sadness.

16. Impact on Globalization • Colors, symbols, images and their meanings play a major role in the relationships between the nations of the world. • Understanding each of these symbols and traditions is important when interpreting and dealing with other nations. • Conflict can arise when nations disagree on the origins and meanings of symbols and beliefs. • It is important to consider differences in culture when traveling, conducting business deals, or even just when studying different nations before passing judgment.