The association of colors with mortality varies significantly across cultures and throughout history. Black is commonly linked with mourning and death in many Western societies, often symbolizing grief, loss, and the unknown. White, conversely, represents death and mourning in some Eastern cultures, symbolizing purity and the transition to the afterlife. Other colors, such as grey, representing decay and fading, and purple, historically associated with royalty and thus sometimes linked with death rituals for the elite, also carry symbolic weight.
Understanding these color associations offers valuable insights into cultural perceptions of mortality. These symbolic connections influence funeral practices, mourning rituals, and artistic representations of death. Exploring this symbolism provides a deeper understanding of how different societies process grief and commemorate the deceased. Furthermore, analyzing the historical evolution of these color associations sheds light on the changing cultural attitudes towards death and the afterlife.
