At all times, people have treated blacks completely differently. In fact, it is a symbol of many feelings and signs: grief and mourning, aristocracy and hermitage, emptiness and loneliness, darkness and something unknown. But it cannot be said unequivocally that humanity was indifferent to this color. In different eras it was given radically contradictory meanings. But whatever one may say, black is still popular today. But why did this happen and do all cultures consider it a symbol of grief and mourning?
This is not a color!
To begin with, it’s worth saying that black is not a color. For example, its complete opposite - white - is just a mixture of the entire spectrum, and it is the absence of light as such. After humanity made such a discovery, the popularity of black plummeted to zero.
In general, in the past people were a little wary of black people: they were afraid of him and avoided him. In fact, it was a symbol of evil, death, misfortune.Some peoples even now compose legends and myths, according to which the origin of life and the whole world as a whole was nothing more than darkness, where there was neither beginning nor end. And the horror of darkness itself haunted humanity for a very long time, until they finally learned how to make fire.
But, for example, in Ancient Egypt they treated blacks completely differently. This color symbolized earth and fertility, belief in rebirth after human death.
Sorcerers and more
The Middle Ages and the color black are a direct association with witches, sorcerers, mourning, and magic. But at the same time, it is a symbol of dignity and high morals.
In fact, the phrase “black magician” came to us approximately from that period - the Middle Ages. Such people were not just feared - they inspired wild horror, aroused hatred and hostility. Very often their houses were painted with dark paint, and this indicated that evil lived in this home.
But a radically opposite meaning was attributed to the clergy, because it was the priests who wore completely black outfits. This directly reflected their attitude towards loneliness, separation from the worldly and immersion in their spirituality.
Fashion... fell in love
Even now, many fashion designers often say that fashion is a capricious lady. But she never cheats on a black man. The first outfits made in this particular color became very popular already in the 16th century. This wave swept through Spain especially quickly. In addition, not everyone could afford black dresses and jackets, because the purchase of dye could completely ruin the common man, and therefore it was considered only the lot of very wealthy people.
Already in the 19th century, black fabrics became more accessible - thanks to anoline dyes. Gentlemen appear in beautiful black and white suits, while ladies wore dark outfits only at times of mourning.
The dynamism of the 20th century never changed black. And it was brought into fashion by the inimitable Mademoiselle Coco. Let us remember - little black dress... This dress has not become less popular since then, but is only gaining momentum, being considered a symbol of elegance and femininity.
But not everything is so certain
Did you know that in Japan black has never been associated with mourning and sorrow? On the contrary, it is a symbol of positivity, happiness, a successful marriage, good health, harmony and peace. In China, it reflects the masculine principle and is incredibly respected among the locals. But in some tribes of Africa, this color is a symbol of life, because it is associated with the shade of thunderclouds, and therefore the rain that is so awaited in these arid regions.
Most likely, it is difficult to find any other color that would cause as much controversy and thought as black. It was feared, avoided, worn as a fashion statement, or worn in moments of grief and indifference. He has always been so different, but even today he is loved all over the world. And it is completely unclear what his main secret is... Whether he is simply practical, or “knows how” to emphasize individuality - all this will remain a mystery.