Video travel to the East 10.2007
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History of colors: color symbolism in Islam
In the Islam an image of people and animals was forbidden. That’s why a color became one of the main expressive means. Color designs, patterns of carpets represent a system of color symbols, which are reflected Moslems ideas about an earthy life and life after death.
In Koran light and bright colors are symbols of blessing and divine sources.
White color expresses purity and spirituality. In fairy tail "1001 nights" white concubine said that white is "the best color".
Golden (or yellow) color symbolizes glory, success, riches, a celebration, etc. It was a medical color. At the same time, yellow color was associated with gastric diseases.
Red color for Moslems was considered sacred, magical, having great "stamina". Therefore, red jewels (rubies, etc.) were valued. Moslems considered that red jewels will give might, energy, and fearlessness to its owner. Also red color symbolized passion.
Esteemed and "sacred" was green color. Green symbolized an oasis, nature, life and rest. Green jewel meant vitality, happiness and well-being affairs.
Dark blue and violet colors were valued because of their mystical character. Violet color also had a meaning of delusiveness of an earthly life, a mirage.
Islam positively regards only to pure, light, shining colors. If a color doesn’t “clear”, with admixture, it loses a value for a Moslem. It regards to gray and brown colors. They were colors of misfortune and poverty. Gray was a color of a dust and ashes. It went in contrast with bright, multicolored world, it reminded mortal about caducity of their lives.
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