The meaning of the colors in Chinese face painting

Written by Mdlovu, edited by TLAA

There are several types of Chinese masks: dancer's masks, masks for festive events, masks for newborns, masks designed to keep homes safe and theatrical masks. When used on the stage, masks help viewers determine, at a glance, the attributes of a theatrical character. 

    Masks are usually made from wood. Many colors are used in any given Chinese mask, but the overriding colors impart specific characteristics. 

Different colors have different mean.

Masks very colorful, like red, purple, pink, black, green, gold, and silver.

    Red used on masks indicates a positive character. Red can also mean prosperity, loyalty, courage and heroism. Red shows intelligence somebody who is kind hearted and somebody who is brave and loyal. Purple is sometimes used as a substitute for red. In its own right, purple can represent justice and sophistication. The pink face means the god who unites persons in marriage and helps people who want to get married; Black means that the character is neutral. Black also indicates impartiality and integrity. Blue faces are also an indication of neutrality. 

  In addition, blue can show stubbornness, astuteness and fierceness someone who is loyal and sticks to one side no matter what. Green shows that the character is impulsive, violent, no self-restraint or self-control. Yellow tells the audience that the character is cruel. Yellow can also mean evil, hypocritical, ambitious or sly. White faces indicate that the character is evil, hypocritical, sinister, crafty, treacherous, and suspicious. Anyone wearing a white mask is usually the villain. Gold and silver usually used for gods and spirits, it shows the audience that the character is a god or a demon. The character also may be a ghost or a spirit. Gold and silver symbolize mystery.