Japanese conception of red: is red the color of love?

Red is usually called ” aka (赤)” in Japanese. There are many traditional shades of red . The Japanese have given each shade of red its own fancy name since ancient times. Shuiro (vermilion), akaneiro (stronger red), enji (dark red), karakurenai (crimson), and hiiro (scarlet), to name a few.

use of red

In Japan , the red obtained from safflower (benibana) is highly appreciated , especially popular in the Heian period (794-1185). Some of the beautiful garments that were dyed safflower red are well preserved in the Shousouin of Todaiji Temple, more than 1,200 years later. Safflower dyes were also used by court ladies as lipstick and rouge. At Horyuji Temple, the oldest wooden buildings in the world, its walls were all painted with shuiiro (vermilion). Many torii (Shinto shrine arches) are also painted in this colour.

Red sun

In some cultures, the color of the sun is considered yellow (or even other colors). However, most of the japanese they think the sun is red. Children often draw the sun as a large red circle. The Japanese national flag (kokki) has a red circle on a white background.

Just like the British flag is called the “Union Jack”, the Japanese flag is called “hinomaru (日の丸)”. “Hinomaru” literally means “the circle of the sun”. Since “Nihon (Japan)” basically means “Land of the Rising Sun”, the red circle represents the sun.

Red in the Japanese culinary tradition

There is a word called “hinomaru-bentou (日の丸弁当)”. “Bentou” is lunch that is brought from home or portable, as opposed to eating in an establishment. It consisted of a bed of white rice with a pickled red plum ” umeboshi” in the center. It was promoted as a simple, basic meal during the World Wars, a time when it was difficult to obtain a wide variety of foods. The name comes from the appearance of the food that closely resembled “hinomaru”. It is still quite popular today, though usually as part of other dishes.

Red in Parties

The combination of red and white (kouhaku) is a symbol of auspicious or happy occasions. Long drapes with red and white stripes are hung at wedding receptions. “Kouhaku manjuu (pairs of red and white steamed rice cakes with sweet bean filling)” are often offered as gifts at weddings, graduations, or other auspicious commemorative events.

Red and white “mizuhiki (ceremonial paper ropes)” are used as decorations to wrap gifts at weddings and other auspicious occasions. On the other hand, black (kuro) and white (shiro) are used for sad occasions. They are the usual colors of mourning.

“Sekihan (赤飯)” literally means “red rice”. It is also a dish that is served on auspicious occasions. The red color of the rice creates a festive atmosphere. The color is red beans cooked with rice.

Expressions that include the word red

There are many expressions and sayings in Japanese that include the word for the color red. Connotations for red in Japanese include “full” or “clear” in expressions such as “akahadaka (赤裸)”, “aka no tanin (赤の他人)”, and “makkana uso ( 真っ赤なうそ)”.

Babies are called “akachan (赤ちゃん)” or “akanbou (赤ん坊)”. The word came from the red face of a baby. “Aka-chouchin (赤提灯)” literally means “red lantern”. They refer to traditional bars where you can eat and drink at a low price. They are usually found on the side streets of busy urban areas and often have a burning red lantern out front.

Other phrases include:

• akago no te o hineru 赤子の手をひねる – To describe something easy to do. It literally means “to twist a baby’s hand”.
• akahadaka 赤裸 – Totally naked, completely naked.
• akahaji o kaku 赤恥をかく – To be embarrassed in public, to be humiliated.
• akaji 赤字 – A deficit.
• akaku naru 赤くなる – To blush, to turn red with embarrassment.
• aka no tanin 赤の他人 – A complete stranger.
• akashingou 赤信号 – A red light, a sign of danger.
• makkana use 真っ赤なうそ – A frank (blatant) lie.
• shu ni majiwareba akaku naru 朱に交われば赤くなる – You can’t touch the tar without getting contaminated.