Black - Black in Other Cultures

Black in Other Cultures

  • In Japanese culture, kuro (black) is a symbol of nobility, age, and experience, as opposed to shiro (white), which symbolizes serfdom, youth, and naiveté. Thus the black belt is a mark of achievement and seniority in many martial arts, whereas a white belt is worn by a novice. In Japanese culture, black is also associated with honor.
  • In Japan, white, not black, is associated with death, and is the color of mourning.
  • In ancient China, black was the symbol of North and Water, one of the main five colors.

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Famous quotes containing the words black and/or cultures:

    “Teaching Black Studies, I find that students are quick to label a black person who has grown up in a predominantly white setting and attended similar schools as “not black enough.” ...Our concept of black experience has been too narrow and constricting.”
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