|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Korean
Architecture - Main Page
Korea's Main Page
The Five Cardinal Colors of Traditional Patterns
Korean traditional art relied upon five cardinal colors, blue, red, and yellow, plus white and black. These colors should not, of course, be confused with the seven hues of the color spectrum. In Korean, even the rainbow is described as "five-colored."
These colors were considered to be closely related to the five cardinal elements of um and yang: blue with wood, red with fire, yellow with earth, white with metal, and black with water.
The arrangement of colors in traditional costumes also applied the concept of these five cosmic elements. The five-color stripe on children's sleeves is a typical example, although colors may be added or excluded. It was hoped that the use of the cardinal elements would protect children from evil spirits. The five color stripe in the sleeves of the full court dress of queens and on the wedding garments of commoners throughout the Koryo and Choson dynasties is another example. Regardless of personal taste, the five cardinal elements played a significant role in traditional Korean culture and deeply penetrated peoples' lives and thoughts.
Information provided by the Korean Embassy
