INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE
To craft a compelling narrative, writers employ various techniques to effectively express their characters' thoughts and emotions One unique method is the use of colors, which carry diverse meanings across different cultures and religions, while also evoking specific feelings Colors can profoundly influence emotional expression, making them a powerful tool in storytelling Notably, several acclaimed novels, including "Blue Highways" (1982), "The White Princess" (2013), and "The Virgin Blue" (1997), highlight the significance of colors in their titles, illustrating their impact on narrative depth.
In exploring the use of color symbolism in literature, "The Great Gatsby" and "Jane Eyre," along with their Vietnamese adaptations, stand out for their effective portrayal of character personalities Both authors skillfully weave color symbolism throughout their narratives, significantly enhancing plot development, character shaping, and thematic depth The recurring colors leave a lasting impression on readers, as they carry profound meanings, particularly in the emotional expressions of key characters.
As I have noted, I myself decided to choose ― A Cognitive Study of
Sentimental Expressions Containing Colours Used in English and Vietnamese novels ‖ as my thesis.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This research aims to investigate how colours are used in sentimental expressions in The Great Gatsby and Jane Eyre as well as their Vietnamese versions under the cognitive perspectives
- Analyze sentimental expressions containing colours in The Great Gatsby and Jane Eyre as well as their Vietnamese versions
- Compare sentimental expressions containing colours in The Great Gatsby and Jane Eyre versus their Vietnamese versions on the viewpoint of cognitive linguistics.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The research will find the answers for these following questions:
1) What are the semantic features of colours used in expressing emotions in The Great Gatsby and Jane Eyre ?
2) What are the semantic features of colours used in expressing emotions in their Vietnamese versions?
3) What are the similarities and differences in semantic features of colours used in expressing emotions of The Great Gatsby and Jane Eyre and in Vietnamese versions?
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study explores the use of color to express sentiment in "The Great Gatsby" and "Jane Eyre," along with their Vietnamese adaptations By examining color symbolism, the research aims to enhance understanding of its impact on the narratives and themes in both the original and translated texts.
ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
This study will consist of 5 main chapters as follow:
- Chapter 1 : The introduction of the study, which includes the rationale, aims and objectives, the research questions, definition of terms, the scope of the study and organization of the study
- Chapter 2: The literature review and theoretical background of the study, presents the previous study related to the thesis, and the theoretical framework
- Chapter 3: Research methods and procedures- presents the research methods, the procedure of implement the study
- Chapter 4: Findings and discussion Firstly, focus on identifying sentimental expressions containing colors in the two following novels
This chapter examines the symbolic meanings of colors in "The Great Gatsby" and "Jane Eyre," focusing on their emotional expressions It will explore the similarities and differences in the semantic features of these colors as depicted in both literary works and their Vietnamese translations, through the lens of cognitive linguistics.
- Chapter 5: Conclusion and Implications, the limitations, and suggestions for further study.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
PRIOR RESEARCHES RELATED TO THE STUDY
Research on color has evolved significantly since the 1920s, with Sapir and Whorf challenging evolutionism in favor of radical linguistic and cultural relativity This perspective gained traction in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly within color categorization studies Two main research traditions emerged: a within-language correlational approach and a cross-language descriptive approach Early studies, such as those by Brown and Lenneberg, aimed to establish correlations between linguistic variables related to color and nonlinguistic cognitive variables, supporting the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis that language influences perception While correlations were found primarily in English, Eleanor Rosch later questioned the assumption that linguistic variables differ significantly across languages, suggesting universal lexical salience affects both linguistic and cognitive variables This view faced criticism from Lucy and Shweder, who challenged Rosch's methods, but Kay and Kempton later supported Rosch's findings through cross-linguistic experiments, demonstrating that while some nonlinguistic color classifications are influenced by linguistic categorization, others remain unaffected, reaffirming limited Whorfian effects in color perception.
In the 1950s and 1960s, studies on color lexicons reflected radical linguistic relativism, aiming to highlight differences among languages In 1969, Berlin and Kay utilized Lenneberg and Roberts' stimulus set to analyze basic color terms across twenty languages, revealing that major color terms universally center around eleven landmark colors They proposed an evolutionary sequence for color lexicon development, suggesting that black and white precede red, followed by green, yellow, blue, brown, and then purple, pink, orange, and gray While anthropologists challenged these findings, psychologists largely supported them, leading to field studies that confirmed Berlin and Kay's theories while prompting a re-evaluation of the encoding sequence Kay and McDaniel later introduced the concept of fuzzy sets into color lexicons, linking universal semantics to psychophysical research Since 1978, significant surveys like The World Color Survey and The Mesoamerican Color Survey have upheld Berlin and Kay's hypotheses regarding semantic universals and evolutionary sequences in color categorization, despite ongoing relativist critiques questioning the legitimacy of such research methodologies.
1997) It is undeniable that every language has a set of basic color expression However, these color terms do not divide the meanings of color in the same place
The cognitive linguistic concept of "color" varies uniquely across different languages, highlighting the interplay between culture and cognitive science As noted by Wilson and Keil (1999), culture significantly influences human cognitive abilities and shapes various aspects of cognitive activity in contemporary societies Most English-language studies on color have focused on two key hypotheses: the Whorfian-Sapir hypothesis and the Berlin and Kay hypothesis.
In addition, a relevant MA thesis from Da Nang University is by Mai Nguyễn Diệu Khoa (2003), titled "An Investigation into Metaphoric Meanings of Words Denoting Colors in English and Vietnamese," which explores the symbolism of colors in both languages.
This study aims to classify and analyze color terms—specifically black, white, red, yellow, green, and blue—highlighting their various meanings While previous research has explored color symbolism, there has been limited focus on its role in emotional expressions within English literature, particularly in novels like "The Great Gatsby" and "Jane Eyre." Additionally, few M.A theses have approached color symbolism from a cognitive perspective Despite over fifteen years of learning English, I still encounter challenges in translating color terms in literary contexts Therefore, my thesis will utilize Cognitive Linguistics to examine color symbolism in these novels and their Vietnamese translations, focusing on how colors convey emotions.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Emotional expressions in psychology refer to observable verbal and nonverbal behaviors that convey an individual's internal emotional state These expressions include facial movements like smiling or scowling, as well as behaviors such as crying, laughing, or displaying feelings of anger, sadness, happiness, or gratitude Emotional expressions can occur with or without self-awareness, although individuals typically have some conscious awareness of their emotions to effectively communicate them.
For the past two centuries, various researchers, beginning with Charles Darwin, have proposed competing models to explain emotions and their expressions Despite differing theories, there is consensus among experts that all healthy individuals express emotions through vocal, facial, and bodily cues Additionally, romantic expression is influenced by cultural and social contexts Studies indicate that gay couples tend to demonstrate greater emotional expressiveness compared to heterosexual couples, which can be beneficial in effectively resolving conflicts within relationships.
Colors have long been associated with mystic symbols across various religions and cultures, often utilized intentionally by ancient priests and artists who understood their psychological impact For example, red bulls in Kreta symbolized power, while the blue coat of Maria in medieval art represented protection and peace The Age of Enlightenment saw artists experimenting with color to create optical illusions, and Romanticism further explored colors for symbolic meanings It wasn't until the twentieth century that Kandinsky's scientific research elevated the study of color to academic institutions, particularly in psychology Today, the commercial advertising industry leverages these psychological insights, making colors a crucial element in the design of products, business environments, and educational settings.
In a dark room, humans cannot perceive colors, highlighting the essential role of light in color perception Without light, colors cease to exist, as emphasized by Pablo Picasso's assertion that "Colors are only symbols; reality is to be found in luminance alone."
Early theories of color were largely speculative, with Aristotle in Ancient Greece proposing the first known Black and White theory This concept was revolutionized in 1666 when Isaac Newton discovered seven colors in sunlight—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet—by passing light through a prism By mixing these colors, an infinite spectrum can be created, significantly advancing the study of color.
The color seen is the light, which is reflected back, and is not absorbed
Tomatoes appear red because they absorb all colors except red, which is reflected to our eyes, demonstrating that color perception is a mental illusion rather than an optical error Research indicates that colors can influence performance, with exposure to red negatively affecting students' test results Conversely, red has been found to enhance speed and force, beneficial in sports Additionally, many psychologists recognize the therapeutic potential of color, as evidenced by ancient practices like chromotherapy in Egyptian and Chinese cultures This form of treatment uses specific colors for healing: red stimulates circulation and energy, yellow purifies and energizes the nerves, orange aids lung health, and blue alleviates pain and promotes relaxation.
The term color has different definitions depending on the field dealing with
Color holds significant meaning for artists involved in dyeing and printing, as it encompasses the paints, pigment inks, and materials they use In contrast, physicists, following Newton's definition, perceive color as a phenomenon defined by both human perception and the objective reality of electromagnetic waves This distinction highlights the potential differences in understanding color, emphasizing the importance of neurological studies for an objective definition Consequently, this underscores the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration between physics and other fields to deepen our understanding of color.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, color is defined as a light phenomenon, such as red, brown, pink, or gray, that allows individuals to distinguish between otherwise identical objects It represents a visual perception and is a response generated by the brain to the information received through the visual systems.
According to the landmark research by Berlin and Kay (1969), the English language comprises eleven basic color terms: black, white, red, green, yellow, blue, brown, purple, pink, orange, and gray.
This article presents a table of colors and their associated meanings, particularly within Western cultures It highlights that colors evoke varied interpretations, emphasizing that their significance is not inherent but rather culturally assigned.
Table 2.1 Basic meanings of colours in Western countries
RED: warmth, love, anger, danger, boldness, excitement, speed, strength, energy, determination, desire, passion, courage, socialism, republicans, chaos
PINK: feminine, love, caring, nurture
ORANGE: cheerfulness, low cost, affordability, enthusiasm, stimulation, creativity, aggression, food, halloween, liberal (politics)
YELLOW: attention-grabbing, comfort, liveliness, cowardice, hunger, optimism, overwhelm, Summer, comfort, liveliness, intellect, happiness, energy, conflict
GREEN: durability, reliability, environmental, luxurious, optimism, healing, well-being, nature, calm, relaxation, Spring, safety, honesty, optimism, harmony, freshness
BLUE: peace, professionalism, loyalty, reliability, honor, trust, melancholia, boredom, coldness, Winter, depth, stability, professionalism, conservatism, democrats
PURPLE: power, royalty, nobility, elegance, sophistication, artificial, luxury, mystery, royalty, elegance, magic
GRAY: conservatism, traditionalism, intelligence, serious, dull, uninteresting
BROWN: relaxing, confident, casual, reassuring, nature, earthy, solid, reliable, genuine, Autumn, endurance
BLACK: Elegance, sophistication, formality, power, strength, illegality, depression, morbidity, night, death
WHITE: Cleanliness, purity, newness, virginity, peace, innocence, simplicity, sterility, snow, ice, cold
Symbolism involves the use of symbols to convey ideas and qualities, assigning them meanings that extend beyond their literal interpretations It can manifest in various forms, typically represented by objects that carry deeper significance Additionally, actions, events, or spoken words can also hold symbolic value; for example, a "smile" symbolizes friendship and affection The meanings of symbols can vary based on context, as seen with the term "chain," which can represent both "union" and other concepts.
The symbolic meaning of an object or action is shaped by its context, including when, where, and how it is used, as well as the perspective of the reader In everyday life, we can readily recognize various objects that serve as examples of symbolism.
The dove is a symbol of peace
A red rose, or the color red, stands for love or romance
Black is a symbol that represents evil or death
A ladder may stand as a symbol for a connection between heaven and earth
A broken mirror may symbolize separation
Examples of Symbolism in Sentences
David stopped his car at the red signal (In other cultures, the color red is symbol of blood, passion, and danger.)
Rebels raised a white flag to negotiate (During war, the color white symbolizes making peace with the enemy Otherwise, it represents purity and life.)
The Red Cross is working around the world (The symbol of the cross represents Christianity, and the red cross in particular represents aid in times of need.)
The yellow boat entered the channel, bringing joy to tourists This vibrant color represents both the concepts of deterioration and infidelity, while also symbolizing freshness and happiness.
He was disappointed when the mirror broke (Broken mirror is an symbol of separation.)
He gave a red rose to his wife on Valentine Day (Red rose is a symbol for love.)
He, after a long time, saw a silver lining in the shape of the arrival of his brother (Silver edge/lining of clouds symbolize hope and optimism.)
Color symbolism refers to how writers utilize colors as symbols across various cultures The associations tied to colors can vary significantly not only between different cultures but also within the same culture across different time periods This diversity means that a single color can evoke multiple meanings and interpretations at any given time.
Colour symbolism involves using colours to convey traditional, cultural, or religious meanings, as well as to evoke emotions and physical responses For instance, red can increase blood pressure, highlighting the physiological impact of colour Additionally, colour trends evolve over time, with certain hues becoming fashionable or associated with specific social and political movements, such as purple symbolizing royalty and red representing communism.
Color expressions are idioms, proverbs, collocations, and metaphors…etc, that comprise color This study mainly focuses and opts for the the above mentioned expressions
METHOD AND PROCEDURE
RESEARCH DESIGN
In this study, I employed a combination of qualitative and contrastive methods to effectively describe, analyze, and compare the use of color-related sentimental expressions in the novels "Jane Eyre" and "The Great Gatsby." This multifaceted approach aims to achieve the thesis's objectives by exploring the nuanced emotional significance of color in both literary works.
In this research, a comprehensive collection of sentimental expressions featuring colors from two novels in English and Vietnamese was meticulously gathered, analyzed, and described The initial phase employed a descriptive method, followed by a contrastive method to highlight the similarities and differences in these expressions across the two languages, viewed through a cognitive lens Ultimately, this study revealed significant cultural differences between the two linguistic contexts.
RESEARCH PROCEDURES
- The data collection was carried out mainly focusing on the books
- All those sentimental expressions will be put together in English and in Vietnamese according to colors and symbolisms so that they can be selected easily during our analysis
The followings are procedures for data analysis:
- Analyzing sentimental expressions containing colours in English versus Vietnamese in terms of symbolic meanings according to the cognitive linguistic viewpoint
This article explores the similarities and differences in color-related sentimental expressions through the lens of cognitive linguistics, focusing on the cultural characteristics of English and Vietnamese By analyzing two novels, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the emotional connotations associated with colors in both languages, highlighting both the commonalities and unique distinctions in their expressions.
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
Reliability and validity are crucial for ensuring high-quality data collection in research This study utilizes data gathered from trustworthy novels, systematically compiling sentimental expressions related to colors in both languages The findings are derived from accurate statistical analysis, free from biases and preconceived notions To uphold validity, all selected sentimental expressions are compared with theoretical frameworks, reinforcing the study's quality Consequently, the data collection and analysis methods employed suggest that the study is both reliable and valid.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
Sentimental expressions containing colours in the two English novels and
4.1.1 Sentimental expressions containing colours in Jane Eyre and its Vietnamese translated version
The writer Bronte skillfully uses six main colours in order to reflect Jane‘s psychological state Those notable colors shift the places that Jane goes, from
In the journey from Gateshead to Lowood School, Thornfield, Moor House, and finally Ferndean, Jane Eyre's emotions significantly influence her perception of color This connection allows readers to easily grasp Jane's inner feelings through the vivid imagery of six key colors: red, black, purple, blue, green, and grey Each color serves as a reflection of Jane's emotional state, enhancing the narrative's depth and resonance.
In the novel, the prominent colors red and black are deeply intertwined with Gothic literary elements, which are prevalent in Victorian literature and characterized by themes of fear, horror, and high emotion The Gothic genre gained popularity in the late 18th century, notably with Horace Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto." Red and black serve as powerful symbols that evoke emotional responses and create a distinct atmosphere for readers While red is often associated with passion, warmth, and energy, it can also signify aggression and danger In Western cultures, red symbolizes fire, blood, and love, and is known to stimulate appetite and increase heart rate However, in this novel, Bronte emphasizes the negative connotations of red, highlighting its darker meanings within the narrative.
Red is a symbolic colour that is frequently used throughout this novel
Bronte mentions the red room frequently as a way to illustrate Jane‘s sentimental expressions This detail is purposely repeated ten times throughout the novel
The recurring presence of the color red in Jane's environment and relationships serves as a foreshadowing element, hinting at the misfortunes and emotional turmoil she will face We will begin by examining the significance of the red room in each chapter.
1) ― Take her away to the red-room, and lock her in there ‖ ( Chapter 1) ―Đem nhốt nó vào phòng đỏ cho ta ‖
2) “ The red room was a square chamber,…hung with curtains of deep red damask, …; the carpet was red;…‖ ( Chapter 1)
― Phòng đỏ là một căn phòng vuông vức ,….treo tướng gấm đỏ thẫm…; thảm trải sàn cũng màu đỏ;…‖
3) ― …the secret of the red-room‖ ( Chapter 1)
― …bí mật của căn phòng đỏ‖
4) ―Daylight began to forshake the red room‖ ( Chapter 1)
― Ánh sang bắt đầu tan dần trong phòng đỏ‖
5) ― Abbot and Bessie, I believe I gave orders that Jane Eyre should be left in the red-room till I came to her myself‖ ( Chapter 2)
― Abbot, Bessie, ta tin là ta đã ra lệnh nhốt con bé Jane Eyre vào phòng đỏ cho đến khi nào đích thân ta đến cơ mà.‖
6) ―before me a terrible red glare….the red glare was the nursery fire…‖ (Chapter 3)
― …một quầng sáng đỏ chói lòa đáng sợ… quầng sang đỏ chói lòa kia là lửa trong phòng sưởi trẻ‖
For young Jane, the color red initially symbolizes a terrifying nightmare, trapping her behind impenetrable black bars However, by chapter 3, she discovers that this frightening red is merely the glow from her nursery fire What once represented evil and hellish flames transforms into a comforting, nurturing warmth The repeated mention of the red glare underscores Jane's fear and terror during the early chapters of her life.
7) ―…I suppose, in the red-room with…‖ ( Chapter 3)
― Tôi đoán là lúc bị nhốt trong căn phòng đỏ…‖
8) ―…followed this incident of the red-room‖ ( Chapter 3)
― …sau sự cố trong phòng đỏ…‖
9) ― I shall remember how you thrust me back-roughly and violently thrust me back – into the red room,…‖ ( Chapter 3)
― Có chết tôi mới quên chuyện bà đã đẩy tôi – hết sức thô bạo và dữ dằn – vào phòng đỏ rồi khóa cửa nhốt tôi trong đó‖
Bronte intentionally chooses the phrase ―the red room‖ from chapter 1 to chapter 27 to show her readers how terrified and afraid the little Jane feels in every situation
In the first chapter, Jane Eyre's conflict with her cousin John Reed results in her being locked in the ominous red room at Gateshead, where her late uncle Mr Reed died nine years prior This setting, rich in Gothic elements, evokes a haunting atmosphere, as Brontë hints at the possibility of her uncle's ghost As Jane, a vulnerable ten-year-old girl, is confined in the room adorned in shades of red—from the damask to the carpet—her fear and isolation become palpable With no one to care for her, Jane is engulfed in a sense of hopelessness, highlighting the emotional depth of her character and the dark themes prevalent in the narrative.
The color red in Jane's environment symbolizes her deep depression and amplifies her terror, illustrating its powerful psychological impact It evokes visions of her uncle's ghost, intensifying her fear and linking red to themes of blood and violence This oppressive atmosphere, dominated by dark red hues, physically and mentally overwhelms Jane, drawing readers into her desperate plight As she struggles to endure her confinement in this haunting room, the color red becomes a suffocating force, awakening her inner turmoil and sense of revolt.
In her novel, Brontë employs the recurring motif of the red room to symbolize key aspects of Jane's psychological development The color red carries significant symbolic meaning, and the repeated references to the red room throughout different stages of Jane's life highlight her emotional and mental growth.
The first time the red room episode takes place, she can hardly control herself because of the fear and violent grief overwhelm her Then, on the way to Lowood:
10) ― …a little red gallery high up against the wall filled with musical instruments‖
On January 19th, Jane begins her journey from Gateshead, waking up at five in the morning to prepare for her six o'clock coach Despite her family's lack of intention to bid her farewell, Jane eagerly anticipates leaving the Reeds behind, much to the surprise of the porter’s wife.
Mrs Reed allows young Jane to travel alone, highlighting Jane's imaginative nature and her fears of being kidnapped at the inn where the coach stops for dinner The recurring presence of the color red signifies Jane's ongoing feelings of insecurity and anxiety during this journey.
Jane's feelings are understandable as she navigates her first long journey with a stranger At Lowood School, Mr Brocklehurst publicly humiliates her for her perceived dishonesty, triggering memories of her traumatic experience in the red room at Gateshead This moment emphasizes her deep-seated resentment towards her past and the mistreatment she endured.
In the narrative, I recall Mr Lloyd visiting me after the terrifying incident in the red room, an experience that remains vividly etched in my memory.
Ông Lloyd đã đến khám cho tôi sau khi tôi bị ngất, và sự kiện kinh hoàng trong phòng đỏ vẫn luôn ám ảnh tôi.
Jane's realization of her widespread disdain at school fills her with terror, akin to a sense of imprisonment This fuels her desire to revolt against figures like Reed and Brocklehurst At Lowood School, Jane learns to confront injustice more effectively, drawing on her experiences of mistreatment at Gateshead The symbolism of the color red further emphasizes her passionate resistance to oppression.
12) ―…- it seemed as if there was a fire lit, an altar burning behind its screen of marbled vapour, and out of apertures shone a golden redness.‖
Có một quầng lửa bùng cháy trên án thờ, ẩn sau tấm màn mỏng manh vân cẩm thạch, với ánh đỏ ối lóe lên qua những kẻ hở giữa tấm màn.
On a special day marked by a golden redness, Jane reflects on her surprising reunion with Mrs Reed as she walks back to Thornfield The sky appears ablaze, resembling a spiritual altar behind a veil of marbled vapor Brontë's choice of "golden redness" signifies a departure from traditional associations of red with terror or violence, instead embodying Jane's intense passion and unavoidable feelings for Mr Rochester The Gothic elements heighten the atmosphere as Brontë unveils the source of laughter on the night before Jane's wedding—a ghostly woman, intensifying the suspense and intrigue.
13) ―As I looked up at them, the moon appeared momentarily in that part of the sky which filled their fissure; her disk was blood-red and half overcast;‖ ( Chapter 25)
The similarities and differences of those expressions in Englsih and
Color terminology is deeply intertwined with nationality, culture, and history In Western cultures, for instance, red is often associated with intensity, while green is viewed as calming Additionally, the meanings of achromatic colors vary significantly; black represents mourning in some cultures, whereas in others, it signifies celebration and weddings (Linton, 1991)
Cultural phenomena are shaped by various factors, leading to distinct interpretations of colors across different regions Specifically, Western countries and Eastern nations, such as England and Vietnam, possess unique cultural backgrounds that influence their perceptions of basic colors To explore these similarities and differences from a cognitive linguistic perspective, it is essential to examine the diverse language cultures, historical contexts, religious beliefs, modes of thinking, political systems, and traditional customs that characterize both Western and Eastern societies, with a particular focus on the color red.
A discussion on "the red room" in both the English and Vietnamese versions of Jane Eyre is essential, as it stands out as one of the novel's most significant details Critics widely recognize the importance of this element, and the color red carries a universally positive symbolic meaning across both Western and Eastern cultures.
In Vietnam, the vibrant color red is prominently featured in various celebrations such as opening ceremonies, festivals, and weddings This preference stems from the Five Elements theory, which associates red with the rising sun in the East, symbolizing the power of heaven and earth The bright red hue that illuminates the Eastern sky at sunrise is believed to embody the sun's attributes Additionally, red is known to strongly influence human senses, evoking feelings of energy and enthusiasm, making it a favored choice for joyful occasions in Vietnamese culture.
Furthermore, from the scientific and practical perspective, the colour red stimulates nerves and makes people be more excited, so they think positively and work more effectively
Vietnam's economy is predominantly rooted in agriculture, with a strong focus on wet rice cultivation The Vietnamese people endure severe tropical conditions, significantly influenced by heavy rainfall, monsoons, and high humidity Due to their reliance on unpredictable natural elements, they often associate various colors with hope, luck, fortune, and happiness.
In Vietnam, the color red has long been associated with positive symbolism, as evidenced by various aspects of daily life From traditional celebrations to cultural practices, red is prominently featured, representing good fortune, happiness, and prosperity This enduring use of red highlights its significance in Vietnamese culture, where it continues to embody good things and positive energy.
During Tet holiday in Vietnam, homes are adorned with red decorations to attract good luck and fortune for the upcoming year Spring fairs showcase traditional masters creating antithetical couplets on red paper, adding to the festive spirit Additionally, beautifully crafted red envelopes filled with money, known as "li xi," symbolize good wishes and prosperity.
―tiền lì xì‖ in Vietnamese) as a gift for elders and young children
- On Vietnamese Independent Day, people around the nation hang red flags to celebrate their freedom and victory
- Prior to the wedding days, almost every couple deliver ―thiệp hồng‖ in
In Vietnam, wedding invitations, commonly referred to as "thiệp hồng," are traditionally red or pink, symbolizing happiness and good fortune Regardless of the actual color of the invitation, the term "thiệp hồng" is universally used to describe these polite invitations, inviting guests to celebrate the joyous occasion.
The color red symbolizes happiness in Vietnamese poetry, reflecting its deep-rooted significance in Vietnamese culture Numerous examples from Vietnamese literature illustrate how this vibrant hue has been intricately linked to societal values and emotions throughout history.
- Mái tóc Bác đã phai màu quá nửa
Lòng son ngời như buổi mới ra đi ( Chế Lan Viên - Người thay đổi đời tôi, Người thay đổi thơ tôi)
- Nỗi vui ta như một bức tranh màu
Nỗi giết giặc long ta tô sắc đỏ
( Chế Lan Viên – Suy nghĩ 1966)
- Đứng ngã ba đường cây gạo son
Người tình nhân đỏ chót môi hôn
Xe ta qua mãi mà không dứt
Chiều tối màu son đỏ chói hồn
(Chế Lan Viên – Hoa gạo son)
- Chúc mừng ai cánh hoa hồng màu đỏ
Cài áo mình chứng tỏ một niềm vui
Red symbolizes celebration and festivity in English, reflected in various expressions that highlight its significance within the cultural context of English speakers.
A "red letter day" refers to a day that is eagerly anticipated or fondly remembered, marked by a significant and often enjoyable event According to the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, this term highlights moments that stand out in our lives due to their remarkable nature.
The expression "paint the town red" commonly refers to the act of going out in a city or town to have a fun and lively time, often by exploring a variety of venues like bars, restaurants, and clubs.
In English-speaking countries, the color red symbolizes fortune and prosperity, particularly in the context of the stock market, where it signifies rising values and serves as a buying signal This positive association with red is universally recognized, reflecting its warm and vibrant qualities Ultimately, red embodies a positive attitude, luck, passion, and energy, contributing to an exciting atmosphere.
In Western cultures, red is primarily viewed as the color of fire and blood, deeply rooted in tradition This association stems from its connection to Mars, the ancient Roman god of war, as well as the red planet itself.
West, the name of this planet is the name of the god of war) They also have some phrases to illustrate this connotations
- Red in tooth and claw
In Western culture, the color red symbolizes threat, danger, cruelty, violence, and terror Conversely, while Vietnamese culture associates red with anger, it does not link the color to the negative connotations of threat and violence as seen in English-speaking cultures.
- Tức đến nỗi đỏ mặt tía tai