Why Is Black The Color Of Mourning?

To most, black signifies mourning at a funeral. Many people are familiar with associating the color black, or other dark colors, with wearing to a funeral and wake of someone who has passed. In the U.S., this is what we are familiar with, but many other countries across the globe associate mourning with different colors. Although black is the most common color across larger areas, brighter colors are common for mourning elsewhere. Learn more about the colors of mourning around the world and why many people wear black to a funeral.

Below are some areas across the globe that choose different colors to signify mourning at a funeral.

In the Western world, in areas like North America and larger parts of Europe, black is associated with death and mourning. This started in the Roman Times after a queen wore black to signify mourning a prince's loss. This trend followed, and to this day, many Americans associate black as an appropriate color to wear to funerals, wakes, and mourning or grieving. Other dark colors are acceptable in these areas, too, like dark navy or dark gray, but black still reigns supreme as the top color to wear to a funeral.

In other areas of the world, such as East Asia and some parts of Europe, white is the go-to color for mourning a loss. In the 16th century in France, white was worn to bereaved children and women who were not married. This trend continued with royalty, and Mary Queen of Scots wore white after losing many family members quickly. This tradition has carried on to East Asia and parts of Europe today as it signifies purity, rebirth, and mourning to these areas.

Red may seem like a bold color to wear in a time of mourning, but it is normal for those in South Africa. Red can be a very controversial color at funerals, especially in China, as it is forbidden. Still, in South Africa, it is the perfect color to signify the mourning of a loved one. Red represents the apartheid era and bloodshed during those years. Red is the complete opposite of the dark colors North America is familiar with, but it is a tradition in South Africa and is considered a respectful color.

Purple may seem like an odd color choice to show respect at a funeral, but that is the tradition for those in South America and Thailand. Purple has been associated with royalty dating back to ancient times. Many Easter dresses and robes that Catholics wore were purple. Those in Thailand wear purple as a mourning color for widows, and all guests there will wear black. In Brazil, Catholics will wear black and purple to show grief. They associate purple so strongly with mourning that wearing it in other situations may be unlucky.

Mourning the loss of a loved one can be hard. At Hamel-Lydon Chapel & Cremation Services, we know the importance of honoring the life of a loved one. It may be hard to cope with a recent or sudden loss, so our team helps you handle the services by offering a caring hand. We want to help guide you through this challenging time and show you the importance of honoring the life they had with you. Learn more about our celebration of life, burial, and funeral services and how we can help local families in Boston, MA.