Anyanwu and Appah (2013) stated that “Color symbolism, is the means whereby colors become medium or means through which messages are transmitted or the means whereby colors in themselves represent, stand for, or denote something but themselves. The colors readily convey messages by drawing us into the world of the meaning of such colors.” Meaning that every color we see has a definitive meaning. Color is merely, a phenomenon of light or visual perception that enables one to differentiate otherwise identical objects, (Merriam-Webster dictionary). Within the African traditional religions, colors are used in various forms of expressions. “At a close look, color symbols are instruments of expression, communication of knowledge and control. As
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Black is one of the most universally defined colors in the world. This is a color that is normally marked with sorrow and pain along; and in some aspect fashion and gorgeous and sleek. Within the African indigenous community, black has quite a few definitions. Generally, black is used in funerals. Most times, black symbolizes that the individual that has died was young and it was truly a time of mourning and sorrow. Because, within the tribal community, when a person dies young, they have not reached their full life’s potential (Isiguzo, nd). They have not had a chance to make their mark within their community and fulfill the purpose that their Supreme God has placed in their life. When black is worn and used to decorate the funeral, it can also be an indication that the person that is being mourned has either died from a disease and in the case of women, they died without bearing a child. Bearing offspring is very important especially to the men of the community. However, when a woman dies without having a child, she too is identified as someone that does not reach their life’s full potential.*The color black in terms of deceased persons indicates, that the individual has not had the chance to prepare for an easy passage into the land of the ancestors; it indicates that that person will be in the land of the suffering, (Ancient Symbols, 2014). Also, Anyanwu and Appah (2013) states, “During such deaths, relatives of the deceased wear black mourning uniform to signify deep sorrow and great mourning. The black here symbolizes that evil and bad have come to the family. Once black is seen on someone in a situation of this nature, it is readily known and accepted that some harm or evil has come on the family and that the family is in a sorrowful or mourning mood.” Even though the color black is used throughout the tribal communities in Africa, it also has a few symbolic meanings that are unique and very specific to that tribe.
Black is one of the most universally defined colors in the world. This is a color that is normally marked with sorrow and pain along; and in some aspect fashion and gorgeous and sleek. Within the African indigenous community, black has quite a few definitions. Generally, black is used in funerals. Most times, black symbolizes that the individual that has died was young and it was truly a time of mourning and sorrow. Because, within the tribal community, when a person dies young, they have not reached their full life’s potential (Isiguzo, nd). They have not had a chance to make their mark within their community and fulfill the purpose that their Supreme God has placed in their life. When black is worn and used to decorate the funeral, it can also be an indication that the person that is being mourned has either died from a disease and in the case of women, they died without bearing a child. Bearing offspring is very important especially to the men of the community. However, when a woman dies without having a child, she too is identified as someone that does not reach their life’s full potential.*The color black in terms of deceased persons indicates, that the individual has not had the chance to prepare for an easy passage into the land of the ancestors; it indicates that that person will be in the land of the suffering, (Ancient Symbols, 2014). Also, Anyanwu and Appah (2013) states, “During such deaths, relatives of the deceased wear black mourning uniform to signify deep sorrow and great mourning. The black here symbolizes that evil and bad have come to the family. Once black is seen on someone in a situation of this nature, it is readily known and accepted that some harm or evil has come on the family and that the family is in a sorrowful or mourning mood.” Even though the color black is used throughout the tribal communities in Africa, it also has a few symbolic meanings that are unique and very specific to that tribe.