Our lives and colors are deeply intertwined and inseparable. There is a common knowledge that people of different cultures have attached different meaning and significance to various colors. By observing and learning the use of colors in the various cultures, we can understand one another's beliefs, needs and feelings better, while conveying our own.
Below is a scenario that I have observed concerning the differences in the usage of colors in Chinese and Malay cultures:
In Chinese society, red is the traditional color that symbolizes prosperity and auspiciousness. Hence, for joyous occasions, such as weddings and Chinese New Year, we could see red as the main choice of color for decoration. Besides joyous occasion, red is also a color that Chinese prefer in their daily life.
Living in a small town in Malaysia, blackout is very common and candles are indispensable in such times. My family owns a provision shop and one of our goods for sale are candles. To cater to the needs of our customers who are Malays and Chinese, we have to sell both white and red candles. White candles are for the Malays, while red candles are for the Chinese. Traditional Chinese people would not want to use any white candles, as they believe that white candles are inauspicious, since they are usually lighted in Chinese funerals. On the other hand, the Malays would refuse to buy any red candles, even if there are no white candles available for sale. I was told by a Malay that red is a ferocious color to them and it symbolizes “Syaitan”(Satan) or evil, while white symbolize purity. Thus, they would not use any red candle and like to buy white candles. My parents must have known this.
From the small scenario above, it is clear that different cultures have different perception towards colors.
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Hi Xian Rui,
ReplyDeleteI believe that your parents must have known about these kinds of things. For opening a shop in Malaysia, you cannot afford to offend the Malays as they are the majority over there. However, I think that regardless of where I am, I would try not to anger anybody of different culture as it’s a form of respect to others.
“What goes around, comes around”. So if you respect other races, they will do the same to you. I think that’s what your parents had in mind.
See you in class=)
Shi Ting
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ReplyDeleteHey Xian Rui,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting observation on inter-cultural behaviour that you have made. I think your parents will be aware of more of such inter-cultural difference, that which caters to both the Malays and the Chinese.
I find your post short and sweet. Though I am not sure if what you wrote would be as much on inter-cultural communication as it is
on inter-cultural awareness. But good job. See you on tuesday. :)
Hey Xian Rui,
ReplyDeleteThat was an interesting post. I would never have guessed that even the purchase of the simplest thing - the candle would be so different in two different races. I think that it boils down to the generation that one is brought up in also. I would assume that the younger generation would have no problem using red or white candles. But then again, this assumption may not hold. Nevertheless, it was an interesting post.
That was really an interesting post. Thanks for sharing such a great and interesting topic. By the way have you heard about Fast track tool through which I have learnt the various skills which helped me for my career success. they conducting various workshops and training programs to improve the skills.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rui, for this clear and concise post on the significance of colors in the Malay and Chinese communities in Malaysia. Lalitha is right in stating that this is probably more of an awareness issue than communication. It becomes a communication issue when it impacts human interaction. You touch on that when you suggest that Malays would not use red no matter what the case, and that for the Chinese the white candles would probably also not be employed lightly. Does your parents' shop carry candles of other colors?
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that Malays prefer white candles.
I just have another example which I think is related to this example. There are many words in Chinese mean differently based on different regions you come from. One typical example is that there is a word called "Baocai" in Chinese. It refers to a kind of vegetable. However, the vegetable it refers to is different in northern part of China and in southern part of China. As a result, when northern people go to restaurants in the south, they alway cannot get what they really want and they will always get into an argument with waitress.
Hi Brad,
ReplyDeleteNo, my parent's shop only sell red and white candles as other candles of other colours would not be used by the local.
Xian Rui