Historical Representation of the Color Yellow
Throughout history, yellow has held various symbolic meanings across different cultures and time periods . Across many ancient cultures around the world, yellow was often reserved for nobility and used as a symbol for divine presence.
In ancient Egypt, yellow was closely associated with the sun god Ra, representing eternity and the divine. The Egyptians used yellow pigments made from natural earth elements to adorn tombs, statues, and wall paintings, symbolizing the eternal nature of the afterlife. This association with the sun made yellow a revered color, often reserved for gods and rulers.
In China, yellow was the color of the emperor, symbolizing power, prosperity, and centrality. The Chinese word for yellow, "huang," also sounds like the word for "emperor," further solidifying its connection to royalty. Only the emperor was permitted to wear yellow robes, a privilege that underscored the color's importance and its association with divine right and authority.
In the Middle Ages, yellow took on a more complex role in European culture. While it was often used to depict gold and light, it was also associated with betrayal and heresy. Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, was frequently depicted in yellow, which led to the color's negative connotations in Christian iconography. The color yellow was, (and still is today), used as a sign of caution, due to its natural boldness. Many cultures incorporated yellow in their folklore narrations to relay wisdom or to communicate negative feelings like jealousy or greed.
Despite these associations, yellow has persisted as a symbol of enlightenment , god, and wisdom in many religious traditions.