Red played an important role in Chinese philosophy. It was believed that the world was composed of five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth, and that each had a color. Red was associated with fire. Each Emperor chose the color that his fortune-tellers believed would bring the most prosperity and good fortune to his reign. During the Zhou, Han, Jin, Song and Ming Dynasties, red considered a noble color, and it was featured in all court ceremonies, from coronations to sacrificial offerings, and weddings. COUNT 5
QSN1 How many elements did the Chinese philosophers think the world was made of? ANS1 five QSN2 What element was red associated with in Chinese philosophy? ANS2 fire QSN3 Outside of Fire and Earth, what three other elements did Chinese philosophers say the world was composed from? ANS3 metal, wood, water QSN4 At the time of the Han dynasty where would one fine the color Red? ANS4 all court ceremonies QSN5 In the time of the Ming Dynasty one would find what color used during sacrificial offerings? ANS5 Red