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Mukabenova Z.A., Artaev S.N., Gadanov S.S., Mandzhiev A.D.
The symbolism of red and blue colors as a reflection of the national mentality of Koreans (based on the material of Korean proverbs)
// Litera.
2024. ¹ 12.
P. 159-171.
DOI: 10.25136/2409-8698.2024.12.72527 EDN: ZFYIAP URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=72527
The symbolism of red and blue colors as a reflection of the national mentality of Koreans (based on the material of Korean proverbs)
DOI: 10.25136/2409-8698.2024.12.72527EDN: ZFYIAPReceived: 01-12-2024Published: 28-12-2024Abstract: This article discusses two chromatic colors – red and blue, which are included in the system of basic colors according to the ancient Chinese theory of Yin – Yang and the five elements. The subject of our research is the above two colors in Korean traditional culture. The linguistic and cultural analysis of color meanings in Korean proverbs makes it possible to determine the universal and specific features of the linguistic picture of the world, representing the historical, cultural, and social experience of one people accumulated as a result of its development. The research centers on Proverbs, idioms with colors 붉다 [bulkta] / 홍 [hong] (紅) (red), 푸르다[p ureuda] / 청 (靑) [cheong] (blue). In this article, we use the names of colors of Korean / Chinese origin, since there are different spellings of color meanings in proverbs. By studying color as an important category of cognition of the world, one can see how it affects people's social, religious, moral, emotional and interpersonal relationships. The work uses a descriptive method necessary for the classification and generalization of linguistic material, linguistic and cultural analysis to interpret the information obtained, revealing the mentality, traditions and customs of the people. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the systematic description and definition of the symbolism and meaning of color in culturally significant texts in the Korean language. The analysis of the color values "red" and "blue" in the Korean tradition, namely in the paremias, made it possible to identify their harmonious combination as one whole organism corresponding to the Yin –Yang system, as well as to highlight their contrasting position. This study reveals the peculiarities of the national linguistic picture in terms of reflecting the Korean people's ideas about color as a universal category, but having its own specifics. The results of this study will help to form a stable understanding of the mental beliefs that influence the scenario and mechanism of thinking, and as a result, the national culture, which determines the originality of the mental and linguistic organization of national consciousness. Keywords: colour, color designation, Linguoculturology, proverbs, stable expressions, mentality, national culture, national consciousness, linguistic and cultural analysis, the symbolism of colorThis article is automatically translated. Introduction For a long time, the Korean people have attached great importance to each color, related, for example, to a person's status, character, or level of intelligence. If a color was given a symbol, then it was fixed for a long time, and could expand or change over the course of history. Thus, a whole orderly color system was formed. The color terms "red" and "blue" as the subject of our research in Korean linguoculture contain a huge layer of ancient traditions and symbols. Koreans, whose culture has long been in contact with ancient Chinese, have adopted a lot from their neighbors, as well as integrated their specific elements related to nature, food, and the upbringing of the younger generation. Therefore, color definitions in Korean traditional culture cannot but be based on the theory of Yin –Yang and the five elements, which assumes that all things in this world consist of Yin (earth) and Yang (sky). Yin – Yang forms a balance, harmonizing with nature and man, becoming the basis for the formation of the national mentality of Koreans, which became the object of our research. The five primary colors 오방색 [obangsaek] According to the Chinese theory of the five elements (white, black, red, yellow and blue) reflect 5 directions: the 4 cardinal directions and the center. At the same time, black corresponds to the north, red to the south, white to the west, blue to the east, and yellow to the center. In addition to belonging to the cardinal points and the center, these colors symbolize certain concepts: blue is associated with benevolence, white means justice, black means wisdom, red means reverence, and yellow means harmony [1]. The purpose of this work is to study the red and blue colors of these five in Korean traditional thinking based on the study of the paremiological foundation of the Korean language. These colors are considered Yang colors, while white and black are considered Yin colors [2]. The color terms "red" and "blue" complement each other, turning into something whole, for example, they become a symbol of the union of a man and a woman. It is noteworthy that in red and blue there can be opposite concepts that simultaneously transform into each other, as shown in the proverbs we have considered. A detailed analysis of the selected linguistic material, detailing the data of the juxtaposition of two colors, reflects the scientific novelty of this work. In Korea, scientific research in the field of color has been conducted by various scientists since the 1970s. The symbolism of color is studied by Pak Sang (1978), Baek Yongja (1985), and Pak Songsu (1999) and Chang Genhyun (2007) study color meanings based on phraseological units and stable phrases [3-5]. Park Seonhae and Kwon Engel (2005) deal with the issues of studying the linguistic consciousness of Koreans based on the material of Korean paroemias with a color component [6]. There are regular works aimed at studying color in the field of design, painting, art therapy, etc. [7-11]. Among Russian scientists, the topic of color meanings in the Korean linguistic color worldview is a little-studied subject of research and requires further linguistic research. Among the works in which descriptions and analysis of Korean color meanings are found, we note the works of Kim, Lvova (2007), Lapshina (2011), Dubrovskaya (2015), Lim (2015), Zhukobaeva (2019), Amaeva (2021) [12-17]. Below we will look at Korean proverbs from the collections of Korean proverbs by Kim Dohwan [18] and Lee Seongjong [19], as well as from the Large Korean–Russian Dictionary [20] with the color meanings "red" and "blue", which have their own symbols, evaluative load and certain significance. Red and blue colors as a reflection of the national consciousness of Koreans Red is a very significant color in Korean culture, it is associated with fire, the sun, and vital energy, but it is also a symbol of love and passion [21, p. 12]. Red is also perceived as the color of power and strength, the imperial clothes and the clothes of the courtiers were red. Along with such power, this color gives good luck and wealth. The color designation "red" in Korean proverbs expresses beauty and strength at the same time, using the description of plants and flowers. For example: [kkoch-ilado sib-ilhongi doemyeon odeon bongjeobdo anionda] - 'Even bees and butterflies no longer fly to the flower after 10 days of red flowering.‘ The red flower attracts insects with its beauty, but its flowering period is so short that you can admire it and be content with very little. This proverb speaks of the absence of something eternal, status and position are also temporary phenomena in human life. There is another proverb with a similar meaning: [sipnyeon sedo(sedo) eobsgo yeolheul bulg-eun kkoche obsda] - 'Ten years - no power, ten days - and no red flowers.’ This parody reveals the essence of power and money, which tend to run out at some point. Many people mistakenly believe that wealth can make a person's life happy. However, the proverb hints that everything has a time limit and do not forget that sometimes relationships with people are much more important than money. In another proverb, a red flower reveals beauty: [nam-uikkoch-eunbulg-geboinda] - 'Other people's flowers seem redder.‘ Someone else's thing always seems better than your own. The theme of power and money is also found in proverbs, where the color designation "red" is combined with clothing. For example: 남의홍패 메고 춤추기 [nam-ui hongpae mego chumchugi] - 'Dancing in someone else's red robe’. That's what they say about a person who uses someone else's power or hides behind it. Here, the color designation "red" is considered as the color of rich and noble people. Because of the high cost of colored fabrics, ordinary people in Korea could afford to wear only white or gray clothes, while the rich nobility could afford to wear colored ones. Hence, the expression "white nation", which is quite well-known among Koreans, appeared. So, a red robe symbolizes a rich man endowed with a certain power, and dancing in such a robe can mean living at someone else's expense. The color designation "red" demonstrates not only beauty and wealth, but also reveals the character and behavior of a person. 돼지도 낯을 붉히겠다 [dwaejido nach-eul bulghigetta] - 'Even a pig would blush.’ In this expression, Koreans disapprovingly describe arrogant people, those who behave very demonstratively in society, humiliating others, showing their strength or power, without feeling shame. The color designation "red" in combination with food can indicate a discrepancy or discrepancy between the external beauty, spiritual fullness of a person and his inner content. The expressions [bulg-eun ganjang-eun dalji anhda] - 'Red soy sauce is not sweet‘ or [bulg’eun jang-i sseuda] - ‘Red sauce is bitter' mark the bright saturated color of red pepper, that is, the red color is rather admired by Koreans, but this pepper paste tastes very spicy or bitter. Koreans use such proverbs to condemn or even ridicule people who are outwardly beautiful, but with a bad character or undignified behavior. In Korean traditional culture, the red color in contrast with the blue color resembles the ancient Chinese theory of Yin – Yang. Hot red sunny Yang, symbolizing the masculine principle, and cold blue Yin, symbolizing the feminine principle, form the energy of life, on which the entire universe is based [22]. The color values "red" and "blue" as a reflection of this system appear in paroemias with different meanings. The stable expression붉으락 푸르락 한다 [bulg-eulag puleulag handa] – ‘blush, then turn pale' is used in relation to a person who does not know what to do, is confused. In this case, "blushing" can mean a person's shame (cheeks turn red), and "turning blue" can mean fear (lips turn blue). In the proverb 빨간 상놈 푸른 양반 [ppalgan sangnom puleun yangban] - 'Red bumpkin and blue noble’, two colors are contrasted - red and blue as something negative and positive. A red bumpkin is a person who loves gambling, is irresponsible about his life and does not consider others. A blue nobleman is associated with a person of noble birth, who has a good upbringing and is distinguished by reasonable behavior in society. This proverb was used to condemn and criticize the negative qualities of young people and to endorse qualities such as good manners and education. There are several versions of the answers to the question of why in this proverb the nobleman is indicated in blue. Perhaps the blue color comes from the expression "blue light" "청금 (靑衿)" [cheonggeum], which was used for a Confucian sage who wore a blue robe. Also, during the Joseon period, some of the courtiers wore blue clothes [9]. Such moments from life could leave their mark and be reflected in folklore. However, red and blue colors in the Korean tradition are not only opposed to each other, but can also symbolize a single union of a man and a woman. In the proverb청실홍실 매야만 연분인가 [cheongsil hongsil maeyaman yeonbun-inga] - 'Will it be considered a union if you tie red and blue threads?"it talks about the formation of a new family. Wedding ceremonies in Korea also could not do without knowledge of the theory of the five elements of Yin – Yang, where red and blue colors are in mutual harmony with each other despite the different energies, positive and negative. Before the wedding, the groom's family sends the bride's family a wedding box in a red handkerchief with a letter and two pieces of red and blue silk for sewing the wedding dress. "Red silk is wrapped in blue paper and stitched with red threads, and blue silk is wrapped in red paper, stitched with blue threads. It symbolizes the unity of a man and a woman, harmony in their relationship, love and constant devotion to each other" [21, p. 20-21]. Already at the wedding, the bride wore a red skirt and a green jacket. Koreans believe that red color drives away evil spirits, and green color gives healthy offspring and brings a rich harvest. Previously, it was believed that if you wrap a child with red and blue thread, which was used at the parents' wedding, then a sick child can be cured or a serious illness prevented [21]. Simultaneously with the importance of forming a new family, the color designations "red" and "blue" can be opposed to each other. For example, in the proverb 청상과부는 살아도 홍상과부는 못산다 [cheongsang-gwabuneun sal-ado hongsang-gwabuneun mossanda] - ‘A blue widow can live, but a red widow cannot’, blue symbolizes youth, and red – old age. If the widow is a young girl, she can still find a new mate and start a family, and it will be much more difficult for an old woman who has lost her husband to remarry. The blue Yin color symbolizes creation, immortality, and rebirth. It is spring in the philosophy of the Five Elements and is used as the color of shamanism and blessing. There is a version that the blue (light blue) color in the context may be associated with Korean indifference and misunderstanding of people, as well as with suffering [23, p. 17]. Blue as water is contrasted with red as fire, and blue as cold is contrasted with red as heat. [22, p. 91]. Color designation "blue" 푸르다 [phureuda] / 청(靑)[cheong] is associated with courage and intelligence, with youth and the energy of life. The stable expression [cheong-un-ui kkum] "the dream of the Blue Cloud" symbolizes the dream and aspiration of young students for a successful future, where they will have a high position in society, and an ideal world where educated and literate people live [cheong-un jisa] (靑雲之士) 'masters of the Blue Cloud', They call 청학동 [cheonghagdong] (靑鶴洞) the ‘blue doctrine in the East’, meaning science in China [20, p. 28]. The color designation "blue" in Korean culture symbolizes study, education, literacy and knowledge. For example: 청출어람 [cheongchul-eolam] (letters. ‘blue comes from the color indigo') – ‘The student surpasses his teacher'. The blue color in this proverb is associated with learning and knowledge. Koreans also associate gratitude and endurance, as well as the ability to cope with life's difficulties, with the color blue. In the proverb 푸른 옷을 입을때는 홰나무를 잊지 말라 [puleun os-eul ib-eultaeneun hwaenamuleul ij-ji malla] - 'When you wear blue clothes, do not forget about the he tree', blue clothes are the result of processing the bark and leaves of the tree. This expression reminds a person to be grateful for everything that nature, people, and the world in general give him, since this quality in a person is one of the most important for building relationships. Figurative comparisons of nature and difficult situations in people's lives are demonstrated by the following proverbs: [nun waya sol-i puleun jul anda] - 'Only when it snows do you know that a pine tree is green (blue)’ or [gyeoul-i da doeeoya sol-i puleun jula nda] – ‘Only with the onset of winter do you realize that the pine tree is green.’ Snow in these parodies symbolizes difficulties, and blue (green) pines – stability, strength, stability and changelessness. Strong, brave, persistent people can overcome crisis situations like trees in bad weather. The color designation "blue" in this case is associated with constancy and stability. In the following proverb, the blue (green) color indicates a grasshopper who pretends to be someone else at an important ceremony: [sanjesbab-e cheong mettugi ttwieodeuldeus] - 'Like a green grasshopper jumping into a sacrifice to the god of Mount Shin.' The meaning of the proverb is to ridicule a person who is trying to show or prove to others his involvement in something where he does not belong. Previously, sacrifices to the gods were made by rich and wealthy people, while the poor could not afford to participate in such large and expensive events. The theme of status and power is shown in the following parody: [cheongja jeobsie borigaetteog] - ‘On a blue plate is a barley-rice pie’. The blue color means nobility and upper class, and rice cake is a dessert that both the poor and the rich could buy. This expression refers to a person who positions himself as an aristocrat, but is very poor inside, that is, pretense or hypocrisy in Korean society was not encouraged, but condemned. In addition to strength and power, nobility and knowledge, the color designation "blue" can indicate a person's condition, that is, if a person is very scared or freezing from the cold, they say: 파랗게 질리다 [palahge jillida] - 'turn blue – pale' or파랗게 질린 얼굴 [parahge jillin eolgul] - 'blue face [from fear]’. Koreans associate fear, horror, and weather conditions (cold, frost) with the color blue. In this stable expression, the lexeme파랗다 [phatatha] "blue" is used - a synonym for the lexeme 푸르다 [phureuda]. Both tokens denote blue (푸른 하늘 [phureun haneul] / 파란 하늘 [pharan haneul] - 'blue sky')‘ as well as green’ for example, 푸른잔디 [phureun chandi] / 파란 잔디 [pharan chandi] 'green grass‘. However, in modern Korean, there is an unspoken distinction in the use of two words, that is,푸르다 [phureuda] is used to express shades of both blue and green (more often green), and파랗다 [phatatha] is only used for expressions denoting blue or light blue. Therefore, when Koreans are freezing from the cold or afraid of something, they use the lexeme파랗다 [phatatha]. For example: 추워서 입술이 파래졌다 [chuwoseo ipsul-I pharaejyeotha] – ‘lips blue from the cold’ or 손이 얼어 파랗게 변했다 [son-i eol-eo parahge byeonhaetta] – ‘hands were numb and steel blue’, 겁에 질려 얼굴이 파래졌다 [geob-e jillyeo eolgul-i palaejyeossda] – ‘fear the face is bluish’. 푸르다 [phureuda] is not used in such expressions. Conclusion Thus, the color symbolism in the Korean linguistic tradition is unique in its richness of colors and reflects the folk wisdom accumulated over the centuries. The subtle feeling of the surrounding nature and human nature was most accurately expressed with the help of a color palette that carries a special symbol [24]. Thus, the symbol of the red color in Korean linguistic culture saturates the life of a person himself, endowing him with both courage, strength, love, beauty, and weakness, envy, thereby joining other cultures [25, 26]. The theme of status, power and money is also expressed in red, reflecting the centuries-old history of Korean culture. The symbolism of blue in Korean culture is used in the same context as the symbolism of red: power, strength, status. Koreans also associate blue with studying and education. It should be emphasized that in Korean culture, much is tied to the ancient Chinese theory of Yin – Yang, hence there is a kind of symbiosis of two colors, symbolizing not only masculinity and femininity, but also old age and youth, fear and shame. It can be said that the symbolism of the red and blue colors in the Korean linguistic worldview reflects many aspects of the life of Koreans, helps to understand the mentality of the people, the mental attitudes that form the national consciousness, the national culture of the whole people [27]. References
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