Red, a hue with many layers of meaning, acts as a link between distinct cultural realms, both Western and Eastern. From ancient warrior legends to exuberant Chinese New Year festivities, red represents strength, passion, and protection, as well as darker, more foreboding overtones. Whether it's the heroic red cloaks of mythical people or the flaming of a red candle burning in a spiritual rite, this hue continues to evoke awe and veneration across the world. Here at WINGS OF HOPE, Let's look at the dual meaning of red in Western mythology, its festive function in Chinese culture, and its association with candles as potent symbols.
Western Mythological Duality: Red as Heroism and Villainy
Candles as Symbols: Red’s Role in Love, Protection, and Passion
Chinese Red: Happiness, Luck, and Prosperity
Red Candles and the Cross-Cultural Connection
In Western mythology, red is a potent emblem of both the noble and the wicked. On the one hand, red represents heroism, courage, and heroic achievements. Warriors and knights wear crimson cloaks to indicate their preparation for battle, as well as their power and sacrifice. Think of the bloodstained clothing of ancient heroes or the fabled red cloaks of characters like Robin Hood, where crimson symbolizes the human spirit's victory over hardship. It represents the bravery and nobility of soldiers as they go into combat.
On the other hand, red can also be a symbol of evil and chaos. Blood, the lifeblood of life, can also be a symbol of death, violence, and anger. In so many Western myths, the color red is linked to characters who represent wrath and vengeance, like the red-eyed monsters in folklore or the fiery breath of dragons. The color red represents the wrath that tragic antiheroes feel, and it frequently defines the line between moral justice and corruption. Whether in ancient legends or current films, red may represent both the heroic and the evil.
Red becomes a potent symbol when it comes to candles. Red candles, which are commonly used in rituals, represent strong emotions and energy, serving as symbols of love, passion, and protection. Throughout history, candles have been lit to honor deities, guide spirits, or evoke human wishes. In contemporary spiritual practices, red candles are typically connected with increasing love and passion. Whether put on an altar during love rites or lighted during periods of profound inner meditation, red candles create a warm and intense environment, representing the heart's greatest feelings.
Red candles are also commonly used for protection since they are said to repel harmful energy and instill a sense of security in one's surroundings. A red candle, whether in home décor or religious locations, offers a sense of protection and a flaming barrier against hardship. Whether employed in romantic rituals or to ward against disaster, the flame of a red candle burns brightly and purposefully, embodying the ancient power of the color itself.
In the West, red may represent both devastation and devotion; yet, in Chinese culture, it has a considerably more joyful and fortunate meaning. In China, red represents pleasure, luck, and wealth. During Chinese New Year, red decorations adorn houses and streets, ranging from lanterns to banners, as people think the brilliant hue would bring good fortune in the next year. Red envelopes, known as hóngbāo (红包), are presented as gifts, generally containing money, to commemorate the event and wish the receiver luck.
In Chinese culture, the phrase 红红火火 (hóng hóng huǒ huǒ) symbolizes fortune and success via the color red. It is used to wish someone a healthy, prosperous, and lively life. Red is also a popular hue at weddings, with brides wearing red gowns to represent love, happiness, and a happy future together.
In addition to its festive uses, red plays a role in traditional practices such as běn mìng nián (本命年, year of fate or animal year), which refers to a person’s zodiac year and is associated with special red garments and accessories to ward off bad luck. For centuries, red has been woven into the fabric of Chinese traditions, acting as a beacon of joy, health, and abundance.
Whether in the West or East, red remains a universally recognized emblem. The use of red in candles represents different meanings in different cultures. These include passion, protection, prosperity, and celebration. This makes it a symbol that appeals to people from all walks of life. Whether lighting a red candle set to honor a sacred ritual or setting a warm atmosphere during a celebration, the color red is as powerful today as it was in ancient times.
In both Western and Eastern contexts, red acts as a bridge between past and present, bringing energy and significance to all it touches. Light a red candle with WINGS OF HOPE, you’re not only adding beauty and warmth to your space—you’re connecting with centuries of symbolism, from the battlefield to the banquet table, and celebrating red’s many faces in mythology and culture.
