White

White is the mother of all colours.

People from various countries and cultures have different representation of colours in life. While some prefer to have everything white, others may think that white brings disaster.

In the Chinese cultures around the world, white represents death. This is true at least for the older generation. We see very little pure white in the house of a Chinese family. Even when the walls are painted in white, it actually has a tint of yellow or pink in it. This is because after the death of any Chinese person, everything in the house is dressed in white, including the living people in the household and visitor. It is a form of respect for the dead. Back then, any other colour was forbidden.

As years past, it is not easy to get everyone attending funeral to be dressed all in white. While other colours may be allowed, the most commonly used colours are tinted white, blue of all hues, grey, and black. In the recent years, most colours are acceptable as long as they are not in any hot tones or have flowery patterns. This shows how time changes the way of life.

While white is commonly used for funerals in Chinese cultures, there are some that uses red instead. Red is the hottest colour known to humankind. The reason for such use is when a centennial passes on. This is because the person has lived up to such an age quite unreachable for the norm, it is a celebration and descendants are not allowed to mourn. Everyone in the family is happy that their elder lived such a long great life and finally able to meet with their maker.

Whatever white means to Chinese cultures, it does not matter as much anymore.

White is now commonly used in many places. People are prone to using more white than ever in their lives now, thanks to the trend makers.

The Western culture is so widely spread that people in most countries around the globe now wear white in weddings. A bride in white means purity. Love is the purest thing on earth. Love conquers all. Love means having a lasting relationship together as husband and wife, through thick and thin, health and sickness, wealth and poverty. Everyone is following suit this very culture. As time goes by, other tints of white are also acceptable to the brides. The most common tints are ivory, pink, blue, and olive.

White is also widely used by professionals. Doctors in white robes gives us the feeling that the area is free from bacteria and viruses. Scientists in white lab coats gives us the feeling that the experiments conducted in laboratories are safe for humans. Chefs in white aprons gives us the feeling that the kitchen is hygienic and the food they serve is edible. Beauticians in white uniforms gives us the feeling that the products they use is to make us brighter and healthier. Pilots in white shirts gives us the feeling that we can count on them.

While esthetics play an important role, changes in preferences also make a huge difference.

More electronic devices and accessories are changing from black to white. If we dare to be different, we will be the change maker and most often, these are the people who contributes largely to impact the lives of others.

It all started with Apple. They are the first innovative people to use white in their products. It may have had a rough start but it has proved that determination and believe puts them where they are now. Other companies are moving toward white because it gives their products a sense of classiness. White is trending and will remain in trend for many years to come.

While white may be the future, we have to acknowledge that white is not a simple colour to maintain. Dust can be seen easily. If we are to spill coffee, it may stain as well. Our hands can also cause dirt build up on any white surface. While we use white lights at home, the ultraviolet rays from them can cause any white products to turn slightly yellowish over time. It is unavoidable. All that matters is how we take care of all the whites we have.

White is the new norm. Though easily tainted, it is up to us to preserve.

 

White. A blank page or canvas. So many possibilities.

Stephen Joshua Sondheim (Stephen Sondheim), American composer and lyricist, 1930-present