Art of Communication by Colours in Ancient Sri Lanka

From the Sri Lankan traditional society it is well evident that they used colors meaningfully and formally. The strong connection between colours and human mind is present in the content of old arts and beliefs. In the traditional society colors were used to suit different situations symbolically.

In the Sri Lankan society white colour is considered as a symbol of purity ,virginity ,honour, devotion as well as sorrow. On the poya day devotees who visit temple wear white attire to depict their devotion and purity.The glimmering white pagoda in a temple is an epitome of reverence and holiness.

On the wedding day the bride's purity and celibacy is symbolized by white saree.

White cobras, elephants and horses are considered to be good omens. Even the dreams about those animals are considered to be signs of prosperity by the ancient Sri Lankans. They believe white cobra and horse bring fame and honoured them. White coloured animals were the symbols of heriosm and priority in their eyes.

Among ancient Aamong ancients “sesatha”(සේසත ),a flag like equipment was prominent and in both Indian and Sri Lankan society white coloured ones of this object were considered to be greater than even the king himself. Among royal accessories white “sesatha"සේසත acquired prominent place. Thus, these prove that white was considered as honorable and was honoured as a colour. Other than, that white colour was used as a mourning colour and this shows white gave various impressions according to the situation in the Sri lankan society. Admirance of a person mentioning his good qualities is called “applying white chalk” in the common society as white is honored commonly there.

Relative to white black was neither prominent nor recognized as honourable in the Sri Lankan society .It is the colour used to represent sorrow, fear, bad luck, death ,cruelty and badness. Even the black coloured places were considered to be fearful, dangerous, cruel and tragic.
A disgrace to the family is “a black mark" or “applying soot on face” in their words. Here also black was considered impure, unlucky colour. Yet the dark skin colour was adored and cared by Sinhalese people.

In the Sinhala society, orange and red colours receive a prominent place. The dark orange red of the robes of Buddhist monks is an honourable colour. Golden paddy is a symbol of prosperity even today.

During drawing honourable people ,the colour used was yellow and orange for their skin tone. Yellow was honoured as a prosperous and calm colour.
In order to get an idea about the values and connotations by colours in any society or nation we should pay attention to their arts and creations. A precise idea on this sense in ancient Sri Lankans can be obtained by studying ancient temple arts, folk stories ,beliefs as well as astrology.
On concluding, I would like to remind you again and again this is a piece of Sri Lankan ideas on colours. They can be similar or totally different another society. It will be great if you can share your country's or society's view with us.