Why does the color purple symbolize wealth, noble, and class? Throughout history, no matter the culture differences, purple has always been incredibly rare and difficult to produce. Creating purple dyes or paints was a painstaking process. Initially, people used purple flowers as the raw material, collecting and drying them, grinding them into powder, and mixing the powder with milk or oil for dyeing. While it may sound straightforward, producing purple ink or dye required over 40 intricate steps. This complexity made purple a luxury item reserved for the elite.
also When discussing the practice of wearing amethyst bracelets, we must first explore the significance of the color purple in traditional Chinese culture.
The Color Purple in Chinese Tradition
In contemporary times, under the influence of Western culture, some people associate the color purple with concepts rooted in Western mythology, such as mystery, romance, and the stability of love. Others tie purple to astrology, claiming that only certain zodiac signs should wear it. If you embrace Western culture and live by its lifestyle, today’s open and inclusive society allows for such individuality—no one will fault you for it. However, claiming these Western interpretations as part of Chinese tradition is a stretch. So, let’s delve into what purple truly represents in Chinese culture.
In Chinese civilization, purple does not carry the Western associations of mystery or romance. Instead, it symbolizes wealth and prosperity. which is simliar to the Western culture
Before the Qin and Han dynasties, the royal family revered the color black, a tradition inherited from the Qin. After the Han dynasty, yellow gradually became the royal color, exclusive to the emperor. Anyone below the emperor, including officials and commoners, was forbidden from wearing yellow, with violations often resulting in death or even the extermination of one’s entire family. Consequently, red and purple emerged as auspicious colors among the common people.
- Red: Primarily symbolizes warding off evil and celebrating joyous occasions.
- Purple: Represents wealth and nobility.
This association persists today in expressions such as “da hong da zi” (大红大紫), used to describe someone achieving great wealth and fame, like a prominent celebrity or an influential official. The phrase signifies immense success and prosperity.
Historical Associations of Purple
As early as the Han dynasty, purple was officially recognized as a color of the elite and powerful. For example, the idiom “佩紫怀黄” (wearing purple and carrying yellow) appears in Records of the Grand Historian:
"I ride a fine steed, bearing a golden seal with a purple ribbon, bowing before the ruler, living a life of meat and wealth."
During the Han dynasty, high-ranking officials such as the Chancellor and Grand Commandant wore gold seals with purple ribbons, signifying their high status. Purple was thus adored by the aristocracy and reserved for individuals of significant rank.
In another example from the Han dynasty, Lie Xian Zhuan (Biographies of Immortals) recounts:
"Laozi journeyed west, and the gatekeeper Yin Xi saw purple clouds floating at the pass, heralding Laozi’s arrival riding a green ox."
The purple cloud came to symbolize divine energy and auspicious omens. In ancient China, where belief in immortals was widespread, purple was seen as a color of good fortune. Wealthy merchants, elderly officials, and respected elders often wore purple garments to signify their high status and prosperity.
Purple in Ethnic Minority Cultures
In southwestern China, many ethnic minorities also revere the color purple. Although it lacks explicit symbolic meaning in their traditions, purple is a beloved component of their vibrant, multicolored attire. Among groups like the Miao, Yao, and Dong peoples, both men and women favor purple tops or incorporate the color into their traditional five-color garments. For them, purple is regarded as a lucky and auspicious color.
The Meaning of Wearing an Amethyst Bracelet
With the cultural significance of purple clarified, let’s turn to the practice of wearing amethyst bracelets.
Amethyst is often marketed as a symbol of good fortune, attributed with various meanings that blend Chinese and Western cultural elements. These interpretations are largely a product of commercial marketing rather than traditional Chinese beliefs.
Who Should Wear Amethyst?
Amethyst bracelets are generally more suitable for individuals aged 30 and older, while those younger than 30, especially children and adolescents, are advised against wearing them. Why?
In traditional Chinese customs:
- Wealth and nobility are pursuits for adults.
- For children, simpler and sturdier materials like silver or copper are preferred, as these are believed to promote health and growth. Parents often avoid giving children expensive items, fearing they might bring bad luck or overwhelm the child. This principle can even be seen in naming traditions, where children are given humble nicknames until they reach school age.
From a scientific perspective, amethyst's magnetic properties or luxurious appearance may not be suitable for the developing minds and bodies of minors. For them, such items are thought to carry "negative energy" that could hinder growth.
Which Hand Should You Wear It On?
Some businesses claim that amethyst bracelets should always be worn on the left hand, citing the Chinese principle of "right out, left in" (右出左进). While this is often used to explain the placement of objects, it also reflects practical concerns. Since most people use their right hand more frequently, wearing an amethyst bracelet on the left hand reduces the risk of damage. From this perspective, the suggestion makes sense.
However, traditional Chinese customs often suggest "men wear on the left, women on the right" (男左女右). This rule, like many other traditions, lacks scientific evidence and is more psychological in nature. Whether it’s "right out, left in" or "men left, women right," both are rooted in superstition and should be taken with a grain of salt.
in Ancient Europe and the Mediterranean
In the ancient European and Mediterranean world, purple was undeniably a symbol of power and wealth.
During certain historical periods, purple was reserved exclusively for emperors and royal families. Even in eras without strict prohibitions against commoners wearing purple, the dye’s exorbitant cost made it inaccessible to ordinary people. Owning purple garments was a luxury few could afford.
In the classical Mediterranean world, purple and imperial authority were inseparable. Historical records are filled with references to purple’s significance in representing power.
T he Symbolism of Purple in Byzantium
One famous example comes from the Nika Riots of 532 CE in Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Citizens revolted against Emperor Justinian’s high tax policies, forcing him to consider fleeing the city with his wife, Empress Theodora.
Theodora vehemently opposed the idea and delivered a now-famous line: “Purple is the noblest shroud.” Her words implied that she would rather die in her royal robes as an empress than escape and live in exile.
Another notable association of purple with imperial authority is the Purple Room of the Great Palace of Constantinople. Anna Komnene (1083–1153 CE), a Byzantine princess and historian, mentioned in her chronicle The Alexiad that she was born in this room, highlighting purple’s connection to royal birth and legitimacy.
Why Was Purple So Valuable?
To understand why purple was favored by royalty and why it was so expensive, we must delve into the history of purple dye and how it was produced in ancient times.
According to Roman natural philosopher Pliny the Elder, purple dye was incredibly rare and derived from a species of sea snail. Extracting the dye required harvesting thousands of snails and undergoing complex chemical processes. This labor-intensive production method made purple dye one of the most prized commodities of the ancient world.
Even today, purple holds its regal association. For instance, the British royal family continues to embrace purple as a color of prestige and authority.
A Gift from Poseidon
In ancient mythology, the rarity and beauty of purple were often linked to divine origins. According to legend, the god Poseidon gifted the sea snails that produced this precious dye. This connection to mythology further elevated purple’s status as a symbol of power, wealth, and divinity in ancient cultures.
Final Thoughts
This article has explored the significance of purple in Chinese culture and the customs surrounding the wearing of amethyst bracelets. While the deeper meanings behind amethyst and purple often serve as cultural or emotional comfort, the practical aspects—such as maintenance and proper care—are better left to the guidance of the merchants who sell them.
Whether you choose to wear an amethyst bracelet for its beauty, its cultural significance, or as a source of personal inspiration, its true value lies in how it resonates with you.
