The family of someone who dies wears white mourning, in the hope that their loved ones are reborn again. The idea of white mourning, otherwise known as deuil blanc in French, was formed during the 16th century when white was worn by bereaved children and unmarried women.
Black is considered the mourning color, although historically it was white. Widows may wear purple when mourning the death of their spouse.
In many cultures white symbolises purity and innocence, while in others it symbolises death and the afterlife. One theme that links the two contrasting views is religion, as white represents all things holy and divine in both life and death.
White is a color of mourning across the globe
Clean, white shirts are usually worn with suits, and funeral flowers are usually white too. In Medieval times, white was worn together with black when honoring lost lives. Buddhists wear white to funerals as a symbol of mourning, and respect to the deceased person.
For centuries, white was worn in mourning by most. This is because white was the most affordable fabric color, and one most people already had. Even when black didn become the color of mourning in the west, children still wore white to funerals as a sign of innocence and purity.
Dressing appropriately for funerals around the world
However, white is the color of mourning in China, and for Sikh, Hindu, and some Muslim services. For a non-traditional gathering like a celebration of life service, you may be asked to wear bright colors or even a costume.
Traditionally, white clothing is symbolic of the dead, while red is not usually worn, as it is traditionally the symbolic colour of happiness worn at Chinese weddings.
If you don't have a black tie, a plain or muted-patterned tie in a dark colour is acceptable these days. It's tradition to wear a white shirt at a funeral, but a plain, unpatterned buttoned shirt in a muted colour is okay. Shoes should be dark, clean and polished.
Black is still the safest color for funeral attire, but you don't have to wear solid black. A black suit with a white shirt is acceptable or a dress that's mostly black but has a subtle color in the pattern is also fine to wear.
Dress codes for funerals
Dark, somber colors are similarly worn at Jewish funerals. Other religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, however, take a different approach and encourage funeral attire that is white, a color that symbolizes purity.
Knowing that you can wear white to a funeral and how to wear it without offending will ensure success in honoring the family and their deceased loved one. Wearing all white is seldom considered appropriate. Wearing white that is subdued by other neutral or dark colors is generally acceptable.
Some of the main associations often connected to the color white include purity, innocence, cleanliness, blankness, coldness, emptiness, simplicity, and minimalism.
White represents peace because it symbolizes purity and innocence. For example, when people are dressed in white clothing, they are often seen as “pure.” White has associations with virginity and chastity. White clothing symbolizes cleanliness in some cultures, especially when worn by brides on their wedding day.
Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.
After a specified period the crape could be removed – this was called "slighting the mourning." The color of cloth lightened as mourning went on, to grey, mauve, and white – called half-mourning. Jewelry was limited to jet, a hard, black coal-like material sometimes combined with woven hair of the deceased.
Ordinary mourning introduced black silk, trimmings, and ornamentation, including jet beading. Jewelry was permitted during this stage, as long as it remained understated and refined. Half-mourning consisted of gradations of gray, purple and lilac, or combinations of black and white.
Traditionally, the color white symbolizes new beginnings, purity, and innocence. This is often the case in western cultures such as the United States and Western Europe. However, in some cultures, white is the color of mourning.
While you don't want to wear black to a celebration of life, there are a few other colors you should avoid as well. Colors like white, cream and beige can come across as too somber for a happy occasion. Instead, try to brighten up your outfit with some color. Red, orange, yellow, and green are all great colors to wear.
Chinese funerals are sombre and serious events. One is expected to pay respects to the deceased so wearing neutral and subdued colours are recommended during the mourning period. Shades of blue, black, white or any other dull colours are acceptable.
A white dress shirt with dark trousers and a dark covering on your torso, such as a sweater, cardigan, or formal, plain jacket or topcoat. What colors can be worn at funerals? In most Western traditions, dark colors are best suited to the somber tone of funerary events.
Don't assume that the family expects every single person to wear head-to-toe black unless they've told you this directly. Some white, as part of an otherwise simple, relatively dressed-up and conservative outfit, is usually fine.
Choose a button-up shirt for your child to wear in white or another neutral colour. The shirt can either have short sleeves or have full-length sleeves. The sleeve length is typically dictated by the weather. Definitely avoid button-up shirts with loud prints, bright colours, or prominent logos.
White is the color of mourning in Ethiopia. It is also the mourning color in Buddhism as practiced in India, Cambodia, and areas of Japan. However, white has different meanings as a mourning color in China and India. Both countries and their cultures use white for a color of mourning.
Guests at a Chinese funeral wear somber colors like black. Bright and colorful clothing, especially red, must be avoided as these colors are associated with happiness. White is acceptable and, if the deceased was 80 or above, white with pink or red is acceptable as the event is cause for celebration.
In western cultures, red is often seen as a color of joy, love, and vitality. It's the color of celebrations and positive energy. Wearing red to a funeral would be considered inappropriate because it would clash with the somber atmosphere and be viewed as disrespectful.