On the Symbolic Meaning of Color words in Chinese and Western Culture

In human language, the unique glamour that the color words demonstrate makes people regard with special esteem. The words of different colors are very abundant in both Chinese and English language. We should observe not only the basic meaning of these words, but also their deep and broad symbolic meaning, because their symbolic meaning often has different characteristics in the two nations Some characteristics even form two peoples' unique advocation and taboo of the colors after the meaning of these words were extended or transferred. The difference of symbolic meanings of the colors between Chinese and English stemmed from their different cultural and historical background, aesthetic psychology, and was historically accepted through common practice .It is a kind of permanent culture phenomenon. This text attempts to analyze the impact of the two nations' history and culture on symbolic meaning of the color words.