색의 상징성과 우리말 표현 연구

Abstract

Each country has developed its own distinctive view on colors due to its natural, geographical, ethenic and customary differences. Korean view on colors is also unique. Colors introduced from foreign countries as well as traditional ones have been permeating our life. However, though there are many colors, some of the colors are not suitable for us and perceived by us. We are exposed to many colors as more information is provided, but we can not remember them easily if we do not know the names. To be more familiar to the names of colors, we revised the names. Colors are derived from complex cultural structures and a social phenomena. No color exists alone beyond culture and history. Colors are closely related to man. The murals of Altamira or Lascaux are colored to give more vivid expression. Their colors are made through natural dying and the mural which has a meaning of sorcery has become a language, sign and symbol because of colors. Our people have been influenced by symbolism of colors and sorcery based on the Five Elements Theory from the ancient Orient, and have developed artistic senses on colors through long history, shamanism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. For the murals at the Three Kingdoms of Korea, Gogyryeo showed strong spirit, Baekje elegant and gentle beauty, and Shilla colorful magnificence. In Goryeo period, magnificent Buddhism flourished as it was the society led by nobles while Joseon period focused on natural simplicity and temperance. Such characteristics influenced the views on colors and each period showed the following views on colors: In Three Kingdoms of Korea, natural and light colors were mainly used, and the views on colors symbolizing the five directions, and colorful and magnificent colors appeared; In Goryeo period, the view on colorful colors appeared due to Buddhism; In Joseon period, naturalism, the view on colors based on the Five Elements Theory, and temperance and simplicity emphasizing light and natural colors appeared. It was found that the view on colors was mainly influenced by the Five Elements Theory and our life is connected with the Five Elements Theory. The concept of transitional colors followed the Yin and Yang theory using five pure and compound colors as bases. It was shown in all the history in clothing, food, architecture, shamanism, Buddhism, and mythology. It appeared in our language. It had a great influence on creation of the Korean script: from basic five colors such as red, black, white, blue and yellow, more colors were created. There are color words such as pure white, bluish, dark blue, pure blue, pure yellow, yellowish and dark yellow. Though there are many outstanding color words in Korean, it is hard to decide which color should be used as a standard for' deep red and dark red. For people think differently about the color of concept. To overcome the difference, substitute color words for remembered or officially-used names of colors, refer Munsell color system to mark signs according to properties and we can remember the colors easily.