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WHAT COLORS ARE CONSIDERED "AUSPICIOUS?" Red is an auspicious color, connoting happiness, warmth (fire,) strength and fame. In China, brides wear red, new fathers give out red eggs, and red envelopes with money in them are given on Chinese New Year's. Just like any interior designer will tell you, however, a little red goes a l-o- n-g way. Auspicious (defined as conducive to success; favorable) red is used in the Li gua (Fame & Reputation area) of the home or business. It represents Fire in the Five Element Cycle, and summer in the seasons. It can turn into infamy if you use too much, so be aware of this. Canary yellow is also an auspicious color. Again, a little goes a long way. The famous Forbidden City uses a lot of this yellow with the previously mentioned red in combination. Emperors in China enveloped themselves in gold robes embroidered with a gold dragon, giving them a sense of tolerance, patience and wisdom. Yellow is also the main color of the Health Gua (area) in the center of the Ba-gua, inspiring the healing qualities of nature. Furthermore, it is the representation of Earth in the Five Element Cycle. Purple is an equally auspicious color, inspiring respect. It represents high nobility, power, wealth, and good fortune. It's the color of the Hsun gua (Wealth area) of any building. OTHER CHINESE COLOR ASSOCIATIONS Green represents tranquility, hope and freshness. It is represented in the Jen gua (Family area) and the Wood in Five Element Cycle. The season spring is characterized in the varying shades of this hue. Blue has several associations: it is associated with the wood element, symboling spring, new growth, and hope. It is associated with the Gen gua (Knowledge area) symbolizing self-cultivation and wisdom. It is, however also linked with mourning in China. Blue-Green, Aqua, or Teal are more auspicious than blue, being closely aligned to the colors of nature and spring. The Chinese word for this hue is Ch'ing, which can mean blue sky, bamboo green, or the green of frogs. In general, ch'ing represents verdant youth. Black (or any dark color) gives a sense of depth in mood or perspective. It is associated with the Kan gua (Career area) and represents the season of winter, as well as Water in the Five Element Cycle. Black can also indicate a lack of hope, making us feel low and depressed when used too much. Gray is an ambiguous color, and is dependent on an individual's perspective. Gray can be a dismal cloudy day, or a marriage of opposites: black and white. It is associated with the Chyan gua (Helpful People/Travel area) of the Ba-gua.