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| 7 Profound Meaning of "White" |
* What color do you think best represents cleanliness and purity? I assume that most of you would answer "white." No matter what color you like, you cannot deny that white is the color of cleanliness and purity. White, however, is not so simple as it appears to be.* White indeed imparts a pure image. Underlying this pureness, however, is strong determination to reject any light. While black absorbs the sunlight, white reflects it. White is a bright color, sometimes glaring, and dazzling our eyes. If you think of Japanese terms that contain "haku" or "shiro" (both mean white), you will easily understand the strong power and toughness that characterize white. "Koku-haku" and "haku-jo" refer to "confess." People "confess" something that they have long concealed. "Koku-haku" is more than a mere remark or statement; it imparts speaker's persisting agony and internal conflict, as well as strong determination to reveal the secret. "Koku-haku" also requires that listeners are prepared to accept any reality. Meanwhile, the term "shira-jira-shii" (both "shira" and "jira" come from "shiro," or white) is used to imply barefaced or transparent lies. Here "shiro" represents a bold and tough attitude. |
| Make a Fresh Start |
* When we want to make a fresh start, Japanese use the phrase "haku-shi ni modosu (return to the white paper)." Here "haku-shi (white paper)" implies "nothing." We use this phrase when we wish to forget some problem or conflict, and to regard it as though nothing had happened. When you have actually written something on a piece of paper, isn't it easier to make it black than to return it to white? Accordingly, "haku" implies strong determination to do something difficult. Therefore, the phrase "haku-shi ni modosu" is a forceful statement, compelling the listener to say yes, at least to some extent.* Immediately after we were born, we were wrapped in white robes. When we die, we will wear white robes again. In this context, white is the color of start and finish. Between the start and finish of our lives, we have various experiences, but all will end, and we shall return to the origin. In this context, white also implies an "offset." * On St. Valentine's Day, many Japanese women present chocolate to men, including their boyfriends, colleagues, and supervisors. The chocolates given to men other than boyfriends are called "giri choko (obligatory chocolate)." One month after St. Valentine's Day comes "White Day," the day for men to present gifts in return. I understand this custom is unique to Japan. Why is it called "White Day"? My personal view is that by returning a favor, you can "offset" obligations. If you have not returned a favor yet, I advise that you should "offset" it promptly. |
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