The Five Elements Color Symbols in Costumes of Minnan Glove Puppetry

Abstract

This study conducts a systematic analysis of costume colors in Minnan Glove Puppetry through the lens of the Five-element Color Theory. As a traditional form of folk art, Minnan Glove Puppetry not only conveys ethical and social frameworks within Chinese culture through its exquisite craftsmanship and dramatic performances but also imbues characters with symbolic meanings that reflect their personalities and fates. This paper analyzes the classic play "Nv Zhongkui" and explores the symbolic meanings of colors in their costumes, along with their connections to traditional Chinese Five-element color theory. The study reveals that red signifies power and loyalty, green symbolizes vitality and integrity, yellow indicates the importance of status, black embodies the spirit of integrity, and white suggests tragedy and pure fate. These color choices not only assist the audience in identifying the social status of the characters but also reflect their personality traits and destinies. Additionally, this paper highlights the significance of Five-element color theory in drama costume design, underscoring its profound influence on traditional cultural beliefs, ethics, and social structures. By examining the changes in color, this study reveals the close relationship between character development and changes in fate. Color plays a specific role in conveying emotional tension and symbolizing social class. This paper provides a new perspective for comprehending the cultural value of Minnan glove puppetry, highlighting the philosophical and social significance of color in traditional Chinese culture, thereby reinforcing the understanding of its deeper cultural meanings.