Around the World in Colour
1st November 2024
This week, Year 3 students embarked on a vibrant journey, learning to name colours in French and Kiswahili. Their enthusiasm filled the classroom as they sang, danced, and celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Together, they explored the cultural significance of colours worldwide, enriching their understanding of language and tradition.
Red: Rouge / Nyekundu – Passion & Prosperity
In India, red symbolises love, prosperity, and strength and is cherished in weddings and celebrations. In China, it’s seen as a lucky and protective colour, especially during celebrations. In South Africa, red holds dual meanings, representing both love and mourning.
Green: Vert / Kijani – Nature & Renewal
India associates green with life, harmony, and a fruitful harvest. The Irish consider green a national symbol of luck and prosperity, while Nigerians view it as a symbol of wealth and fertility, reflecting a deep connection to the earth.
Blue: Bleu / Samawati – Peace & Divinity
Blue evokes calmness in India. In Greece, it’s believed to ward off evil, and in Japan, blue signifies peace, purity, and loyalty.
Yellow: Jaune / Manjano – Happiness & Wisdom
In India, yellow is a colour of knowledge, peace, and the sacredness of turmeric. In Egypt, it is linked to eternity and the afterlife, while in Latin America, yellow is associated with death and remembrance during Día de los Muertos. For Diwali, glowing yellow lamps symbolise hope and positivity.
Black: Noir / Nyeusi – The Mysterious Shade
Though black might seem unusual for Diwali, it holds profound meanings in many cultures. In India, black is considered protective, shielding from the evil eye, even if it’s rarely a festive colour. In Western cultures, black represents sophistication, elegance, and authority, yet also mourning. Across some African cultures, black symbolises maturity, strength, and the earth’s richness. In Japan, black embodies mystery and nobility, often featured in traditional attire.
As Year 3 children discover these vibrant colours, they are embracing a world of diversity, seeing how colours connect us all, across languages and traditions.
