Fashion and Colour

Today fashion dictates not only the clothes we wear, but the colours too. It's interesting to know that colours have had important meanings since ancient times. If you go to the fashion departments today, you'll be dazzled by the variety of colours, patterns and textures available. But there is nothing new in this. The truth is that ancient people already recognized the magical power of colour. For the ancient Egyptians, the Celts in Britain, the Aztecs in South America colour was an important part of fashion.

In many ancient civilizations people painted coloured circles and lines around their eyes and mouths. They did it to scare away evil spirits. But soon they realized that colour could be used to make their bodies and faces beautiful — and cosmetics were born. Ancient people used cosmetics to distinguish different tribes and also males and females. Women used colour and pattern to emphasize their body shape. Ancient Celtic women painted their bodies blue. Men used designs that emphasized their strength and skills. So body painting is one of the most ancient arts and today it is coming back into fashion, for example, in tattoos.

Eventually, the colours of our clothes became very important. Clothes are a symbol of power. The power in the clothes affects both the person who wears them and the people around that person. So it's important to choose the colours you wear carefully.

For example, recent researches show that wearing a red sweater or jacket can increase your energy levels. The colour green, on the other hand, is known to calm the nerves and soothe emotions.

The Aztecs and Maya civilizations didn't know wool, linen or silk. But they dyed their textiles with great artistry. For them every colour had a meaning, either positive or negative. For example, yellow was the symbol of the sun and ripe corn, and blue meant that the wearer had royal ancestors. Red stood for blood. Black symbolized war and death. In ancient Egypt gold was the colour of the Sun god and the symbol of the power. In Asian cultures white is the colour of sorrow. The blue of the sky, the red of the sun and the paleness of the moon were associated with religious rituals, legends and poetry.

Nowadays fashion has become international. Today the same fabrics, colours and designs are available all over the world. Fashion dictates not only the clothes wc wear, but the colours too. All colours are available now. And the best thing is to choose the colour that suits you best, that doesn't make you look too pale, one that doesn't clash with your hair colour, and one that reflects your personality. Remember that colours can influence the way you feel. So wear colours that make you feel confident and relaxed. Today, just as in ancient times, the right clothes give you power, make you look good and help to identify you as part of your social group. So your colour choices match your personality.

Vocabulary

evil spirits — злые силы

to distinguish — отличать, различать

tribe — племя

to emphasize — подчеркивать, выделять

to dye — красить

artistry — мастерство

wearer — владелец

ancestor — предок

sorrow — печаль, грусть

to clash — дисгармонировать

Questions

1. Why were colours so important for ancient people?

2. What did ancient people use colours for?

3. How did the cosmetics appear?

4. What did some colours mean in ancient civilizations?

5. What do some colours mean today?

6. How should people choose the colours for their clothes?

7. In what way do colour choices show your personality?

8. What are your favourite colours?

9. Do they match your personality?

10. Do you share the idea that colours can match one's personality?

Дата добавления: 2015-10-29