The Cherokee Nation represents a large Native American tribe originally from the Southeastern United States. They have a long and complex history, and continue many of their traditions and cultural practices today. An important part of Cherokee culture is the use of colors and symbols, which hold deep meaning. When considering what color represents the Cherokee Nation, there are a few key colors that stand out.
Red
One of the most prominent colors associated with the Cherokee is red. The color red holds great significance in Cherokee culture and is used in many symbolic ways. Some key associations with the color red for the Cherokee include:
- War – Red is used to represent war, conflict, strength, and power.
- Life force – The Cherokee believe blood and red clay represent the life force.
- Direction – Red is connected to the direction of East.
- Social dance – The Cherokee Eagle Dance uses red costumes and regalia.
Throughout Cherokee history, warriors often painted their bodies and weapons red before going into battle. Red paint and clothing were used in ceremonial practices to harness the power and energy of the color. Today, the color red still features prominently in Cherokee artwork, textiles, basket weaving, pottery, and regalia.
Black
Black is another significant color for the Cherokee people. Here are some key meanings behind the use of black:
- Death & mourning – Black can represent death, loss, and grief. It is worn at funerals and periods of mourning.
- Night – Black is connected to nighttime and darkness.
- West – Black is the color that represents the direction of West.
- War – As with red, black may also represent war and conflict.
- Power – Black can symbolize power and strength.
Cherokee warriors and hunters would use black pigments as camouflage when on expeditions. Elders and tribal leaders often wear black clothing as a sign of their status. In ceremonies and rituals, participants may paint their bodies with black clay or charcoal to signify purification.
White
The color white has dual symbolic meanings in Cherokee culture:
- Peace – White can represent peace, harmony, and positivity.
- Death – White is also connected to death, loss, and the afterlife. White animals like owls are seen as messengers between this world and the next.
- East – White represents the eastern direction, along with red.
- Purity – Whiteness signifies cleanliness, clarity, and ritual purity.
In certain Cherokee rituals, participants paint themselves with white clay to purify themselves and release previous transgressions. White beads, shells, and feathers are used in regalia and ceremonial dress. The Stomp Dance concludes with a final White Dance to signify peace and renewal.
Blue
Here are some prominent symbolic meanings for the color blue:
- Sky – Blue represents the sky and heavens above.
- Water – Blue also connects to bodies of water like rivers and streams.
- North – Blue signifies the northern cardinal direction.
- Peace – As with white, blue can represent peacefulness.
- Isolation – Darker blues are seen as lonely, depressing colors.
Various shades of blue paint are used in Cherokee pottery and artworks. Blue clothing is worn by dancers in the Cherokee Eagle Dance. Cornmeal dyed blue is sometimes used to trace ceremonial grounds. The frequent use of blue pays respect to the sky and water spirits important in Cherokee beliefs.
Yellow
The vibrant color yellow has mostly positive associations in Cherokee culture:
- Sun – Yellow represents the sun, sunlight, and warmth.
- South – Yellow is connected to the southern direction.
- Joy – Yellow signifies cheerfulness, happiness, and positive emotions.
- Corn – Yellow symbolizes corn, an important Cherokee crop.
Yellow appears in Cherokee beadwork, basketry, and woven belts. Certain Cherokee warriors were known to wear yellow war paint into battle. Yellow root dyes are used for clothing and textiles. Overall, yellow maintains a bright, cheerful meaning in Cherokee color symbolism.
Green
The color green has natural associations for the Cherokee:
- Plants – Green represents vegetation, trees, vines, and grasses.
- Land – Green symbolizes the earth, forests, and nature.
- South – Green can also signify the southern direction.
- Growth – Green stands for growing, flourishing, and life cycles.
Cherokee stickball racquets were traditionally carved from hickory wood and painted green. Some dancers wear green clothing representing the natural world. Green symbolizes the Cherokee’s deep connection to the land they inhabit.
Purple
Purple is a color with mystical and spiritual symbolism for the Cherokee:
- Spiritualism – Purple represents spiritual powers, sacred rituals, and the supernatural realm.
- Magic – Purple is connected to magic, spells, and unseen energies.
- Elite status – Dark purple sometimes indicates high rank or office.
- Sadness – Light purple can mean gloom, despair, and anguish.
Those practicing traditional Cherokee medicine or shamanism often incorporate purple into their garb and equipment. Purple paints and dyes are reserved for special ceremonial use. Different shades of purple take on positive or negative energy depending on the context.
Brown
The earthy tone of brown symbolizes:
- Earth – Brown represents the ground, clay, and rocks.
- Animals – Brown signifies the fur and hides of wild game animals.
- Autumn – Brown relates to the autumn season when leaves change color.
- Shelter – Simple brown hues equate to home, shelter, and stability.
Soft brown colors frequently appear on Cherokee pottery and woven handicrafts. Face paint for certain ceremonies and dances uses shades of brown. Quiet, grounded brown provides a neutral base for other vibrant Cherokee colors to build upon.
Gold
Gold and yellow hues denote:
- Wealth – Gold symbolizes affluence, prosperity, and success.
- Divine favor – Gold can signify the favor of the Creator or divine spirits.
- Royalty – Gold indicates high stature, political power, and prestige.
- Knowledge – Golden light represents education, wisdom, and truth.
Historically, Cherokee people wore gold ear ornaments and other jewelry to show social status. Gold paint was sometimes applied to sculptures, statues, or relics with spiritual importance. Vibrant yellow-gold maintains positive connotations in Cherokee culture.
Silver
Like gold, the metallic color of silver has uplifting associations:
- Peace – Silver represents tranquility, harmony, and calm.
- Hope – Silver symbolizes optimism, confidence, and dreams.
- Purity – Silver suggests cleanliness, clarity, and precision.
- Enlightenment – Silver relates to heightened insight and visionary thinking.
Silver jewelry pieces are worn during cultural dances and important Cherokee events. Silver paint depicts reflective surfaces like water or ice on Cherokee artworks. Tarnish-resistant silver maintains its bright, positive symbolic meanings.
Conclusion
The Cherokee Nation uses a rich palette of colors filled with symbolic meanings. While many hues carry different associations, red is most strongly tied to Cherokee identity, warfare, and lifeways. Other prominent colors are black, white, blue, yellow, green, purple, brown, gold, and silver. Color plays an integral role in conveying cultural values, practices, and worldviews for the Cherokee people.
By looking at the varied use of color symbols, we gain greater insight into Cherokee beliefs surrounding life, death, nature, spirituality, and human affairs. Next time you see artwork, tribal regalia, or ceremonies connected to the Cherokee Nation, observe the special colors chosen and what deeper meaning they might represent.
