In China, the color red deeply influences cultural traditions, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and joy. It plays a central role in festivals, weddings, and other celebrations, attracting positive energy and warding off evil spirits.
However, despite its widespread association with good fortune, red carries contrasting meanings in academic settings, particularly concerning exams.
For centuries, Chinese culture has associated red with happiness and success.
This tradition originates from ancient legends, such as the mythical beast Nian, which fears loud noises and the color red.
This belief inspires customs like setting off firecrackers and decorating homes with red during the Lunar New Year to usher in prosperity.
Red’s influence extends beyond festivals. Many people wear red clothing on significant occasions, believing it brings luck.
During the Lunar New Year, families give children and unmarried adults red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money, symbolizing wealth and good fortune.
Wedding traditions also favor red, as it represents love, happiness, and prosperity.
Academic superstitions
Many students wear red clothing—especially red underwear—during exams, believing it attracts success and wards off failure.
A popular Chinese saying, “Are you wearing red underwear?” playfully suggests that the color contributes to outstanding academic results.
However, red also symbolizes failure in academic settings. In China, teachers use red ink to mark mistakes and failing grades on exams and assignments.
Because of this, some students avoid wearing red during exams, fearing it might bring negative results instead of success.
This dual symbolism of red highlights the complexity of cultural beliefs surrounding the color.
Contrasting meanings
Red’s association with academic failure has led to other cultural taboos. Many people consider writing a person’s name in red inauspicious because it historically appeared on gravestones and memorial plaques for the deceased.
To avoid negative connotations, most people prefer using blue or black ink when writing names.
Despite these conflicting interpretations, red remains one of the most powerful and culturally significant colors in China.
Whether people view it as a symbol of luck or a cautionary omen, its influence remains undeniable.
As students prepare for exams, their decision to wear red ultimately depends on personal beliefs—choosing between its legendary luck or its potential association with academic failure.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.