Black and White Dichotomy in Christian Colour Symbolism

Christianity has an exceptional place in diversifying and using colour symbolism. The understanding of God in Christianity, the doctrine of salvation, eschatology, important days in the liturgical calendar, special occasions in the practice of sacraments, elements that reveal the spirituality of the Church, and Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Apostles and Saints can find a place in colour symbolism. Among these colours, black and white represent almost the same meaning in many religious beliefs and cultures worldwide. Black has gained a negative connotation because it generally evokes emotions such as evil, darkness, aggression, mystery and fear in people, while white has become the colour of purity, innocence, chastity and virtue. In Christian symbolism, black has been the most used colour in scenes depicting original sin, the fall of man, death and Hell, and white has been the most used colour in works depicting the baptism of Jesus Christ, the good news of the Virgin Mary and the coming together of believers in Heaven. In this regard, the study aims to emphasize the importance of colours in Christian symbolism in general and to specifically discuss in detail the meanings of black and white that come to the fore within this colour chart and the social reflection of this situation. Within the framework of this purpose, in the study, the comparative method was used since the meanings of both colours in Christian tradition and the conflict within them were included, and text analysis and interpretation development methods were used since the passages mentioned in the Bible specifically for these colours were examined. All these colours, which are considered within the scope of colour symbolism in Christianity, continue to be used in various celebrations, rituals and religious holidays, along with the meanings attributed to them in the historical development of this religion. Black and white colours go beyond the religions and worship dimension and constitute the threshold of social distinction. In this distinction, white is representatives of purity and innocence, while black is representatives of evil and rebellion. This situation symbolizes the conflict between Jesus Christ and the demonic forces, that is, between good and evil, and between the worldly and the spiritual.