We dress in black to show that we are in mourning, and that we share the pain of the loss with the family and loved ones of the deceased person.
It is not a law, but it is well known and widespread in our culture that we should not go to a wake or funeral dressed in red, much less yellow, because each color is associated with feelings , emotions and even beliefs.
These associations, over time, become conventions or social norms that, if infringed, can offend others, but why is black used at a wake?
In Western culture the color black is related to the dark , with the lack of light, that is why it is associated with attitudes of formality, solemnity and even sadness.
We dress in black to show that we are in mourning, and that we share the pain of the loss with the family and loved ones of the deceased person, it is a very widespread custom and deeply rooted in the culture to which we belong.
If you went to a wake with an outfit of any other color, no doubt others would see you badly. However, it is not a rule that is written in a code that, if broken, has serious consequences.
Formerly there was the belief that the moment someone died, their soul left the body and looked for a new one. This fear of being possessed by the spirits of the dead led the primitive tribes to spread the custom of painting their bodies black.
In the case of some African tribes and in India, on the contrary, the color chosen to hide their skin was white, due to the dark complexion of the people who made them up.
In other cultures other colors are used as a sign of mourning. In Iran blue is used, among Buddhists yellow, and in Ancient Egypt the color to represent death and mourning was red, a symbol of blood.
On the subject, we share this article in which we tell you what it means to dream of a loved one who has already passed away.