Interpretation of Color Symbolism

Abstract

Symbolism has played a foundational role in human artistic expression, with color symbols particularly enduring in literature and folklore across civilizations. In Uzbek folk literature, especially in proverbs, color symbolism functions not only as an artistic device but also as a repository of historical beliefs, values, and cultural memory. While the symbolic meanings of colors have been noted in general terms, their specific functions and semantic layers in Uzbek folk proverbs have not been thoroughly explored from a historical and cultural-linguistic perspective. This study investigates the historical roots, semantic depth, and expressive function of color symbolism in Uzbek proverbs, emphasizing how specific colors like black, white, red, yellow, and blue convey complex cultural and emotional meanings. The research reveals that color symbols in proverbs are not merely decorative but serve to encode collective experiences, religious beliefs, moral judgments, and societal norms. For instance, black symbolizes evil and shame, white represents purity and virtue, red signifies love and wealth, and yellow indicates longing and illness. The study offers a comprehensive linguistic and semiotic interpretation of color-based symbolism within the folk genre, grounded in ancient cosmological and cultural beliefs, showing how brevity and depth coexist in proverbial expression. Understanding color symbolism in Uzbek proverbs enhances appreciation of cultural heritage and demonstrates how symbolic language shapes national identity, ethical thought, and intergenerational communication.