We live in a wide spectrum of color—a vivid splash of hues as innumerable as the stars. Some are as intense as the sun while others are so dark as to suggest a total lack of color. Even the harsh extreme of darkness carries with it a sense of color. Every language has a specific nomenclature based on the cascade of sensations generated by these colors. The Cherokee color scheme is as lyrical as any set of words within the lexicon. Often, the colors will be associated with the sensations they produce. In Cherokee, the basic color scheme possesses a unique nomenclature as well as a distinctive spiritual meaning. Colors not only represent the seasons, but serve as powerful portents for the future.
Blue: Sa-go-ne-ge
Blue (sa-go-ne-ge) symbolizes sorrow and could often serve as the harbinger of failure. The term, “feeling blue” derives from the Cherokee belief that this color represents negative emotions. To counter the spiritual effects of blue, red is employed. Blue is cold, which is why the spirits associated with this color dwell in the north. The Cherokee word u-yv-dla means both “north” and “cold”.
White: U-ne-ga
U-ne-ga represents peace and happiness. This color is a good omen to the Cherokee, signifying harmony with the universe and offering up a sense of tranquility. To wear white is to be at peace with one’s surroundings. In treaty ceremonies, white pipes (ga-nv-no-wa) are smoked to solidify the hope of continued peace. White is also the color of the south, a warm and welcoming environment. In fact, the word for south is also the word for warm—u-ga-na-wa.
Red: Gi-ga-ge
Gi-ga-ge (also spelled gi-ga-ge-i) stands for success. It is the absolute antithesis of sa-go-ne-ge. Red paint was once used in war ceremonies and warriors would adorn their weapons with red markings. Red beads are used in medicine ceremonies to raise healing spirits. These spirits dwell in the east—di-ka-lv-gi?-i.
Black: Gv-ni-ge
Gv-ni-ge is the lack of color and therefore represents the absence of life—in essence, death. It is fitting that gv-ni-ge also represents wu-de-li-gv?—the west. When the Cherokee were forced to relocate under the terms of the Indian Removal Act, they were marched west to face an uncertain future. They went over rough terrain, through storms and dwindling supplies to enter into a land they had yet to see. It is estimated more than one-third of the travelers perished on this “Trail of Tears”.
Yellow: Da-lo-ni-ge
Yellow, or da-lo-hi-ge, represents the first of three additional color-associated directions. Standing as the unending firmament above the ground, yellow represents the sky. Da-lo-ni-ge was invoked in times of great strife, often in concert with war ceremonies. The yellow spirits were called upon to vex the enemy forces and allow the Cherokee to achieve victory.
Brown: U-wo-di-ge
Brown represents the animal spirits and the ground from which all life blossomed. This color is very important.
Green: I-tse-i-yu-sdi
The center of all things, i-tse-i-yu-sdi can represent the individual or the world itself.
Additional Colors
While not directly associated with spirituality, these colors are also prevalent in the Cherokee color spectrum.
Gray: u-sgo-lv sa-go-ni-ge
Orange: a-da-lo-ni-ge
Purple: gi-ga-ge-sdi
Pick: gi-ga-ge-i-yu-sdi
Looking at the color term, it is easy to see the interrelationship between nature and spirituality. Each term stands on its own, yet is linked to another within its spectrum. Notice the similarities in the pronunciation between red, purple, and pink. Taking each word and studying its structure will give you an understanding of its place within the lexicon. However, looking into deeper meaning of the word allows for greater understanding of Cherokee culture.
Sources:
English/Cherokee Dictionary Online. http://www.wehali.com/tsalagi
Michael Garrett. Walking on the Wind. (Rochester: Bear and Company Publishing, 1998).
Ruth Bradley Holmes and Betty Sharp Smith. Beginning Cherokee. (Norman; University of Oklahoma Press, 1977).
Thomas E Mails, The Cherokee People: The Story of the Cherokees from Earliest Origins to Contemporary Times. (New York: Marlowe and Company, 1996).
Carl Waldman. Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes. (New York: Checkmark Books, 2006).
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