Colors
Colors denote differentiated light and encode character, omens, directions, deities, and ritual order, though directional mappings vary across Pueblo and Mesoamerican traditions.
Our paraphrase of what the sources say it carries.
At a glance
- Type
- Concept
- Borne by
- 10 figures
- Traditions
- Chinese mythology (2)Persian mythology (2)Arabian folklore (1)Egyptian mythology (1) and 4 more
Figures that bear it
A model judged each figure against its own description, one term at a time. Is: the figure is, or is partly, this thing. Bears: it carries the thing or is marked by it. What a figure does is filed under motifs and powers. Open "why" for the sentence the judgement rests on.
- Achiyalabopa bears Pueblo folklore
why
These feathers shimmer with an otherworldly light, changing colors as the bird moves, creating a mesmerizing display that can both captivate and intimidate observers.
- Anqa bears Arabian folklore
why
The Anqa's feathers are said to be iridescent, shifting colors like the surface of an opal as it moves.
- Bennu bears Egyptian mythology
why
Its plumage is said to shimmer with hues of gold, red, and purple, reflecting the colors of the rising and setting sun.
- Fenghuang bears Chinese mythology
why
Its body is adorned with vibrant, iridescent feathers in a spectrum of colors, each hue symbolizing a different virtue or element.
- Huma bears Persian mythology
why
Its plumage is said to be a dazzling array of colors, shimmering with hues that seem to change with the light, reflecting the full spectrum of the rainbow.
- Nine-headed Bird bears Chinese mythology
why
The creature's body is said to be covered in iridescent feathers that shimmer with colors beyond the human spectrum, changing hues depending on the angle of observation.
- Sarimanok bears Philippine folklore
why
Originating from Maranao art, the Sarimanok is a mythical bird of vibrant colors and elaborate decoration, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.
- Shahbaz bears Persian mythology
why
With its impressive wingspan and feathers adorned in a mesmerizing array of vibrant colors - deep blues, rich golds, and fiery reds - the Shahbaz commands attention wherever it appears.
- Tecumbalam bears Mayan mythology
why
The Tecumbalam's plumage is a riot of vibrant colors, each feather seeming to pulse with its own inner light, reflecting the rich biodiversity of its rainforest domain.
- Warak ngendog bears Indonesian folklore
why
The creature's body is often adorned with vibrant colors and intricate patterns, reflecting the rich artistic traditions of Javanese culture.