Introduction
Most cultures have a tradition for the colour to wear at a funeral. Across the world, colours carry deep symbolic meanings, often woven into traditions that stretch back centuries. Nowhere is this more evident than in the colours chosen for colours worn at funerals. While many people in the West instinctively associate grief with black, other cultures turn to white, red, or a combination of shades to express loss.
As a non-religious funeral celebrant, I believe that understanding these cultural associations is essential. Even when I am conducting a ceremony that is secular in nature, being aware of how colours are perceived allows me to support families with sensitivity, respect, and inclusivity. Mourning is a profoundly personal experience, and acknowledging cultural traditions around colour can help create ceremonies that truly honour the individuality of those whose lives we celebrate.
Western Traditions
In Western Europe, black has long been the dominant colour of mourning. The origins go right back to Roman times, when a darkened toga called a toga pullas was worn to signify mourning and loss.
Its association with death and solemnity became particularly prominent during the Victorian era. Queen Victoria herself, after the death of Prince Albert in 1861, famously dressed in black for the remaining forty years of her life.
As the British and Europeans colonised countries all over the world the tradition was carried on.
Over time, these strict mourning codes began to relax. Today, many families still choose black attire for funerals, but it is no longer an absolute requirement. In fact, some families request that mourners wear lighter colours, or even bright ones, to reflect a life lived joyfully rather than one ended in sadness. Nonetheless, in much of Europe, black remains a deeply ingrained marker of loss.
East Asian Clothing Customs at a Funeral
In much of East Asia, the colour of mourning is not black but white. In Chinese traditions, white symbolises purity, death, and the passage of the soul. Funeral garments are often plain and unadorned, a stark contrast to the bright reds and golds reserved for weddings and other celebrations.
Similarly, in Korea and Japan, white has long been the colour of grief. Traditional funeral attire may include simple white robes, representing a spiritual cleansing and the solemnity of death. By contrast, red is considered highly inappropriate for funerals across these cultures. Red is a colour of celebration, vitality, and marriage — its use in a mourning context would be considered disrespectful or even offensive.
It is important to note that even within these broad traditions, regional variations exist. In some modern Japanese funerals, for example, black Western-style suits have become common alongside white ceremonial dress, reflecting a blending of traditions.
South Asian Traditions
In South Asia, too, white plays a central role in mourning, particularly within Hindu communities. Widows traditionally wear white following the death of a husband, a practice symbolising renunciation and simplicity. During funerals, mourners may also dress in white as a sign of respect and purity.
Yet the subcontinent is home to a remarkable diversity of religious and cultural traditions. Muslim communities often lean towards black or darker colours, while in Sikh traditions, white remains common but can be accompanied by turbans of other subdued shades. Even within Hindu practice, regional differences mean that customs in northern India may differ markedly from those in the south.
As a celebrant, it is important never to assume uniformity in these practices. Instead, sensitivity and gentle enquiry ensure that the wishes of the family are at the centre of any service.
African Customs for Colour at a Funeral
Across the African continent, mourning colours vary enormously. In Ghanaian culture black and red together are associated with mourning and the ancestral realm. For example, they often use the combination in funeral attire or ceremonial cloths. Elsewhere, some choose white to represent the transition of the spirit and to honour purity.
It is crucial to recognise the sheer diversity of African traditions. Each ethnic group may have its own practices, shaped by a blend of indigenous beliefs, colonial influences, and modern interpretations.
One must approach African mourning customs with humility, avoiding broad generalisations and instead focusing on the requests of the specific community involved.
Mourning Colours in the Middle East
In Islamic funeral practices, simplicity is central. While black is often worn in many parts of the Middle East, particularly in urban centres, white can also play a role — both in burial shrouds (kafan) and in certain mourning garments. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have favoured white clothing, and so it retains a place of respect in funerary contexts.
Regional variation again plays a strong role. In Iran, for example, black is strongly associated with mourning, while in some Gulf states, men may wear plain white garments to funerals, with women choosing darker colours. Across the region, the focus is less on uniform dress codes and more on modesty, respect, and adherence to religious guidance.
Modern Funeral Attire
Aside from cultural differences in funeral colours, nowadays families may invite those who are attending to wear the deceased’s favourite colour. If they were passionate supporters of a sports team the mourners may wear the colours of the team or a team scarf. Fans of a particular music genre might have mourners dressed in band shirts.
Fellow bikers might attend in their boots and leathers. If the deceased was part of the military of course his or her comrades will wear uniforms at a formal funeral.
The funeral of a great gardener may see mourners in floral clothing.
Friends at the funeral of fanatics of Star Wars or Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings may honour their great love by dressing in costume appropriate to their great love.
Conclusion
When it comes to colours that signify mourning around the world, colours are never just decorative. In mourning, they become powerful symbols of loss, respect, and cultural identity. From black in the West, to white in Asia and South Asia, to the diverse shades of Africa and the Middle East, each tradition speaks to the ways communities understand and express grief.
Contact Vanessa at Wordways Ceremonies to discuss your non-religious funeral, memorial or celebration of life ceremony.