Colors Represent Show Directions Native Medicine American People

Many "Native American" (the descendants of the people who lived in North America before European settlers arrived) "tribes" (large groups of people who live together) associate or connect colors with "cardinal directions" (north, south, east and west). These colors are often "symbolic of" (representing) different "concepts" (ideas).

Although it is difficult to "generalize" (make statements that are true about all members of a group) about Native Americans, since each tribe is very different, many tribes have a "medicine wheel," or a visual way to represent their "spirituality" (beliefs and faith). The medicine wheel "encompasses" (includes; covers) the four cardinal directions and the four "sacred" (holy; having religious and/or spiritual significance) colors, although the colors and meanings vary "significantly" (a lot) among tribes. Here is a description of one medicine wheel:

Red represents the East. It also is used to show "triumph" (winning) and success.

Blue represents the North. It is also used to show "defeat" (losing), "trouble" (problems or danger) and sadness.

Black represents the West. It is also used to show death.

White represents the South. It is also used to show "tranquility" (calmness), happiness, and peace.

Some Native American tribes use other colors for three additional directions. The following colors are used in the same medicine wheel described above:

Yellow is used to represent anything up above.

Brown is used to represent anything down below.

Green is used to represent the center.