Kathakali
Kathakali originates in Kerela, India. It is a combination theatrical dance, song and mythology and is for the most part secular in that there is no connection with temple worship, though there are Hindu ritual and rebirth themes present. In Kathakali, the make up is the character and this particularly complex make up follows some of the following symbolism:
Green: Good
Red: Anger
Black: What is repellent
Yellow: Wonder
Eye makeup: Oval/lotus shapes for good , block/square for evil
The make up makes the character which makes the mood or abstract aspect of life
Peking Opera
Now to East Asia and Peking Opera which has distant religious roots but is generally another secular entertainment. Characters are once again heavily defined by the the face and the expressions determined by mask and make up, from feminine gentleness to brutality. Artistically stylized designs are vital in Peking Opera to provide the audience with instantly recognisable characters and historic figures. Once again we have integral colour symbolism:
Gold: Divinity, supernatural beings
Yellow: The imperial colour, reticence (whole face)
Black: Impetuousness or (strict) law abiding
Red: Courage, loyalty, faithfulness
White: Brutality (whole face), scoundrel/clown (patch across nose & eyes)
Blue: Cruelty
Green: Demon/devil
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