“黄色” stands for the imperial authority in Chinese culture. In the past two thousand years, ordinary people were not allowed to be dressed in yellow, mostly because the color of yellow was the commissioner’s office. For example, “黄袍加身” refers to raising people to the purple; “黄马褂” is similar to “blue ribbon” , which implies the highest praise for official from the leader of the nation; “黄尾” refers to a four-wheel carriage whose color is yellow for emperor when going out.
    Besides, Chinese people would like to use “黄” to symbolize “chastity” and “loyalty”. For instance, “黄花晚节” is a metaphor for the loyalty of the old.
   2.1.2 Scarlet and 紫色
    The color of “scarlet” stands for “noble status” in English. The British support scarlet mainly because of the scarlet Pope of the Catholic Church dressed in scarlet robe, which is not red. However, we call it “紫袍”. In mid-century time, the scarlet Pope might in charge of the whole religious affairs of the country. In other words, he owns the similar status to the emperor. Thus the British associate scarlet with “high position”.
Chinese people worship “紫色” resulting from Taoism. As is known, Taoism pides the Galaxy into three parts: Ziwei Palace (紫微宫), Taiwei Palace (太微宫) and Tianshi Palace (天市宫). As the center part among them, Ziwei Palace is the place in which Jade Emperor lives. Therefore, “紫色” (purple) is considered valuable in Taoism. And The Forbidden City (紫禁城) is the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. In Tang Dynasty, the prince and high officials (including the third and above ranks) wore purple dress and purple ribbon that were granted by the official. “紫裳” refers to a patchwork outer vestment given by an emperor to a Buddhist monk as a reward. Besides, “紫” stands for wealth. For example, “ 紫” in “紫气东来” means something mystery but propitious. “紫” also refers to good luck and success. For instance, someone who has succeeded in his career often can be described as “红得发紫” or “大红大紫”. And in modern society, “紫竹” and “紫檀” symbolizes prosperity and good luck. What’s more, “紫” refers to bruises. “青一块, 紫一块” indicates that someone has been physically hurt. “紫” also means “widow”, which represents unluckiness of the woman who has been deserted by her husband.
   2.1.3 Green and 黄色
    The English color word “green” has the same connotations as “黄色” in Chinese. “Green” can indicate “immature” because it is the color of plants in their prime, such as “green corn” and “green apple”. Of course, “green food” does not mean the food unripe. It means ecologically beneficial and healthy food. Green can indicate “vigorous”, “fresh” and “young”. For example, “a green old age” means people are old but full of energy. Moreover, “green” can be extended to imply “inexperienced”. For instance, “green horn” or “green hand” implies people who are easily deceived due to lacking of knowledge, common sense, training or experience. While in Chinese, the color words “黄” is used to describing “youth” or “immatureness”. Taking “黄毛丫头” for example, it refers to naive or immature girls; “黄口小儿” means that the boys are innocent and ignorant; “黄口孺子” refers to an immature inpidual.
    In addition, both “green” and “黄色” can indicate wealth. “Green back” refers to an American banknote due to its green back; “green power” is the power of financial groups or money; “green pound” is an exchange rate for computing the price of agricultural products specifically used in European Community; a “green sheet” refers to a elaborate comparing table of government budget. While in Chinese, “黄道” refers to being in business so as to earn money; “黄金地段” indicates prosperous places that are able to make a fortune. 中英文颜色词的非对应翻译(3):http://www.youerw.com/yingyu/lunwen_8613.html