Why is writing someone's name in red ink bad?

[chaxiu]

Hello all,

I've known for some time that writing a name in red ink in unlucky and has something to do with death.

But what is the story behind it?

One of my managers told me today that it was because prisoners had to sign their name in red before being executed.

I also remember reading a few years ago that perhaps only the emperor was allowed to write with red ink.

Does anyone know the real reason?

Thanks

Chaxiu

[dalaowai]

Check out this link:

http://www.xianzai.com/archives/2006/05/30/china-triviawhat-color-is-bad-luck-in-chinese-writing-or-signature/

"In ancient times the color red was reserved for the dead. The names of the deceased were written, painted, or engraved in red on gravestones and plaques in the village centers. Even today many traditional people will get nervous if you write their name down in red. To write a living person's name in red means they will die soon or you want them dead. Try this next time you write a letter to your ex-lover. "

[Stefani]

But name chops (stamps) are in red, why is that?

Thanks.

[woodcutter]

Maybe because red was the official colour for writing on documents in a number of contexts, death being only one of them?

And let's not forget - red is the lucky colour:conf

[null]

just a wild guess, red=blood.

[Echo Sue]

red symbolized the authority in ancient times.

"I also remember reading a few years ago that perhaps only the emperor was allowed to write with red ink."u r right! it's said the emperor got this color from the god(in Chinese "丹书天授“）,and it was his privilege to use it.mostly,red was used to record criminals'names,so some people think it's unlucky and disrespectful to write others' names in red.

however, the modern Chinese, especially young people,don't really care about it.just remember don't write to your chinese teacher in red.