what does the color black mean

The color black is steeped in meanings and can vary depending on context. Frequently, it's associated with power, elegance, and formality. Think of those sleek black suits and dresses that scream sophistication. Black speaks authority and evokes strong emotions, too.

It also carries a sense of mystery, the unknown, and can symbolize the darker side of things. But like Yin and Yang, black has its balance. In certain cultures, it signifies prosperity and wealth.

However, black -- inflexible, solid and endless -- maintains its own classic flexibility. In ACGN the world of stories, black conveys an infinite number of meanings. For example, Batman is enshrouded in black. Born a hero who emerges from the dark, he carries out retribution for his bruises and scars as a self-styled vigilante.

Still, when we turn to Anime like Death Note, black is all change. It stands on the brink of morality, a mystery and enigma in perpetuity. Black is "the other"; an indication that there are hidden secrets within its background. Nevertheless, in Takahashi's Rumic World, black signifies the beginnings. It designates a void prior to any creation.

But of course no one of these Alexandrian readings can be definitive. It is the beauty of black. So versatile and multifaceted--like a black diamond it's smooth yet holds hidden down inside rich layers, waiting to be explored further.