GATSCIIET KAS. LEG. COMMENTARY. [69] 37 



In many of the myths que ted above there is a relation distinct- 

 ly traceable between the colors and the clouds ajjpearing in the 

 parts of the horizon referred to. Now clouds are indicators of 

 the winds and weather, and upon the changes of the weather all 

 human and animal life depends. We may therefore understand 

 how colors could become not only cloud and weather symbols, 

 but also symbols of the deities representing the agencies control- 

 ing the state of the weather, and that they could finally stand for 

 these deities themselves. These relations of the colors to the 

 weather necessarily differ according to the climate of each coun- 

 try ; hence the lack of agreement between the above-mentioned 

 colors of the various nations. 



We have here another evidence of the fact that specific reli- 

 gious ideas (not the religions themselves) are produced by 



climate. 



COLOR SYMBOLISM. 



A few remarks on a topic closely related to the one just treated 

 of may find its place here on account of its wide adoption among 

 Indian tribes ; we mean the symbolic use of colors. 



Among rude and civilized nations alike, certain colors which 

 possess relations easily thought of to objects of common use, or 

 known to all, were at all times used as signs or symbols for these. 

 Symbols like these figure in garments and beads, on devices and 

 banners, on architectural ornaments, in idols, in memorial beads 

 and quipos, in heraldry and signals, and often designate things 

 of an abstract nature. The bright colors form a contrast to the 

 dull color-shade of the objects which commonly surround us and 

 they strike the eye in a pleasant manner ; color symbolism hence 

 became a popular custom throughout the world. Indians who 

 use gesture language have also gesture signs for colors. Color 

 symbolism may find here a few illustrations taken from Ameri- 

 can nations only. 



The string-records of the ancient Peruvians consisted of cords 

 having one, two or several colors, and were called quipo or knots. 

 Yellow meant gold ; white, silver and peace ; red, war and war- 

 riors, troops ; green, the different cereals. Qtiipos were found 

 among the Central Americans, Orinoco and Chili Indians ; a tribe 

 of the latter, the Araucos, had brought their laws, adiiiopu^ into 

 this shape of memorial help. Among the Tlascaltecs they were 



