In Chinese culture, red is a lucky colour; it’s often used for gift giving or weddings. Similarly in Hinduism, red is considered lucky (as far as I’ve read) and brides wear red at their weddings. The only commonality I can see between Indian culture and Chinese culture (in terms of beliefs) is Buddhism, is it because of this or something entirely different or a coincidence?
Like… Cinnibar?
It’s the red stuff used for stamps/seals/signatures in East Asia. The Olmec were also keen on their red pigment, as you can see from the Tomb of the Red Queen.
It’s also mercury-based, so pretty fucking toxic.
if it was associated with Luck, it was almost certainly because for a very long time only wealthy people could afford it