The traditional Chinese concept of the five colors; what do the five colors refer to

Quick answer：

The traditional Chinese concept of the five colors, also known as the 'Five Elements' or 'Wu Xing,' refers to a system that categorizes colors based on their corresponding elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element is associated with specific colors: green (wood), red (fire), yellow (earth), white (metal), and black (water). This system is integral to Chinese philosophy, art, and culture, influencing everything from color schemes in traditional art to the Chinese zodiac.