Armor color

The colors on a set of samurai armor were chosen specifically to work in harmony with each other. Each color represented one of the 5 elements in the creation and destruction cycle of life. Black represents water, white represents metal, green represents wood, red represents fire and gold or yellow represents earth. All the dyes from the armor were made from natural materials, for example gromwell extract was commonly used. Certain colors were also favored by members of the same clan to use as identifiers but there is no evidence that the colors were mandatory to represent the family or clan. Dark blue or indigo dye were not an official color of the elements however it was popular for personal modifications as it protected from UV rays and natural deterioration. 

Cummins, A. (n.d.). A look at the spiritual side of Samurai Arms and armour: Budo japan - TRADITIONAL Japanese martial-arts. BUDO JAPAN. https://budojapan.com/feature-articles/samurai-arms-and-armour/

L, M. (2023b, September). The Art of War Exploring the Colors of Samurai Armor. Romance of Men. https://romanceofmen.com/blogs/armor-knowledge/the-art-of-war-exploring-the-colors-of-samurai-armor