In Dakota/Lakota (D/Lakota) culture, red represents the “color of the north and denotes perseverance, endurance, pureness, and wisdom of the White Hairs (reference to age).
Yellow signifies the source of light that usually comes from the east. It also represents the beginning of understanding, a symbol of light and a time of rebirth. White represents the south and denotes source of life and is a symbolic representation of intellect.
Black denotes honor, respect, and adulthood. It also acknowledges the wind, water, the lightning and thunder that reside in the west.
Blue is the most sacred of all colors as it is the very essence of Inyan (Stone) who helped to create the world. In creating Unci Maka (Grandmother Earth), he bled out and shriveled up to become stone. His essence could no longer live in Inyan’s ‘blood’ and left it to surround itself around Unci Maka. So his power is in the air and water and is now known as Wakan Tanka (Great Embodiment).” For the D/Lakota, the meanings of colors are ancient teachings that serve as a guide on how to live this life.