Abstract
Aiming at finding symbolistic meanings and characteristics of makeup in Chinese Beijing Opera("BO"), this study formulated a theoretical framework mainly from literature in the Symbolism and symbolistically analyzed materials related to BO makeup from literature, internet web pages and illustrated news concerning performing arts. Main objects to analyze are the characteristics of four main roles in BO and the patterns, symbols, ornaments and traditions of Beijing Opera facial makeup("BOFM"). Four main roles are Sheng, Tan, Ching and Chou, categorized by gender, age, social position and personality. The result to analyze symbolistic meanings and characteristics of makeups for the roles in BO are as follows: the patterns and colors of BOFM function as explanations to help audiences understand each role's personality and dramatic situations as well as provide hints about the development and ending of an opera: that is, BO makeup is a communicative intermediary between audiences and actors in BO. It tends to follow the stereotypes, which conventionally dress and exaggerate the characters of roles, and copy the traditional Chinese perception about colors. Thus, by the metaphysical and typical expression of BOFM, Chinese people have not been pursuing the realism in opera but applying BO makeup to a mutual communication method between audiences and performing artists as to share their collective cultural heritages and spirits. Threfore, BO makeup has been an interacting language between the two entities and grown within the history of BO as a beauty art to highlight a BO by its unique systems, ornaments and beauty.