The Meaning of Color is an absolutely brilliant post (the first of three) from Smashing Magazine which looks at the meaning of color in terms of design. It comes with some great practical examples of the use of color in web design. If you’re involved in design or even just interested, then you really need to bookmark this and keep it for permanent reference.
Outside the western world, red has different associations. For example, in China, red is the color of prosperity and happiness. It can also be used to attract good luck. In other eastern cultures, red is worn by brides on their wedding days. In South Africa, however, red is the color of mourning. Red is also associated with communism. Red has become the color associated with AIDS awareness in Africa due to the popularity of the [RED] campaign.