Why do the Nights Watch wear black?

[King of Winters]

I was watching an interview with Kit Harrington and in it he says why do the Nights Watch wear black when they're in the snow. So my question is why do they wear black? So if anyone has any ideas about why they do wear black please do tell me. Or if I've missed something in the books that explains it tell me, if it is in the books I've completely forgotten so sorry if it's in the books.

[WinterKing]

I've only found 2 explanations:

-Mormont's joke in ASOS about they being dressed in black so they are ready to their own burial;

-As a way to Martin subvert the evil=dark good=white cliche.

Another that i just made up is that black cloth is cheaper, as it do not need to be dyed.

[briantw]

Because "taking the white" sounds like the end of a porno movie.

[The Dragon has three heads]

I think it's in memory of the last hero/AA.

[King Aerys the Just]

Because "taking the white" sounds like the end of a porno movie.

:drunk:

That's probably it, yeah.

[Ser Greg of House House]

Yeah, it doesn't make any sense when they fight in the snow. But... Black makes you warmer if there is any sunlight.

[Mikkel]

There's also something about black covering everything, symbolizing that by "taking the black" all their previous transgressions are covered over - but okay, that same argument could be made if they were wearing white.

Maybe it's just because of the many hilariously racist-sounding references to Black Brothers when taken out of context? (no, not really)

[ebevan91]

Maybe to be more stealthy at night?

[jon stark I]

Well you know they are in a very cold place and black and color black generally absorbs all sunlight which makes them feel a little bit warmer.

Black is also a color of shame maybe before Nghts King they wore different colors but also there are criminals inside the watch.They can't wear white because that is KGs color so they choose black.

[Young Nan]

Because "taking the white" sounds like the end of a porno movie.

So does "taking the black".

[Kolantero]

Maybe so they can be spotted better if they need a rescue in the snow. Also, the wildlings wear white (I think?) so if the watch wore also black it might have been confusing. Plus, the NW real job is to guard the realm from the Others, so maybe they use black as an antithesis to WHITEwalkers.

Or maybe GRRM thought black colour has better aesthetics in the readers' eyes for an army of prisoners/mostly scumbags.

[The Night's Prince]

Umm black is a known color to absorb light/heat. It keeps them warm. White would make them colder, faster. It's more about surviving in general than being like ninjas.

[Sweet-N-SourRobin]

Johnny Cash was the first Lord Commander.

[Jordouche]

Because it's the opposite of the Kingsguard. Look up interviews with George and he explains it all.

[Lord Flashheart]

The Nights Watch was founded by Goth/Emo Kids?

[direwolf_of_white_fangs]

Because they listen to heavy metal, obviously... :idea:

[Fetch me a block]

Well you know they are in a very cold place and black and color black generally absorbs all sunlight which makes them feel a little bit warmer.

Black is also a color of shame maybe before Nghts King they wore different colors but also there are criminals inside the watch.They can't wear white because that is KGs color so they choose black.

Except the NW predates the KG by 7,700 years.

[Lion of Judah]

Black represents the night I suppose and they are men who protect civilization from the darkness that comes with the night.

[Ser Jake]

Because "taking the white" sounds like the end of a porno movie.

"Taking the black" is what comes before "taking the white".

[Lion of Judah]

Well you know they are in a very cold place and black and color black generally absorbs all sunlight which makes them feel a little bit warmer.

Black is also a color of shame maybe before Nghts King they wore different colors but also there are criminals inside the watch.They can't wear white because that is KGs color so they choose black.

They date back to the age of heros and the Kings Guard was founded by Aegon the Conqueror.