When scripture uses the words ‘similar to, or like as’ to describe something, it is not suggesting that these things ARE what they are depicting. From our English language, that should be obvious. But, to many it is not quite so cut and dry. For example, I have read commentators from many years ago that point to the colors of the four horsemen in Rev 6 as nations. Red is China, green or pale are the Islamic nations, black are Asian nations and white, the European nations. This was back when everyone was trying to come up with a different version of prophecy and theories were bouncing all over the place.
The colors are representative of the judgement the rider and horse represent, All nations will be effected when the seals are open. The green or pale color correlates with death, red - bloodshed, black- famine and suffering, white or blanco - the absence of color. White in this particular area of scripture represents the artificial righteousness or (un)holiness surrounding the rise of antichrist. Some will see him as a savior, others will know the evil he represents.