Paste Spring Festival Couplets
The tradition of pasting Spring Festival couplets, or "贴春联" in Chinese, is one of the most cherished customs during China's Lunar New Year celebrations. This practice dates back thousands of years and carries deep cultural significance, symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, and harmony for the coming year.
Spring Festival couplets are typically written on red paper, as red represents joy, luck, and celebration in Chinese culture. The couplets consist of two vertical scrolls with poetic phrases or auspicious words, hung symmetrically on either side of a doorframe. Often, there is also a horizontal scroll placed above the door, which complements the couplet with additional blessings or wishes.
The content of these couplets varies but often includes themes such as family reunion, wealth, longevity, and academic success. For example, one might read: “福星高照幸福家” (Good fortune shines upon a happy home) on the right scroll, while the left scroll says: “鸿运当头万事兴” (Great luck brings all things to flourish). Above the door, the horizontal scroll could read: “吉星高照” (Lucky stars shine brightly).
Pasting the couplets is usually done on New Year’s Eve or the morning of the first day of the lunar new year. Families gather together, carefully choosing the perfect pair of couplets that reflect their aspirations for the upcoming year. Some people even write their own couplets, expressing personal sentiments or family values.
This custom not only beautifies homes but also strengthens bonds among family members through shared activities. It serves as a reminder of ancestral traditions while fostering hope for the future. As the world evolves, this age-old practice continues to resonate deeply within Chinese communities worldwide, bridging generations and cultures alike.
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