Unveiling the Magic of Chinese New Year Decorations 🎉

Do you know that every decoration during the Chinese New Year has a special meaning? Let’s explore the colorful world of Spring Festival decorations and discover the secrets they hold!

Red Couplets: Words of Good Wishes

Have you ever seen red banners with golden characters hanging on doorways? These are called red couplets. They are poems or phrases written on red paper, symbolizing good luck and happiness for the new year. The color red is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring joy.

Chinese Paper-Cuttings: Art from Scissors ✂️

Chinese paper-cuttings are intricate designs made by folding and cutting paper. These decorations are often displayed on windows, letting sunlight shine through the beautiful patterns. Common themes include animals like the ox or rabbit (depending on the zodiac year), flowers, and symbols of prosperity.

The Upside-Down “Fu” Character: Bringing in Fortune

The character “Fu” (福) means “good fortune” or “blessing”. People often hang the “Fu” character upside-down on their doors. But why upside-down? In Chinese, the phrase “upside-down” sounds like “arrived”, so an upside-down “Fu” means that good fortune has arrived!

Rachel’s Adventure at the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum

Our friend Rachel visited the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum in Beijing to learn more about these traditions. She saw artisans creating paper-cuttings by hand and learned how red couplets are carefully crafted. Rachel discovered that these decorations are not just for show—they carry the hopes and dreams of people for the new year.

Bringing Traditions Home

Next time you celebrate the New Year, maybe you can try making your own paper-cuttings or writing a red couplet! It’s a wonderful way to share in the joy and pass on these meaningful traditions.

Happy Chinese New Year! 新年快乐！🎊

Reference(s):

Discover the rich meaning behind Spring Festival decorations

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