Chinese new year signs
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a significant traditional holiday in China and other countries with Chinese populations. Here are some common signs and decorations you might see during Chinese New Year:
- Red Lanterns (): Red lanterns are a symbol of good luck and prosperity. They're often hung outside homes, businesses, and public spaces.
- Couplets (): Couplets, also known as "dual couplets," are pairs of poems or phrases written on red paper and hung on doors or walls. They usually contain auspicious messages, such as "Good fortune comes with the new year" or "Prosperity and happiness."
- Paper Cutouts (): Paper cutouts are intricate designs cut from red paper and used to decorate windows, doors, and walls. They often feature traditional Chinese motifs, such as flowers, animals, or auspicious symbols.
- Chunlian (): Chunlian is a traditional Chinese New Year decoration that consists of a pair of paper cutouts with a red ribbon tied around them. They're often hung on doors or walls to ward off evil spirits.
- Spring Couplets (): Spring couplets are similar to couplets, but they're specifically written for the Spring Festival. They usually contain messages about renewal, growth, and good fortune.
- Red Envelopes (): Red envelopes, also known as "hongbao" or "lai see," are given to children and seniors as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. They usually contain money.
- Chinese Characters (): Chinese characters, such as "" (fu) for good luck, "" (xi) for happiness, and "" (sheng) for longevity, are often displayed during Chinese New Year to bring good fortune.
- Dragon and Phoenix (): The dragon and phoenix are symbols of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. They're often depicted in decorations, such as paper cutouts or figurines.
- Gold and Silver Decorations (): Gold and silver decorations, such as gold and silver paper cutouts or ornaments, are used to symbolize wealth and prosperity.
- New Year's Greetings (): New Year's greetings, such as "" (gōng xǐ fā cái) or "" (xīn nián kuài lè), are often displayed on doors, walls, or in windows to welcome the new year.
These signs and decorations are an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations, and they're often used to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to those who celebrate the holiday.