Chunlian, also known as Spring Festival Couplets, is a Chinese New Year decoration and tradition. It is mainly two vertical pieces of red paper on which people write two lines of poetic phrases in black ink, Chinese people paste them on both sides of the door(outside of the house) on the eve of the Spring Festival. The tradition of writing and pasting Chunlian contains Chinese people’s good wishes for the coming new year.
The tradition of chunlian dates back to the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD). It was during this time that people began to hang written rhymes onto their doorposts. These rhymes were said to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the household.
Chunlian has been around for centuries from then, and it is still popular today, essential even. Nowadays, the phrases on them usually express good wishes for the coming new year, for families who have received relatively higher education, they may choose the phrases that can express their noble sentiments.
Initially, Chunlian was written by those in the neighborhood who were skilled in calligraphy. Nowadays, most people buy Chunlian, while those who personally write them are usually well-off families with leisure time.
The tradition of the Spring Festival Couplets is a reflection of Chinese culture. The whole process of writing and hanging chunlian is a symbol of the new year and fresh starts. It’s a tradition that carries on from generation to generation and has become an integral part of Chinese New Year’s celebrations. If you get a chance to experience Chinese New Year, remember to take the time to appreciate the beauty and heritage of Chunlian.
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