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Discover the Vibrant Traditions of Chinese New Year

 Experience the beauty of Chinese New Year traditions, from displaying the auspicious "Fu" character to showcasing colorful New Year paintings. Celebrate a timeless culture that bridges history and connects hearts globally.

The Tradition of Upside-Down "Fu" Characters: A Symbol of Luck and Happiness

Pasting the Chinese character "福" (Fu), meaning "blessing" or "good fortune," has been a long-standing tradition during the Spring Festival in China. Historical records, such as the Meng Liang Lu, mention: “As the New Year approaches, people clean their homes, replace door gods, hang peach wood charms, and paste spring decorations.” Among these decorations, the "Fu" character written on red paper became an iconic symbol of festive wishes.

In modern times, "Fu" represents happiness, but historically it also symbolized prosperity and good fortune. The practice of pasting "Fu" upside-down emerged to convey the phrase “福倒了” (Fu dao le), which is a homophone for “福到了” (Fu dao le) meaning “blessings have arrived.” This clever wordplay captures the hopes for luck and happiness to come to every household.

There is also an enduring legend associated with this tradition. During the reign of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty, the emperor intended to use the "Fu" character as a secret symbol for punishing specific households. However, his kind-hearted wife, Empress Ma, ordered all households to paste "Fu" characters on their doors to avert disaster. One illiterate family accidentally pasted their "Fu" upside-down. Upon seeing this, the emperor was initially enraged but was persuaded by the empress, who explained that it was a deliberate sign to welcome blessings. Moved by her reasoning, the emperor spared the family, and the custom of pasting "Fu" upside-down spread across the land as a sign of good luck and a tribute to the empress's wisdom.

Today, during the Spring Festival, families paste "Fu" characters on doors, walls, and lintels, often accompanied by elaborate decorations like peaches, carp leaping over dragons, or symbols of abundance and harmony. Whether upright or upside-down, the "Fu" character reflects a heartfelt wish for a prosperous and joyful New Year, embodying the timeless hope for happiness and fortune in every home.




The Tradition of New Year Paintings: A Celebration of Art and Hope

Hanging and displaying New Year paintings, or nianhua, is a cherished tradition during the Chinese Spring Festival, widely practiced in both urban and rural areas. These vibrant and colorful artworks bring an atmosphere of joy and prosperity to households, adding to the festive spirit of the New Year.

New Year paintings are an ancient form of Chinese folk art that reflect the customs, beliefs, and hopes of the people. Much like Spring Festival couplets, the origin of nianhua can be traced back to “door gods” (menshen), whose images were placed on doors to ward off evil spirits. Over time, with the advent of woodblock printing, the themes of these paintings expanded beyond door gods to include a wide variety of subjects, such as “The Three Stars of Blessing, Prosperity, and Longevity,” “Heavenly Blessings,” “Abundant Harvest,” and “Thriving Livestock.” These classic works captured the celebratory and auspicious hopes of the people.

China’s rich history of nianhua boasts three major centers of production, each with its own distinctive style: Suzhou’s Taohuawu, Tianjin’s Yangliuqing, and Weifang in Shandong Province. Together, they represent the three main schools of Chinese New Year paintings, showcasing the diversity and artistry of this cultural heritage.

The oldest surviving nianhua in China dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty. The woodblock print titled “Presenting the Graceful Beauty of the Sui Dynasty” features four famous beauties from Chinese history: Wang Zhaojun, Zhao Feiyan, Ban Jieyu, and Lü Zhu. Among the most widely popular folk prints is “The Wedding of Mice,” a humorous and whimsical depiction of mice celebrating a wedding in human-like fashion.

In the early 20th century, a new form of nianhua emerged. Shanghai artist Zheng Mantuo combined traditional New Year paintings with calendars, creating a hybrid form that eventually evolved into today’s wall calendars. These modernized nianhua gained immense popularity and remain a beloved household item across China.

New Year paintings not only enhance the festive atmosphere but also serve as a medium to express people’s wishes for happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. Whether traditional or modern, nianhua continues to be an integral part of Chinese culture, connecting generations through its vivid artistry and timeless themes.


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