Couplets & fu signs
Spring couplets and fu signs: red paper that greets the New Year at your door.
Hang it the right way
Know the pair
The two lines match in length and grammar. The first ends on an oblique tone, the second on a level one.
Follow the banner
If the banner reads right to left, the first line goes on the right. If it reads left to right, the first line goes left.
Time it
Paste them on the last day or two of the old year. Homes in mourning traditionally skip red paper.
Always the new peach charm replaces the old.
Buying couplets
Couplets & fu signs
Hand-picked pieces are on the way.
Good to know
Why is the fu character upside down?
Because dao, upside down, sounds like dao, to arrive. An upside-down fu says good fortune has arrived. Many families keep the main door fu upright and turn the ones on inner doors.
What is a Chinese New Year couplet?
It is a pair of matching lines brushed on red paper and pasted beside the door, with a short banner above. The lines wish the house peace, fortune and a good year.
When should you take down Chinese New Year decorations?
There is no fixed date. Many families leave couplets up all year until new ones replace them, while others take them down after the Lantern Festival.
