As an important celebration for Chinese people, Chinese New Year is one of the celebrations that is always awaited every year. There are several things that have become traditions and are usually done during Chinese New Year, such as giving red packets, worshiping at the temple, and gathering with family at home.
To strengthen the Chinese New Year atmosphere in the house, it is clear that the right Chinese New Year decorations are needed at home. You don’t have to buy them, in fact you can also make your own Chinese New Year decorations in just a few minutes. In this post, we have collected 7 Chinese New Year decoration ideas that can be used as references. Here is the list!
1. New Year Couplets
New Year couplets are usually pasted on the door or wall of a house. In these couplets, good wishes or statements are expressed. New Year greetings are usually posted in pairs (couplets) because even numbers are associated with good luck and fortune in Chinese culture. Couplets are Chinese calligraphy brushwork, in black ink on red paper.
Two lines of couplets usually consisting of seven (or nine) characters are pasted on either side of the doorway. Many poems are about the coming of spring. There are also statements about what the residents want or believe in, such as harmony or prosperity. These couplets may remain valid until they are renewed the next Chinese New Year.
2. Red Lanterns
Red lanterns are used during important festivals such as the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year to Lantern Festival) and the Mid-Autumn Festival. During Chinese New Year, lanterns are usually hung on trees, streets, office buildings, and house doors. Hanging red lanterns in front of the door is believed to ward off bad luck.
3. Paper Cuts
Paper cutting is the art of cutting designs out of paper (any color, but usually red for the Spring Festival), then gluing them to a contrasting or transparent surface (such as a window). It is customary for people in northern and central China to stick red paper cuttings on doors and windows.
4. Angpau Tree
As we know, Chinese New Year celebrations are very identical with angpau, a red envelope containing some money. Angpau is usually distributed to young children and those who are still single. Well, as a Chinese New Year decoration at home, you can be creative by making a unique angpau tree.
5. Kumquat Tree
The kumquat tree is believed to be a symbol of good luck during Chinese New Year. In Cantonese, kumquat is called gam gat sue, a wish for wealth and good fortune. In addition to being a decoration, people of Chinese descent also often display kumquat trees to consume the fruit.
6. Chinese New Year Dining Table
One of the most awaited events during Chinese New Year is eating together with family. Therefore, decorate the dining room with appropriate dining table accessories, for example the simple dining room decoration above.
7. Blooming Flowers
Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival, marking the beginning of spring. During Chinese New Year, homes are often decorated with blooming flowers, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the hope for a prosperous new year. The most popular flowering plants traditionally include plum blossoms, orchids, peonies, and peach blossoms. Plants and flowers are especially popular in Hong Kong and Macau as Chinese New Year decorations.
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