Chinese Antithetical Couplets by Peggy Babbitt

In my research on Chinese folklore and cultural practices I learned about “antithetical couplets”.  This was fascinating to me because I enjoy poetry. The couplets are usually displayed on vertical red banners at the Chinese New Year festival.  Families in both urban and rural areas traditionally handpick a pair of Spring Festival couplets to paste on their doors, adding some joyous atmosphere to the festival.

The text of the couplets is often traditional and contains hopes for prosperity. To learn more about Chinese antithetical couplets and principles by which they are constructed, visit this site on Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Couplet_(Chinese_poetry)

 

2 responses to “Chinese Antithetical Couplets by Peggy Babbitt”

  1. Carol Bedner Avatar
    Carol Bedner

    Peggy, you post brought back memories of seeing many door ways with the red banners and did not know they were couplets, thought just good luck messages. Will look up the website, thanks.

  2. Louise Laux Avatar
    Louise Laux

    Those are beautiful. What an interesting tradition. I’ve seen similar tratitions that came from other countries. Interesting! Again, thanks for the websites! I look forward to class tonight!

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