This week’s theme for DP challenge is Alphabet.
I am digressing somewhat to talk about Fai Chun which are sort of Spring Couplets or Red Banners for the Lunar New Year.
Fai Chun is a traditional decoration that frequently used during Chinese New Year. People put Fai Chun in the doorways to create jubilant festive atmosphere since the phrases written on it means good luck and prosperity. Customarily, Fai Chun is written by hand but owe to convenience, printed versions are mass-produced nowadays. Fai Chun is in either square or rectangular shape. It can be hung vertically or horizontally. Not only does it exist in China, but also in Korea, Japan and Vietnam.
I have prepared the following two pieces of Fai Chun as part of my homework, they are written in the cursive style.
These are four letter words which express people’s good wishes for the New Year and are posted near to the doors.
On the left couplet, the first letter is Dragon ( see the head and the tail), the second is Horse (see the neck, the mare and the four legs underneath), the third and fourth characters mean Spirit. This couplet wishes everybody has the vigor of the dragon and the horse.
The one on the right is more conceptual. The first two words mean “accord with wishes”, the next two words mean ” good fortune”. Together they mean everything good fortune as desired.
Hope they don’t sound too complicated.
retireediary 
Good calligraphy
Thank you!
What a lovely explanation. They are very nice. Hugs, Barbara
Many thanks for the response. Regards, Michael
I know when I need a lift, I can go to your blog and find something to lift my spirits any day or every day. Thank you. Hugs, Barbara
It is nice to know that I am doing something beneficial!
beautiful work! so professional.
My calligraphic teacher also likes tis work. Thank you!
time to open a store! 😉
I don’t think anyone would like to buy, haha ………
not if world wide shipping is available. I would place an order.. 😀
Haha . . . . hope one day I will have a site for selling my designs!!!
Thanks for this beautiful post Michael. I shall print it out to keep in my studio. Best wishes 🙂
Good luck and vigour to you, Andrew!
I see these locally. Now I know what they are – and can inquire about the meanings. Thanks
(Lovely calligraphy. This does take practice and patience as well as the desire to do it well)
Each couplet may have different meaning. As you said, calligraphy demands skills, patience and peace of mind.
Very informative — thanks for sharing this, I always wondered!
Glad that you find it informative!
Fascinating again. I don’t think I could make tail from toe…
🙂
This year, I have written some Fai Chun to my siblings!
I’m sure they were pleased.
This is the first year I write Spring Couplets – they are only getting my exercise pieces.
Of course, but I a m quite certain they cherish them.
I hope so too 🙂