What is the meaning of hanging lanterns?
Hanging lanterns during the New Year is a very interesting thing and a traditional custom. So is there any solution to the whole matter of hanging lanterns? What do lanterns represent in the traditional customs over the years? Let us learn and understand together.
What are the requirements for hanging lanterns during the Chinese New Year?
1. Indoor lanterns should be small, not too large and overpowering, and the hanging position should not be too low to affect sight lines and traffic. For outdoor door lanterns, choose lanterns that are symmetrical to the door. If the door is large, choose a relatively larger lantern. The hanging height should refer to the top of the door, not too low.
2. In ancient my country, good things came in pairs and good fortune and fortune came in pairs. The same goes for hanging lanterns. Generally, they should be even numbers instead of odd numbers. Hanging lanterns must be in pairs. Chinese people all like even numbers. of. And whether it is hung on the door or balcony, it must be the numbers 2, 6, or 8. Because as the saying goes, good things come in pairs, good fortune and longevity. Some old people say that hanging only odd numbers can easily cause disharmony among family members, and the two lanterns should be kept at the same height and at a moderate distance.
3. Pay attention to symmetry, hang it on both sides of the door, and pay attention to whether it is hung in the south or not in the north. In addition, when hanging lanterns during the Spring Festival every year, it is important that this year's lanterns cannot be kept until next year to hang again. In ancient times, this was usually destroyed by "lantern collision", that is, the lanterns were knocked against each other and then destroyed after they caught fire.
Why hang lanterns during the Spring Festival
1. Chinese lanterns are also collectively known as lanterns. Lanterns are closely connected with Chinese people’s lives. There are lanterns everywhere in temples and living rooms. Lanterns have other meanings besides lighting. Since the pronunciation of the word is similar to the word "adding child", lanterns are also used to pray for a child. Lanterns are full of meaning, and the warm festive atmosphere not only permeates every home, but also fills the streets and alleys everywhere.
2. The words on the lantern sticker can be flexibly changed according to the theme activities. For example, when getting married, when having a baby, and when celebrating a birthday, different themes can be changed to echo it. Therefore, when hanging lanterns during the Spring Festival, you can hang lanterns with a Spring Festival theme. With the current development, there are fewer and fewer lanterns with open flames. They are usually light sources such as point lamps or LEDs, which are both convenient and safe.
3. Hang red lanterns symbolizing reunion during the Spring Festival to create a festive atmosphere. Later, lanterns became a symbol of happiness for the Chinese people. Hanging lanterns is traditionally believed to have the auspicious meaning of Hong (red luck). The lanterns hung during festivals are basically auspicious patterns and auspicious words of blessing. In addition, the true red color of the lanterns is the color of cinnabar, and cinnabar is Feng Shui. Talking about the treasures that are very effective in warding off evil spirits.
The significance of hanging lanterns during the Spring Festival.
Hanging red lanterns during the Spring Festival symbolizes reunion to create a festive atmosphere. It has become a symbol of Chinese people's happiness. Through the inheritance and development of lantern artists of the past generations, a rich variety of lanterns and superb craftsmanship have been formed. In terms of types, they include: palace lanterns, gauze lanterns, chandeliers, etc. Landscapes, flowers and birds, dragons and phoenixes, fish and insects, etc. In addition, there are revolving lanterns for people to enjoy. Chinese lanterns combine painting art, paper cutting, paper binding, stitching and other techniques, using bamboo and wood produced in various regions. Among the lanterns made in ancient China, palace lanterns and gauze lanterns are the most famous.
Chinese lanterns are not only used for lanterns. Lighting is often a symbol. Wu Dunhou said that he used to make bridal lanterns (i.e. palace lanterns) to represent the joy of the wedding; bamboo strip lanterns to announce that this is a funeral occasion; umbrella lanterns (surnamed Deng, because "lamp" and "ding" "The same pronunciation means that the population is prosperous. Therefore, in the past, every house had lanterns with the same surname hanging under the eaves and in the living room. Today, there are still two large lanterns in front of the gods at the ceremony.