NEW YEAR DECORATIONS

Ever wonder why the Chinese like to put up lots of decorations to usher the Chinese lunar new year? Why, it is because they hope that by putting up all the red and gold stuff with the super duper auspicious wordings that their wishes will be manifested in them and that they will be blessed with a mega dose of good luck.
It is during these 15 days of the Chinese New Year that superstitious or traditional cultural beliefs with meanings are symbolised in the decorations. One good and common example is the red diamond-shaped posters with the character 福 (pinyin: fú), or "auspiciousness" which are displayed around the house and on doors. This sign is usually seen hanging upside down, since the Chinese word (倒), or "upside down", sounds similar as 到 (pinyin: dào), or "arrive". Therefore, it symbolizes the arrival of luck, happiness, and prosperity. Decorations generally convey a New Year greeting. Other examples of decorations include Chinese knots, papercutting and spring couplets.
Every year it is customary for the Chinese to give their homes a thorough cleaning to sweep away all traces of bad omen and ill-luck. Along with that, decorations form an integral part of the Chinese New Year agenda. As mentioned earlier, red is the dominant colour. Doors and windows are often given a fresh coat of red paint on New Year as red is considered to be an auspicious color and represents happiness. Spring couplets are hung or pasted on the walls and doors. Spring couplets are paper scrolls and squares engraved with blessings and wishes for good fortune, happiness, prosperity, health, wealth and a long life. Paintings of various such themes are also put up to make their house look all the more wonderful. Floral decoration and the tradition of having blooming plants symbolic of rebirth and new growth. Chinese New Year decorations are thus in tune with the prevailing mood of the festival, enough to spark off the celebrations in your heart !

I snapped the above photos at Kampung Simee market on Wednesday morning and it is obvious that the preparations for the new year are already underway. I also notice that with each year the decorations become more elaborate and hi-tech. Don't you agree?