Detailed explanation of the custom of pasting the word “福”:
Blessing time: Usually on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve before the sun sets, which means getting rid of the old and welcoming the new.
Writing and meaning: Written (or purchased) on red paper, mostly square in shape, called “Doufang”. It includes people’s expectations for health, wealth and longevity.
Pay attention to the order: follow the principle of “from outside to inside”, first paste the head blessing (outermost door), then paste the door blessing, and finally paste the upside down blessing (indoor). Pasting the word “福” is a traditional custom during the Spring Festival, which means welcoming blessings, receiving blessings and yearning for a better life. It is usually posted before sunset on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve. Pay attention to the front door with the word “welcome blessing”, and the boxes, water tanks and dirty places in the house with the word “luck arrives” upside down. Sticking blessings upside down symbolizes “the blessing has arrived” or to avoid pouring blessings out. This custom originated in the Song Dynasty and has been passed down to this day.
The following is a detailed introduction to the custom of pasting blessing characters:
1. The meaning and origin of the word “福”
Meaning: Pasting the word “福” expresses people’s infinite yearning for a happy life, health and longevity, wealth and good luck.
History: It can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, when it was called “posting spring cards” and was a popular annual custom in the Southern Song Dynasty.
Origin legend: One theory is that it originated from the story of Zhu Yuanzhang and Queen Ma in the Ming Dynasty, which was used as a sign of good fortune; another theory is that Jiang Ziya conferred the title of poor god, and the people affixed the word “福” to drive away the poor god.
