CNY decorations are typically a bright and loud red. The color red is much loved by the Chinese in general as it represents happiness and good fortune. Below are some popular decorations used to create a festive CNY ambience.
1. PAPER CUTTING ARTS
Paper cutting is a folk craft especially prominent during the Spring Festival. Usually seen on windows, the literal translation is “window flower.” The craftsmen will painstakingly create these beautiful works and paste them on using sticky rice glue.
2. DOOR GODS
Chinese folk religion includes various types of gods, as well as revered historical figures (either real or legendary.) One type is Door Gods – and paintings of these gods are pasted onto the main door of a home.
3. FORTUNE
The most common word is Fu, happiness and good fortune. It is written with calligraphy onto a square piece of red paper. These can then be pasted onto walls, doors or windows.
4. LANTERNS
The Spring Festival celebration spans a total of 15 days, with different activities for each day, culminating in the Lantern Festival. There are many styles of lanterns, from basic shapes like spheres, to lotus flowers and even dragons!
