![]() All rights reserved.Unlike an alphabet that represents only sounds, Chinese characters express a concept. Even though these characters are a system of symbols used to write, they’re richer in nuances and meanings. Some Chinese characters evolved from pictures, as evident from the oracle bone inscriptions during the Shang dynasty. By the Han dynasty, from 206 BCE to 220 CE, they had lost most of their pictorial quality, and later transitioned into the modern-day script we know today. Much of the symbolism of Chinese characters is derived from homonyms-words with the same sound but different meaning. For instance, in Chinese the number eight is a lucky number because the word eight sounds like the word for wealth. Since some Chinese characters have unfortunate homophony, they’re also avoided in gifts, such as pears that sound like separation, or clock that sounds like the phase that means attending a funeral. In Chinese culture, it’s a tradition to give gifts decorated with symbols. Pronounced as aye, ài is the Chinese character for love in all aspects, such as the love between lovers, friends, siblings, as well as a patriot’s love for his country. In its traditional form, it includes the character xin, meaning heart, suggesting that the symbol means to love from your heart. In the West, “I love you” is a popular expression of love. In Chinese, the expression translates as “Wo ai ni,” though some families rarely express these words. The Chinese character xi means joy or happiness, but it’s typically written twice, which becomes shuangxi or double happiness. ![]() In traditional Chinese weddings, the double happiness symbol (囍) is commonly featured on the red bridal gown, called cheongsam or qipao, wedding cakes, chopsticks, and invitations. The double happiness symbol became popular during the Qing dynasty, when the wedding area of Emperor Tongzhi was decorated with it. ![]() By the time of the wedding of Emperor Guangxu, the symbol was being depicted on royal robes and ruyi scepters as a symbol of love and good luck in imperial ceremonies. Today, it’s also a popular motif used during anniversaries, and regarded as a feng shui cure for love and marriage. One of the most popular characters used in Chinese New Year, fu means blessing, good luck, and good fortune. The tradition of displaying the symbol on walls and doors originated from the customs of the Song dynasty, which stretched from 960 to 1127 CE. In modern times, the character is also displayed upside down, because the reversed fu is homophonic with fu comes, or blessing comes.
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