Couplet displayed in the foyer of Art Gallery NSW

Posted on by Patrick Siu
Foyer of Art Gallery NSW during 2015 CNY
Foyer of Art Gallery NSW during 2015 CNY

 

Patrick and the couplet
Patrick and his couplet

 

春秋長樂, 福壽咸增。(隸書) 印章 : 延年 (朱文長方印), 蕭燿漢 (白紋方印)
春秋長樂, 福壽咸增。(隸書)
印章 : 延年 (朱文長方印), 蕭燿漢 (白紋方印)

 

Forever joy throughout spring and autumn

Perpetual increments of blessing and longevity

 

Annual cleanup on 28th day of the final month in the lunar calendar 年廿八, 洗邋遢

Posted on by Patrick Siu

The 28th day of the final month in the lunar calendar is a very special day. It is the tradition of Hong Kong, Macau and places in southern Guangdong to have an annual clean-up. In 2023, it falls on 19 January (Thursday).

This annual clean-up was illustrated and recorded in the nianhua (年畫) of the 19th Century.

28th Day (2).jpg

Renewing the Peachwood Board (桃符換彩)

28th Day.jpeg

The woman is cleaning some ornamental pieces.The woman is cleaning some ornamental pieces.

The Peachwood Board Change Colour (桃符換彩) (3)
After the annual clean up finishes, the red sticker (揮春) is pasted onto the wall.

The two scripts Hóng xǐ (鴻禧) means Happy New Year.