Patrick Siu Chinese Calligraphy & Landscape Painting 蕭燿漢談書畫
Chinese calligraphy and landscape painting
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 2026, it falls on 15th February (Sunday).
This annual clean-up was illustrated and recorded in the nianhua (年畫) of the 19th Century.
Renewing the Peachwood Board (桃符換彩)
The woman is cleaning some ornamental pieces.The woman is cleaning some ornamental pieces.
The two scripts Hóng xǐ (鴻禧) means Happy New Year.
For many centuries the Chinese people have decorated their homes during the Chinese New Year (CNY) with brightly-coloured pictures printed on paper by woodblock painting. I have published 2 pages on nianhua about religious pictures and symbols of good luck. Please have a look. May I wish you a happy and prosperous Year of the Sheep!
Because of non-aggressive and docile nature, sheep and goats were the first animals that humans domesticated.
Characteristics of people born in the Year of the Sheep/Goat are usually kind, gentle and sociable. They have a special fondness for quiet living. They are wise, compassionate and highly caring for others.
For more information, please visit the page on the Year of the Sheep/Goat.
Patrick Siu Chinese Calligraphy & Landscape Painting 蕭燿漢談書畫 