I. Introduction:
Couplets, one of the traditional cultures of the Han nationality, also known as couplets or couplets, are antithetical sentences written on paper, cloth or carved on bamboo, wood and columns. The antithesis of couplets is neat and even, which is a unique artistic form of Chinese language. According to legend, couplets originated from Meng Changjun, the master of Shu after the Five Dynasties. Couplets are the traditional cultural treasures of Han nationality in China.
Second, the detailed explanation:
Couplets, also called couplets, are named after the pillars hung in halls and houses in ancient times. They are commonly known as even characters, couplets, couplets and doors. The name "couplets" began in the Ming Dynasty. It is a kind of dual literature, which originated in Fu Tao, and it is a national style that uses the characteristics of Chinese characters to write. Its wonderful combination with calligraphy has become a colorful artistic creation of the Chinese nation. [2] Folk calligraphy experts write Spring Festival couplets 4- Recommended videos of couplets
Generally speaking, couplets don't need to rhyme (only some couplets of orthodox poetry need to rhyme). Generally, it can be divided into poetry couplet and prose couplet, which are relatively strict and divided into large and small parts of speech. Traditional couplets are connected in form, with the same content, harmonious tone and rigorous antithesis.
As a custom, couplets are an important part of the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation. In 2005, the custom of couplets was listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage in the State Council, China. The custom of couplets is passed down and spread in Chinese-speaking areas and ethnic groups with cultural origins of Chinese characters, which is of great value for promoting Chinese culture.
Third, the historical origin.
The custom of couplets originated from the dual phenomenon of ancient Chinese in China. As early as the Qin and Han Dynasties, China had the custom of hanging peach symbols for the New Year. The so-called Fu Tao is to write the names of the legendary gods "shentu" and "Lei Yu" on two mahogany boards and hang them on the left and right doors to exorcise ghosts and eliminate evil spirits. This custom lasted for more than 1000 years. [4] wedding couplet source file _PSD layered
During the Western Jin Dynasty (around 290 AD), the appearance of well-organized antithesis can be regarded as an important symbol of its formation. In the course of more than 1,700 years of historical circulation, traditional literary forms such as couplets, parallel prose and regular poems have influenced and borrowed from each other. After three important periods of development: the Northern Song Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty, the forms became increasingly diverse and the cultural accumulation gradually enriched.
It was not until the Five Dynasties that people began to write couplets on mahogany boards. According to "Songshi Shu Family", Meng Chang, the master of Shu after the Five Dynasties, "in addition to the year after year, the bachelor's degree was inscribed with a peach symbol, and a bedroom door was set around. At the end of the year (AD 964), the bachelor was lucky enough to write a poem by Yin Xun. Because he had no work, he wrote a poem under the pretence: Qing Yu in the New Year, Jia Jienuo. Changchun. " This is the earliest Spring Festival couplets in China.
After the Song Dynasty, it has become quite common for people to hang Spring Festival couplets in the New Year. In Wang Anshi's poems, the phrase "Thousands of households always change new peaches for old ones" is a true portrayal of the grand occasion at that time. Because the appearance of Spring Festival couplets is closely related to peach symbols, the ancients also called Spring Festival couplets "peach symbols".
It was not until the Ming Dynasty that people began to use red paper instead of red boards, and modern Spring Festival couplets appeared. According to Miscellaneous Notes of Mao Yunlou, before the Lunar New Year's Eve, after Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor of Ming Dynasty, made Jinling his capital, he ordered officials and literati to hang a pair of Spring Festival couplets at home, go out incognito in person, watch from house to house and have fun. From then on, all scholars think antithesis is an elegant thing.
After entering the Qing Dynasty, couplets once flourished, and many famous couplets appeared. [5]
With the development of cultural exchanges between countries, couplets have also been introduced to Vietnam, North Korea, Japan, Singapore and other countries. These countries still kept the custom of pasting couplets at the beginning of the 20th century.
Fourth, classification:
1, Spring Festival couplets: special couplets for Chinese New Year. Such as: Kyushu willow spits green; Peach and apricot compete for spring in May.
2. Greeting couplets: used for birthday, wedding, housewarming, having children, opening business and other festive occasions. Such as: a pair of red hearts for the four modernizations; Two new hand-painted pictures. (Xi Lian), as happy as the East China Sea; Life is better than Nanshan. (Shoulian) [6]
3. elegiac couplet: used to mourn the dead. For example, books have a strong future and will shock the world; Let the spirit shine forever and then benefit the people.
4. Gift giving: praise or encourage others to use it. Such as: wind, rain, reading, the sound in the ear; Family affairs, state affairs and everything in the world care about everything.
5. Self-encouragement: Self-encouragement. For example, books about the country are often read; Nothing is useless to body and mind.
6. Industry Association: Different industries are posted at the gate or in the store. Such as: to know things from ancient times to the present; I have to read five books. (Bookstore) Although it is a clean business; But it's top kung fu. (Barber shop) welcomes guests in spring, summer, autumn and winter; Entertain people from east, west, north and south. (Hotel)
7. Yan Zhilian: the use of ambition. Such as: I would rather be Zhao's ghost; Not for him, minister.