The reading order of couplets can be divided into traditional reading order and modern reading order. The traditional reading order is from right to left, that is, the right side reads the upper part and the left side reads the lower part. The modern reading order is from left to right, that is, the left reads the upper part and the right reads the lower part.

Traditional reading order

Generally speaking, from right to left, it was decided by the ancients from a concept of respect and courtesy. The ancients often said that "there is no one like you for a while", which means two people side by side in ancient times, with the one on the right as the top. Similarly, when two people with different identities enter a gate at the same time, let the older person walk along the side with the joint position first, and the left-handed person will follow slightly.

Modern reading order

Generally speaking, from left to right, out of the habit of reading, read and write in batches from left to right, that is, from left to right. The upper part should also be posted on the left side of the entrance of the gate, and the lower part should be posted on the right side of the gate.