Spring arrives in Jiazhou, and calligraphy brings its rivers and mountains to life. As the warmth of the New Year reaches the Yellow River’s banks, the Shaanxi Yellow River Culture Museum, Shenquan Revolutionary Memorial Hall and Jiazhou Yellow River Cultural Scenic Area have put on festive red decorations. Boldly written Spring Festival couplets add seasonal warmth and cultural richness to the Year of the Horse.
Spring Festival couplets are a cultural symbol closely associated with New Year rituals. Those displayed in museums and scenic areas unite nature, history and human experience, expressing hopes for the year ahead and the distinctive character of local culture.
How to Read a Couplet
1. Check the horizontal inscription to determine the reading direction. Read the first vertical line, then the second, and finally the horizontal inscription.
2. A guide to distinguishing the two lines:
The first line ends with an oblique-tone character, commonly the third or fourth tone in Mandarin.
The second line ends with a level-tone character, commonly the first or second tone in Mandarin.
Shaanxi Yellow River Culture Museum
First line: Spring breezes once again turn the Yellow River’s banks green.
Second line: The museum welcomes a bright new day beneath the rising sun.
Horizontal inscription: The Delights of Spring
Jiazhou Yellow River Cultural Scenic Area
(Stone Archway, Jiazhou Yellow River Cultural Scenic Area)
First line: On a fine day, a garden of splendid sights invites a thousand guests to seek its flowers.
Second line: Spring breezes and gentle rain fill the museum with beauty that delights ten thousand visitors.
(Visitor Center, Jiazhou Yellow River Cultural Scenic Area)
First line: The center’s services convey deep friendship.
Second line: Visitors enjoy the sights in the warmth of spring.
Horizontal inscription: Spring Fills Jiazhou
(Yellow River Ornamental Stone Gallery)
First line: Fine stones bring a turn of fortune and flourishing business.
Second line: Jade arrives in the Year of the Horse, bringing wishes fulfilled.
Horizontal inscription: Good Fortune and Wishes Fulfilled
(Calligraphy and Painting Studio)
First line: Dip the brush into golden ink from the Yellow River.
Second line: Write of a flourishing age with abundant feeling.
Horizontal inscription: Expressing Aspirations in Song
(Doodle Pavilion)
First line: Make writing Chinese characters a daily pleasure.
Second line: Let spontaneous poetry and prose nurture the spirit.
Horizontal inscription: What a Delight!
(Jiazhou Charm: Tobacco, Wine, Tea and Cultural Gifts)
First line: Creative products spring from authentic excellence.
Second line: Wines and teas are selected from trusted, established brands.
Horizontal inscription: Genuine Goods at Fair Prices
(Dongfanghong Community Service Station)
First line: A gentle breeze brushes the face, and kindness endures.
Second line: Goodwill warms the spring, and care remains forever.
Horizontal inscription: The Enchanting Land of Jujubes
Shenquanbao Revolutionary Memorial Hall
First line: This courtyard has weathered wind and rain.
Second line: Chairman Mao transformed the world.
Horizontal inscription: Former Residence of a Great Leader
First line: The Shenquan orders resounded throughout China.
Second line: The decaying old regime met its defeat.
Horizontal inscription: Advance with Courage
Dongfanghong Bookstore
First line: The lofty pavilion reaches skyward, close to the red sun.
Second line: The great river crosses the land, bringing auspicious signs.
Horizontal inscription: May Good Fortune Shine Upon You
Meaning in Couplets, Heritage in Ink
Most of the couplets displayed at the scenic area and museums were written by Jiang Jicheng. He studied classical Chinese literature from childhood and has continued to write with undiminished enjoyment after retirement. He is a member of the Chinese Couplet Society and its Calligraphy Art Committee, a member of the Chinese Calligraphers Association, and a researcher of Chinese characters. Born and raised in Jia County, he combines a strong grounding in tradition with distinctive local character. His plain yet vigorous brushwork reflects his observations of life and history. In these New Year couplets for the three venues, he expresses his love for his hometown, his hopes for the coming year and his commitment to cultural heritage.
The fragrance of ink drifts along the Yellow River, and couplets welcome the New Year. Each pair of lines carries festive warmth, cultural memory and heartfelt feeling. This Spring Festival, visit the Shaanxi Yellow River Culture Museum, Shenquan Revolutionary Memorial Hall and Jiazhou Yellow River Cultural Scenic Area to enjoy the couplets, the spring season and the landscapes along Jiazhou’s riverbanks.
