Chinese New Year banners for good luck

Leading up to Chinese New Year, it’s not uncommon to see banners of four-letter sayings or single characters hung up on the front doors of homes — in the traditional auspicious colors of red and gold, of course. The signs — either in a diamond or vertical banner shape — are usually placed in entrances or on the front doors of homes to welcome the new year as well as to greet visitors. They often show up in living rooms, too.

A popular greeting for Chinese New Year banner is the character “福” (pronounced fook, meaning “good luck” or “prosperity”), which is often placed upside-down on the front door to symbolize luck pouring into the home. Other greetings can consist of idioms and phrases that all signal something appropriately auspicious. Whether it’s health, love, wealth, or something else you’re after, there will be a New Year greeting to get that message across.

The most popular of them all? Kung hei fat choy! Although this is commonly used as a verbal greeting to wish someone lots of wealth and prosperity in the coming year.

What banner will you hang on your door this year?

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