


Fai Chun: A Deep Dive into Its Traditions and Meanings
2 October, 2024一、上下聯勿貼錯:
在戰國時期的『禮記-曲禮』中,行軍佈陣的智慧就融入了「前朱雀後玄武,左青龍右白虎」的春聯配置。由室內往外看,將左邊視為龍邊,右邊視為虎邊。這裡的龍邊位序較大,顯得威猛有力,而虎邊位序較小,則更為靈巧。神明的擺放也遵循這樣的規律,例如神明廳(公媽廳)祖先牌位若與神明一起擺放,須置於虎邊。這樣的春聯配置,如同古代軍陣,充滿智慧和平衡。
常見的春聯有三幅,兩幅直聯和一幅橫聯,而其中一幅如果最後一字是仄聲字,就是上聯。簡而言之,上聯的仄聲與平聲的選擇,讓春聯在字句間形成和諧的韻律。
二、大門口不貼春:
在香港的傳統裡,大門口單貼一個「春」字是不太合適的,而可以選擇貼上福、招財進寶等更具吉祥意義的字句。在古代,僅有像怡紅院(相當於現代的娛樂場所)會在門口貼春,否則很容易招來不好的桃花運。
三、大門口不倒貼揮春:
根據古禮,「倒」與「到」是同義字,「財」倒過來貼,意味著財富到來,但是大門口不可以將財字倒過來貼,這象徵著財富的流失。同樣,「福」字也不應該倒貼,以免帶來福氣的逸散。然而,窗戶、內門、水缸、酒缸等器具則可以倒過來貼,代表著財富和福氣的湧入。在民俗傳說中,古代只在水缸、酒缸等存放東西的缸上貼「倒福」,因為在倒的時候這些字就會轉正,寓意福氣倒不出去,象徵福滿之願。
四、單數才吉利:
在門口貼揮春時,請記得要貼單數。單數象徵著吉祥,因為1、3、5為陽,而偶數2、4、6為陰,而偶數較容易招來陰氣。同時,與供奉神明數目一樣,門口的揮春也要單數,以保持陽氣的流動;而整個家裡所貼的揮春數目則無需計算陰陽。
五、不可有不吉利的字:
撰寫春聯時,需謹慎選用字句,將自己的感受、喜好、家庭特點和期望融入其中。在春聯中應避免使用「滅」、「絕」、「死」、「亡」等不吉利的字眼,同音字的意義也應謹慎挑選,確保寓意吉祥。
六、喪事不可貼春聯:
在家中有喪事未滿一年的情況下,應避免貼春聯,以示尊重和避免顯得不合時宜。同樣地,不應包粽子,以免因包裹的意義而冒犯神靈。
1. Don’t Misplace the Couplets
In the Book of Rites from the Warring States period, the wisdom of military formations is integrated into the configuration of Fai Chun (春聯) with the phrase “the Vermilion Bird in front, the Black Tortoise behind, the Azure Dragon on the left, and the White Tiger on the right.” When viewed from indoors, the left side is considered the dragon side, while the right side is the tiger side. The dragon side has a more prominent position, conveying strength and power, whereas the tiger side is smaller and appears more agile. The placement of deities also follows this principle. For example, in the ancestral hall (公媽廳), if the ancestral tablets are placed alongside deities, they should be positioned on the tiger side. This configuration of Fai Chun, much like ancient military formations, embodies wisdom and balance.
Commonly, Fai Chun consists of three pieces: two vertical couplets and one horizontal couplet. If the last character of one of the vertical couplets is a zhèng (仄) tone, that one is considered the upper couplet (上聯). In short, the selection of zhèng and píng (平) tones creates a harmonious rhythm within the couplets.
2. Avoid Placing a Single “Spring” Character at the Entrance
In Hong Kong tradition, it is not suitable to place just a single character for “spring” (春) at the main entrance. Instead, it is better to choose auspicious phrases like “福” (fortune) or “招財進寶” (wealth and treasures arrive). Historically, only places like entertainment venues would display a single “spring” character at their entrance, as it could attract negative romantic fortunes.
3. Do Not Hang Inverted Fai Chun at the Entrance
According to traditional customs, the word “倒” (upside down) has the same pronunciation as “到” (to arrive). Hanging the character for “wealth” (財) upside down implies that wealth is arriving. However, it is inappropriate to hang the character for wealth upside down at the main entrance, as it symbolizes the loss of wealth. Similarly, the character for “fortune” (福) should not be hung upside down to avoid losing good fortune. However, it is acceptable to hang these characters upside down on windows, inner doors, water jars, and wine jars, symbolizing the influx of wealth and blessings. In folk tradition, the “倒福” (inverted fortune) is only placed on jars storing items since turning them upside down makes the characters face upright again, signifying that fortune will not flow out, representing the wish for abundant blessings.
4. Odd Numbers Bring Good Luck
When hanging Fai Chun at the entrance, remember to use an odd number of pieces. Odd numbers symbolize good fortune, as 1, 3, and 5 are considered yang, while even numbers like 2, 4, and 6 are associated with yin, which can attract negative energy. The number of Fai Chun at the entrance should also match the odd number of deities being worshipped to maintain the flow of yang energy. However, the total number of Fai Chun throughout the home does not need to be counted for yin and yang.
5. Avoid Unlucky Characters
When composing Fai Chun, it is essential to choose words carefully, incorporating personal feelings, preferences, family characteristics, and aspirations. Avoid using inauspicious words such as “滅” (extinguish), “絕” (cut off), “死” (death), and “亡” (loss). Be cautious with homophones to ensure that the meanings are auspicious.
6. Do Not Hang Fai Chun During Mourning Periods
If there is a mourning period in the family that has not yet reached one year, it is advisable to refrain from hanging Fai Chun to show respect and avoid being inappropriate. Similarly, one should not prepare rice dumplings during this time to prevent offending the spirits.