What Are Spring Couplets? The Meaning Behind This Lunar New Year Tradition — And Where to Get Free Handwritten Ones in Nottingham

As Lunar New Year approaches, homes across the UK begin to fill with festive red decorations, lanterns and lucky symbols. Among them, Spring Couplets — known as 春聯 (chūnlián) — remain one of the most iconic and meaningful traditions.

But what are Spring Couplets? Why do people hang them? And how can you receive a free handwritten set in Nottingham this year?

At Orientalmart, we’re celebrating the season by giving away beautifully handwritten Spring Couplets while stocks last. Here’s everything you need to know about this cherished Lunar New Year custom.

What Are Spring Couplets?

Spring Couplets are pairs of red banners placed around doorways to welcome luck, harmony and prosperity into the home for the new year.

Traditionally written in elegant black or gold calligraphy, they feature uplifting phrases wishing for:

• A joyful and prosperous year
• Health and wellbeing
• Success and good fortune
• Family unity
• Peace and happiness

The vibrant red background brings festive energy, while the ink represents blessings and protection.

Why Are Spring Couplets So Important for Lunar New Year?

Spring Couplets are more than decorations — they carry deep cultural meaning and symbolic power.

• They invite good fortune - Each phrase acts like a blessing for the household, welcoming wealth and positivity.
• They mark a fresh start - Putting up new couplets represents sweeping away the old and opening the door to new beginnings.
• They instantly transform the home - Nothing says “Lunar New Year is here” quite like the glow of red banners on the doorway.
• They celebrate tradition - This ritual has been passed down for over 1,000 years and remains one of the most beloved customs.

What Do the Words on Spring Couplets Mean?

Popular phrases include:

• 新年快樂 - Happy New Year
• 萬事如意 - May all your wishes come true
• 招財進寶 - Welcoming wealth and treasures
• 年年有餘 - May you have abundance every year

Whether classic or modern, all couplets express hope and positivity for the year ahead.

How Are Spring Couplets Displayed?

A traditional set includes:

• Two vertical couplets (對聯) - Placed on the sides of the door.
• A horizontal scroll (橫批) - Placed across the top to complete the blessing.
• A “Fu” character (福字) - Often hung upside down to signify 「福到」 — fortune has arrived.

Handwritten Spring Couplets: A Tradition Filled with Heart

While printed versions are everywhere, handwritten Spring Couplets carry deeper warmth and artistry.

Every stroke from the calligrapher holds intention, blessing and craft — turning each piece into a small work of cultural art.

This Lunar New Year, Oriental Mart is honouring this tradition by offering free handwritten Spring Couplets to customers in Nottingham — a special way to bring authentic blessings into your home.

✨Experience Lunar New Year with Orientalmart

Join us on 31 January for free Spring Couplets — handwritten with blessings (while stocks last).

📍 Beeston: 11am–2pm

📍 Hydrogen: 3pm–6pm

Come early to secure your couplets and enjoy the festive atmosphere in store.

Bring Good Fortune into Your Home This Lunar New Year

Whether you're celebrating quietly with family or preparing a full New Year feast, Spring Couplets are a meaningful way to welcome luck, joy and fresh beginnings.

✨ Red for prosperity

✨ Calligraphy for blessings

✨ A tradition that brings warmth to every home

Explore festive decorations, red pockets, lucky snacks and more at Orientalmart — your trusted Asian supermarket for authentic Lunar New Year essentials in the UK.