Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a time of celebration, renewal, and the honoring of traditions that have been passed down through generations. Among the most iconic customs associated with this holiday is the tradition of hanging red couplets, or câu đối đỏ, on the doors and walls of homes. These vertical red banners, adorned with poetic verses and auspicious messages, are not just decorative but are imbued with cultural significance, symbolizing hopes for a prosperous year ahead. In this article, we will explore the origins of this tradition, its evolution over time, and its continued relevance in modern Vietnamese society.

The Historical Origins of Red Couplets

The tradition of hanging red couplets during Tết is deeply rooted in both ancient Chinese and Vietnamese customs, drawing from the broader cultural practices of East Asia. The concept of displaying written messages for good fortune can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) in China, where people began to inscribe auspicious phrases and verses to ward off evil spirits and invite blessings for the coming year.

In the Vietnamese context, the red couplets, or câu đối đỏ, are believed to have originated from the practice of using written characters to invoke divine protection and good fortune. During Tết, it was common to place these verses on the doors of homes to invite prosperity, health, and happiness for the new year. The red color of the couplets is particularly significant, as it is considered a symbol of good luck and a powerful color for warding off negative energy and evil spirits.

The Symbolism of Red: The Color of Good Luck

The use of red in Vietnamese culture, especially during Tết, is tied to its association with good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. Red is a color that symbolizes joy and celebration, making it the perfect hue for the festive atmosphere of the New Year. In traditional Chinese and Vietnamese culture, red is also believed to be a powerful color that can scare away evil spirits and negative forces, which is why it is prominently featured in many Tết decorations, including the red couplets.

The couplets themselves are often written on bright red paper, which is believed to enhance the positive energy within the home. This practice of using red paper for auspicious messages is thought to have originated as part of ancient rituals aimed at ensuring a safe and prosperous year ahead. People believed that the color red, combined with the sacred words of the couplets, would create a protective barrier that would shield their homes from misfortune and invite the favor of the gods.

The Development of the Câu Đối Đỏ Tradition

The tradition of hanging red couplets gained prominence during the Trần Dynasty (1225–1400) in Vietnam, a period known for its cultural flourishing. It was during this time that the concept of câu đối – a form of classical Chinese couplet composed of two parallel lines of poetry – became widespread. These couplets were often inscribed with auspicious phrases and placed around the home to ensure good health, wealth, and happiness.

As the influence of Confucianism spread in Vietnam, so did the practice of hanging câu đối. Confucian scholars placed great emphasis on the value of education, virtue, and moral integrity, and the couplets often carried messages that reflected these ideals. Common themes included wisdom, loyalty, harmony, and the pursuit of happiness, all of which were seen as essential for a prosperous and fulfilling life.

By the time the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802–1945) came to power, the tradition of hanging câu đối đỏ had become deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Vietnamese society. During Tết, it was common for families to display these poetic verses at the entrances to their homes, as well as on altars dedicated to ancestors. The couplets were often written by calligraphers who were skilled in the art of nho giáo (Confucian teachings), and these verses carried not only aesthetic beauty but also spiritual and philosophical depth.

The Content and Meaning of Red Couplets

At their core, the câu đối đỏ are meant to convey messages of hope, fortune, and renewal. The couplets typically consist of two lines of poetry, each with a set number of characters, and they are usually written in parallel structure. The first line often carries a positive message about the coming year, while the second line reinforces that sentiment with an emphasis on family, health, or success.

The content of these couplets can vary greatly, depending on the family’s wishes for the year ahead. Common themes include:

1. Prosperity and Wealth: Many couplets express hopes for financial success and business growth in the coming year. For example, phrases like “Phát tài phát lộc” (May wealth and prosperity come) are frequently seen on doorways.
2. Health and Longevity: Another common theme is the wish for good health and long life. People often use verses that include expressions like “Sống lâu trăm tuổi” (Live a hundred years) or “Công thành danh toại” (May your work and name be successful).
3. Family Harmony and Happiness: Couplets also emphasize the importance of family and the desire for peaceful and harmonious relationships. Phrases like “Gia đình hạnh phúc” (Happy family) are often included in the couplets to wish for familial peace and joy.
4. Respect for Ancestors: In Vietnam, ancestor worship plays a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of many families. The couplets often carry messages of gratitude and reverence for ancestors, symbolizing a deep connection to one’s heritage.

These poetic lines are written in a formal, often archaic style, and are meant to inspire both the family members who read them and any guests who visit during the Tết holiday. The couplets are a form of cultural expression that communicates hope and positive intentions for the new year, and they serve as a reminder of the virtues and values that are important in Vietnamese life.

The Art of Calligraphy in Red Couplets

The tradition of hanging red couplets during Tết is closely tied to the art of calligraphy. In Vietnam, nét chữ (the brush strokes) are seen as a form of artistic expression, and the process of writing câu đối is regarded as an important and ceremonial activity. Many families invite skilled calligraphers to write the couplets by hand, using traditional brushes and ink, ensuring that the verses are not only meaningful but also beautifully crafted.

The art of calligraphy itself is deeply respected in Vietnamese culture. A calligrapher’s ability to blend form, structure, and meaning into a single piece of writing is highly regarded. The act of writing these couplets is often seen as a spiritual practice, with the calligrapher’s concentration and intention believed to imbue the verses with extra power.

Modern-Day Significance of Hanging Red Couplets

Despite the modernization of Vietnam and the rapid pace of change in the country, the tradition of hanging câu đối đỏ during Tết remains strong. In contemporary Vietnam, red couplets continue to be an essential part of Tết decorations, symbolizing the preservation of cultural heritage and family values.

While the content of the couplets may vary, with some more modern verses reflecting current societal concerns or aspirations, the tradition of using red paper and displaying them prominently in the home has not changed. The couplets are often hung on the main door, the living room, or around the family altar, where they serve not only as a decorative element but also as a spiritual and cultural anchor.

In urban areas, where traditional customs can sometimes be overshadowed by modernity, people may opt for printed couplets or even digital displays of câu đối. However, the essence of the tradition remains the same: the red couplets are meant to bring good fortune, promote harmony, and invite positive energy into the home.

Conclusion

The tradition of hanging red couplets during Tết is a practice that connects the past with the present, preserving ancient customs while also adapting to modern life. The câu đối đỏ symbolize hope, prosperity, and the renewal of good fortune, reflecting the deep cultural values of the Vietnamese people. Whether written by hand with brush and ink or printed with contemporary technology, these couplets continue to play a significant role in the celebration of Tết, reminding us of the importance of family, health, happiness, and respect for tradition. As Vietnam continues to evolve, this cherished custom will undoubtedly endure, linking generations through the timeless power of words and the color red.