As the most important traditional holiday in China, the Spring Festival can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (16th -11th century BC). It marks the beginning of a new year and the end of an old one. Everyone is joyfully waiting for it to arrive. During this period, there are many customs and traditions. One of the most popular ways of greeting during Spring Festival is the use of idioms and proverbs. Below are ten commonly used Spring Festival idioms and proverbs with their meanings.
1. 年年有余(Nián nián yǒu yú)
Meaning: May you have surpluses and plentiful every year.
Explanation: The word "余" means surplus. This phrase is often used to express the desire for continued prosperity.
2. 财源广进(Cáiyuán guǎng jìn)
Meaning: May wealth come pouring in from all sides.
Explanation: This phrase is often used to express the hope of making a fortune in the New Year.
3. 吉祥如意(jí xiáng rú yì)
Meaning: May everything be as you wish.
Explanation: This phrase is often used to express the hope that everything will go well in the New Year.
4. 万事如意(wàn shì rú yì)
Meaning: May everything go as you want.
Explanation: This phrase is often used to express the hope that everything will be perfect in the New Year.
5. 年年高升(Nián nián gāo shēng)
Meaning: May every year see you rise higher and higher.
Explanation: This phrase is often used to express the hope for future success and promotion.
6. 年年有喜(Nián nián yǒu xǐ)
Meaning: May you have happiness year after year.
Explanation: This phrase is often used to express the desire for an enjoyable and happy life.
7. 步步高升(Bù bù gāo shēng)
Meaning: To rise step by step and always be better.
Explanation: This phrase is often used to express the desire for continued progress and improvement.
8. 事业发达 (Shìyè fādá)
Meaning: A prosperous business.
Explanation: This phrase is commonly used to express the hope for the growth of personal business or career.
9. 金鸡报晓(Jīn jī bào xiǎo)
Meaning: The golden rooster crows at dawn.
Explanation: This phrase is used to describe the atmosphere of a rooster crowing, meaning the beginning of a new day.
10. 恭喜发财(Gōng xǐ fā cái)
Meaning: Wishing you happiness and prosperity.
Explanation: This phrase is a popular greeting used during the Spring Festival to express well-wishes for the New Year.
Overall, these idioms and proverbs reflect the wishes and expectations of people during the Spring Festival. They convey positive messages of luck, prosperity, happiness, and success for the New Year. With these expressions, people express their love and wishes towards their families and friends, bringing joy and harmony to the community.