Couplets, one of the traditional cultures of the Han nationality, also known as couplets or pairs, are dual sentences written on paper, cloth or carved on bamboo, wood, or pillars. Couplets are neatly contrasted and harmonious. They are a unique art form of the Chinese language with one word and one sound. According to legend, the couplet originated from Meng Chang, the lord of Shu after the Five Dynasties. Couplets are a treasure of Chinese Han traditional culture.
The types of couplets are roughly divided into spring couplets, wedding couplets, birthday couplets, elegiac couplets, decorative couplets, industry couplets, social couplets and miscellaneous couplets (including humorous couplets...).
The length of the couplet text varies, the short ones are only one or two words, and the long ones can reach hundreds of words. There are various forms of couplets, including positive pairs, opposing pairs, running-water pairs, joint-ball pairs, and collection-sentence pairs. However, no matter what type of couplet or what form is used, it must have the following characteristics:
First, the number of words must be equal and the sentences must be consistent. Unless the position of a certain word is intentionally left vacant to achieve a certain effect, the number of words in the upper and lower couplets must be the same, no more and no less.
Second, the levels must be consistent and the tones must be harmonious. The traditional custom is "廄 rises and flat falls", that is, the last word of the first line is in the square tone, and the last word of the second line is in the flat tone.
The third part of speech must be opposite and in the same position. It is generally called "Void to Void, Real to Real", that is, noun to noun, verb to verb, adjective to adjective, quantifier to quantifier, adverb to adverb, and relative words must be in the same position.
Fourth content must be relevant and connected from top to bottom. The meanings of the upper and lower lines must be connected to each other, but they cannot be repeated.
In addition, the traditional practice of hanging couplets must be written vertically, from right to left, from top to bottom, and cannot be reversed.
Hengpi, which is closely related to the couplet, can be said to be the title and the center of the couplet. Good horizontal batches can play a finishing touch and complement each other in the couplets.
The following are the couplets in the study rooms of literary giants of the past dynasties. They are truly a realm of elegance~