The Origin of 福 (“Blessings”)
During the Chinese New Year season, the Chinese character “福” (pronounced as “fu“) is found on decorations and inscribed on hongbao (“红包”) or red packets. The word signifies blessings and prosperity and is considered most appropriate for the annual lunar new year celebrations (also known as chunjie (“春节“) or Spring Festival). As those of Chinese descent usher in a new year, words of blessings are exchanged among family and friends. This is often accompanied by new year goodies, exchanges of mandarin oranges, and giving of red packets of cash (or increasingly digital tokens of money). The character “福” may also be displayed in an upside down manner to symbolize the arrival of blessings (the Chinese word for “upside down” [“倒“] sounds like the word for “arrival” [“到“]).
Blessings of God’s Grace in 2022
Warm blessings of the Lunar New Year in the LORD for His abounding grace in your life and ministry!
~ From all at EAST
May you experience the Lord afresh in the New Year as you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
新年蒙福
主赐天恩
The above couplet speaks of the “Blessings of the New Year bestowed by the grace of God.”
Abundant Grace, Overflowing Blessings for 2021
You crown the year with Your goodness;
Your ways overflow with plenty.
~ Psalm 65:11, HCSB
May you and your loved ones experience God’s abiding presence and abundant grace in the Lunar New Year!
The Chinese couplet
新年蒙恩,
福杯满溢。
expresses the following:
May you experience abundant grace in the New Year;
May your cup of blessings overflow.
Shalom blessings from all at EAST!
Blessed Lunar New Year 2020
Warm blessings of the Lunar New Year in the LORD for His richest blessings in your life and ministry!
~ From all at EAST