张灯结彩

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: zhāng dēng jié cǎi
• English Translation: Hanging lanterns and colorful decorations (festive decorations)
• Idiom Composition: 「张」（To hang up, spread out, or display (referring to lanterns or banners)）＋「灯」（Lanterns or lamps, symbolizing brightness and celebration）＋「结」（To tie, knot, or fasten (the act of putting up decorations)）＋「彩」（Colorful silk, ribbons, or decorations）
• Meaning: To hang up lanterns and tie colorful ribbons or silks to decorate a place for a festival, wedding, or other celebration. It describes a festive, lively, and grand atmosphere.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「张灯结彩」 contains the following nuances:

• Visual Splendor: Literally filling a space with 'light' and 'color.' In modern times, this extends beyond traditional lanterns to include LED lights and festive illuminations.
• Symbol of Celebration: The idiom implies a specific reason for joy, such as the Spring Festival (春节), National Day (国庆节), a wedding, or a grand opening.

3. Usage

「张灯结彩」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Traditional Festivals: The most common usage, describing entire streets or homes being decorated to create a festive holiday atmosphere.
  • Example:「春节期间，大街小巷张灯结彩，充满了喜庆的气氛。」
    （During the Spring Festival, every street and alley was decorated with lanterns and streamers, filled with a festive atmosphere.）
• Events and Ceremonies: Refers to a specific building or venue being specially decorated for a celebration like a wedding or a grand opening.
  • Example:「为了迎接这对新人，酒店大堂张灯结彩，布置得格外隆重。」
    （To welcome the newlyweds, the hotel lobby was lavishly decorated with lanterns and colorful banners, looking exceptionally grand.）

Additional Examples:

1. 国庆节到了，天安门广场张灯结彩，游人如织。
   （With the arrival of National Day, Tiananmen Square is festively decorated with lights and banners, and is crowded with tourists.）
2. 村里正在举办庙会，到处张灯结彩，热闹非凡。
   （A temple fair is being held in the village; everywhere is brightly decorated, and it is incredibly lively.）
3. 虽然只是个小小的庆祝会，大家还是把教室布置得张灯结彩。
   （Although it was just a small celebration, everyone decorated the classroom with colorful lanterns and streamers.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In Chinese culture, 'red' and 'light' are symbols of luck and prosperity. Hanging red lanterns (灯笼 - dēng lóng) is a deep-rooted tradition during the Lunar New Year (春节 - chūn jié) and the Lantern Festival (元宵节 - yuán xiāo jié).
• While the term originally referred to tying silk and hanging lanterns, it is now used to describe modern cityscapes lit up with digital displays and LED lights during holidays.
• The antonym 披麻戴孝 (pī má dài xiào), which refers to wearing mourning clothes, is associated with funerals and is considered taboo to mention during the joyous occasions where 张灯结彩 (zhāng dēng jié cǎi) would be used.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 火树银花 (huǒ shù yín huā): 'Fiery trees and silver flowers,' describing a beautiful night scene with brilliant lights and fireworks.
  • 喜气洋洋 (xǐ qì yáng yáng): 'Full of joy,' describing an atmosphere or person overflowing with happiness.
  • 辞旧迎新 (cí jiù yíng xīn): To bid farewell to the old year and usher in the new.link
  • 如火如荼 (rú huǒ rú tú): Developing vigorously and enthusiastically.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 披麻戴孝 (pī má dài xiào): 'Wearing hemp and mourning clothes,' referring to being in mourning for a funeral.
  • 冷冷清清 (lěng lěng qīng qīng): 'Cold and cheerless,' describing a place that is deserted, quiet, and lonely.
  • 无声无息 (wú shēng wú xī): Without a sound or a trace.link
  • 人迹罕至 (rén jì hǎn zhì): A place where few people visit or tread.link

6. Summary

张灯结彩 (zhāng dēng jié cǎi) is a Chinese idiom used to describe decorating a venue or street with lanterns and colorful ornaments to celebrate a joyous occasion. It captures both the visual splendor and the festive spirit of events like the Lunar New Year or weddings. In modern contexts, it can also refer to festive illuminations and light displays.