张灯结彩

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: zhāng dēng jié cǎi
• English Translation: To hang lanterns and decorate with colorful ornaments, preparing for a celebration
• Idiom Composition: 「张」（To hang, to stretch）＋「灯」（Lantern, light）＋「结」（To tie, to make）＋「彩」（Color, decoration）
• Meaning: The act of hanging lanterns and colorful decorations, mainly during festivals or celebrations, to create a festive and joyful atmosphere.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「张灯结彩」 contains the following nuances:

• Festive atmosphere: Decorates festivals and celebrations brightly, expressing feelings of joy and blessing.
• Visual splendor: Uses vivid colors such as red and yellow to create a visually bright and joyful atmosphere.
• Preparation and anticipation: Serves as preparation for festivals and heightens anticipation for upcoming celebrations.
• Prosperity and happiness: Lights and decorations symbolize prosperity, happiness, and good fortune.

3. Usage

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

• Describing festivals: Used to describe the scenes of festivals and celebrations such as the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), National Day, and weddings.
  • Example:「春节期间，大街小巷都张灯结彩，洋溢着喜庆的气氛。」
    （During the Spring Festival, streets and alleys were all decorated with lanterns and colorful ornaments, filled with a festive atmosphere.）
• Figurative expression: Sometimes used figuratively to describe a joyful or festive atmosphere even without actual decorations.
  • Example:「公司成功上市，每个员工都像过节一样，张灯结彩，喜气洋洋。」
    （The company successfully went public, and every employee was in a festive mood, filled with joy as if it were a holiday.）

Additional Examples:

1. 为了迎接新年的到来，家家户户都张灯结彩，热闹非凡。
   （To welcome the arrival of the New Year, every household lit lanterns and decorated, creating a lively atmosphere.）
2. 结婚典礼上，礼堂里张灯结彩，宾客们欢聚一堂，祝福新人。
   （At the wedding ceremony, the hall was decorated with lanterns and colorful ornaments, and guests gathered to bless the newlyweds.）
3. 国庆节那天，天安门广场张灯结彩，五彩缤纷，美丽极了。
   （On National Day, Tiananmen Square was decorated with lanterns and colorful ornaments, dazzlingly beautiful.）
4. 元宵节的夜晚，公园里张灯结彩，人们赏花灯、猜灯谜，其乐融融。
   （On the night of the Lantern Festival, the park was decorated with lanterns and colorful ornaments, and people enjoyed viewing lanterns and solving riddles, sharing joyful moments.）
5. 听说他升职了，办公室的同事们也为他张灯结彩，庆祝一番。
   （Hearing about his promotion, the office colleagues also prepared decorations to celebrate and held a celebration for him.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Traditional Chinese culture: In China, it has long been customary to decorate with lanterns and colorful ornaments during festivals and celebrations. Red, in particular, is favored as a color that wards off evil spirits and invites good luck. The idiom '张灯结彩' strongly reflects this traditional cultural practice.
• Meaning of '灯' and '彩': '灯' (lantern/light) is not just a lighting device but symbolizes hope, brightness, and prosperity. '彩' (color/decoration) carries meanings of good fortune, blessings, and protection against evil.
• Modern usage: Nowadays, '张灯结彩' can also refer to decorations using modern technologies such as illuminations and LED lights.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 喜气洋洋 (xǐ qì yáng yáng): A state full of joy and happiness.
  • 欢天喜地 (huān tiān xǐ dì): To be extremely joyful and delighted.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 愁眉苦脸 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn): A gloomy and distressed facial expression.
  • 冷冷清清 (lěng lěng qīng qīng): Quiet and desolate, lacking liveliness.

6. Summary

'张灯结彩' is not only about decorating but also carries deep cultural significance rooted in Chinese traditions. Understanding this idiom helps deepen appreciation of Chinese festival culture and how people express joy and blessings. Beyond the visual splendor, it is important to sense the underlying hopes and wishes of the people, which enriches the experience of this idiom.