Carp fish decorations hang everywhere in China during Lunar New Year. The word for fish, yu, is a homophonic heterograph for both surplus and abundance. By displaying the yu decorations, Chinese people hope that the new year will bring wealth and prosperity.
An ancient Chinese legend recounts a school of golden carp swimming upstream in the Yellow River. Gaining strength by fighting against the current, the school glimmered as they swam together through the river. When they reached a waterfall at the end, many of the carp were carried back downstream. The remaining carp refused to give up. Leaping from the river, they attempted to reach the top of the waterfall, which caught the attention of evil spirits, who mocked their efforts and heightened the waterfall out of malice. After a hundred years of jumping, one carp finally reached the top of the waterfall. The gods recognized the carp for its perseverance and determination and turned it into a golden dragon, the symbol of power and strength.
Chiang | O’Brien Architects has created eight carp cut-outs for you to decorate your office space, wherever that might be! Eight is a lucky number in Chinese culture and is also associated with great wealth. We hope that you and your family and friends have an abundance of wealth and good fortune in the new year!
Follow the link below to download a .pdf document, where you may choose from all eight color and pattern options with detailed instructions on how to assemble. Send us a picture of your creations and we will post it on our website!
