What is 福?

福 (Fú) - Good Fortune, Blessing, and Happiness

福 (Fú) is a Chinese character that represents the concepts of good fortune, blessings, and happiness. It is one of the most popular and recognizable characters in Chinese culture, particularly during Chinese New Year.

Significance:

Auspicious Symbol: 福 is considered a very auspicious symbol, believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who display it.
Ubiquitous Decoration: During Chinese New Year, it is common to see 福 characters displayed on doors, windows, and walls of homes and businesses.
Upside-Down 福: It is a common practice to hang the 福 character upside down. This is because the word for "upside down" (倒, dào) sounds like the word for "arriving" (到, dào). Thus, an upside-down 福 symbolizes that good fortune has arrived.
Wider Use: Beyond New Year, 福 can be found in various forms of art, design, and daily life, representing a desire for well-being and happiness.

Cultural Context:

The character embodies a central cultural value in Chinese society – the pursuit of a prosperous and fulfilling life.
It reflects a belief in the power of symbols and the importance of attracting positive energy into one's life and environment.

Related Concepts:

It is often associated with other auspicious symbols, such as wealth, longevity, and health.