📖 Meaning
To hang lanterns and festoon with colorful ribbons and ornaments. It describes a scene of festive celebration and joyous splendor, typically seen during holidays, weddings, or grand ceremonies.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Chapter 71 of Cao Xueqin's classic Qing Dynasty novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber' (红楼梦). The passage describes the two mansions of the Jia family lavishly decorated for a grand celebration: lanterns were hung, colorful ribbons were tied everywhere, phoenix screens were set up, and the sound of music filled the streets. The vivid depiction cemented the phrase as a standard expression for magnificent festive decorations in Chinese literature.
💡 Example Usage
春节前夕，大街小巷悬灯结彩，处处洋溢着喜庆的气氛。
On the eve of the Spring Festival, every street and alley was hung with lanterns and festooned with colorful ribbons, brimming with a festive atmosphere everywhere.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 悬灯结彩
- Pinyin: xuán dēng jié cǎi
- Literal Translation: hang, lantern, tie, colorful decorations
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4