TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan residents are exchanging traditional well-wishes as the Lunar New Year approaches, welcoming the Year of the Horse with phrases carrying deep cultural significance. Popular auspicious sayings include "Wishing you prosperity and wealth" (恭喜發財) and "Good luck and great fortune" (大吉大利), which Taiwanese people share during the holiday season. Many blessings connect to the zodiac animal of the year, reflecting Taiwan's rich tapestry of folklore and tradition that dates back centuries in Chinese culture.
The practice of exchanging auspicious sayings during the New Year stems from ancient Chinese beliefs about warding off evil spirits. Legend holds that a fierce beast named "Nian" (年), meaning "year" in Mandarin, terrorized villages at the year's end. Villagers discovered the creature feared the color red, loud noises, and fire, so they wore red, pasted red paper, and set off firecrackers to ward off the beast.
One of the most popular sayings, "Wishing you prosperity and wealth," reportedly originated in Guangzhou (廣州) during the Qing Dynasty (清朝), China's last imperial dynasty from 1644 to 1912. Guangzhou served as a major trading hub between China and Western countries at that time, with many Chinese workers employed by foreign firms whose profits determined their wages. American merchant William C. Hunter documented this practice in the late 19th century, noting that Chinese workers often paid Lunar New Year visits hoping for increased earnings.
The phrase "May you have abundance year after year" (年年有餘) comes from traditional fishing culture, symbolizing an abundance of wealth and food each year for families. The blessing "May the five blessings come your way" (五福臨門) refers to longevity, wealth, health, virtue, and a peaceful end in traditional Chinese philosophy. These five blessings encapsulate the ancient belief that possessing all five leads to a fulfilling life, a concept deeply rooted in Confucian and Taoist traditions.
During the Year of the Horse, phrases like "Wishing you swift success" (馬到成功) and "Wishing you strength and vitality" (龍馬精神) convey success and vitality. For career or academic pursuits, "Leading the way" (一馬當先) and "Press on with greater speed" (快馬加鞭) wish swift progress. Financially, "May success bring you wealth" (馬到金來) and "Welcoming spring with prosperity and success" (金馬迎春) herald wealth and good fortune. ◼