Fai Chun” . Votive Papers Offering

The Rui Cunha Foundation opens today and tomorrow, Thursday and Friday, February 5th and 6th, 2026, the Gallery doors for the traditional “Fai Chun . Votive Papers Offering”, where people may come and collect their Chinese calligraphy messages for good luck, free of charge, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The event is co-organized with The Flora Garden Poetry Friends Association.

The population is invited to choose their best wishes aphorisms for good luck and prosperity, under the guidance of 41 local master calligraphers who will, throughout the two days, create Spring Festival fortunate phrases and verse couplets on site, alluding to the celebrations of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Horse.

Fai Chun (揮春) is a traditional decoration, often used during the Chinese New Year, which also marks the arrival of the spring season. In English it can be translated as Spring Wave. People put the Fai Chun on doors to create a festive and joyful atmosphere, as the calligraphic phrases mean good luck and prosperity. Typically, Fai Chun papers are red in color, with black or gold characters inscribed with a brush, aiming to protect the houses and wish good auspices for the year to come. Nowadays, printed and mass-produced versions are more frequent. They can be square or rectangular and hung vertically or horizontally, usually in pairs. Not only do they exist in China, but also in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, which begins on February 17th, 2026 (first day of the Chinese New Year) and lasts until February 5th, 2027. The Horse is the seventh of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. As we leave behind the introspective and intuitive Year of the Snake, the Year of the Horse gallops in with vibrant energy, symbolizing adventure, vitality, but also hastiness. According to Chinese astrology, the Horse is confident, agreeable, and responsible, although it dislikes being reined in by others.

Horses are also known for being natural leaders, active and motivated in everything they do. This can manifest as tenacity, endurance, or even stubbornness and foolhardiness in certain situations. But the Horse embodies enthusiasm, speed, and fieriness, starting a 2026 that promises to be a dynamic, high-energy, and transformative period, defined by ambition and independence. This conjuncture encourages bold, decisive actions in careers and relationships, though it may feel intense or volatile for some. Nevertheless, it is a time for taking risks, embracing change, and rapid progress.