囍 (xǐ) - Double happiness — a decorative Chinese character symbol

囍Tone 3

xǐ ｜ 21 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

囍 · xǐ

Double happiness — a decorative Chinese character symbol representing marriage, joy, and good fortune, formed by combining two 喜 characters side by side.

Double happiness — a decorative Chinese character symbol

Usage highlights

Double happiness characterDouble happiness paperDouble happiness weddingDouble happiness candyDouble happiness coupletsDouble happiness lanterns

Synonyms

  • 喜— single happiness character
  • 禧— auspiciousness, blessing

Antonyms

  • 悲— sorrow, sadness
  • 哀— grief, mourning

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Wedding decorations often feature the double happiness character (囍字).
  • The couple received red envelopes with the double happiness symbol (囍字红包).
  • Traditional wedding invitations are printed with the double happiness character (囍帖).
  • The bridal chamber was adorned with paper-cuttings of double happiness (囍字剪纸).

Collocations

  • Double happiness character(囍字)
  • Double happiness paper-cutting(囍字剪纸)
  • Double happiness wedding(囍事)
  • Double happiness candy(囍糖)
  • Double happiness couplets(囍联)
  • Double happiness lanterns(囍灯)

Idioms

  • Double happiness arrives at the door(双喜临门)
  • Joy upon joy(喜上加喜)
  • Happiness and longevity(福寿双全)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originated in the Song Dynasty, symbolizing the union of two families through marriage.
  • Used exclusively in wedding contexts to represent mutual happiness of the bride and groom.
  • Red color is mandatory for this character in traditional usage, symbolizing luck and celebration.
  • Never appears in formal writing; exclusively a symbolic character for decorative purposes.

FAQ