Couplets are commonly known as "couples". It is concise and profound, with neat contrasts and harmonious oblique and oblique lines. It is a unique art form of the Chinese language with one word and one sound. It can be said that the art of couplets is a cultural treasure of the Chinese nation. The types of couplets are roughly divided into spring couplets, happy couplets, longevity couplets, elegiac couplets, decorative couplets, industry couplets, social couplets and miscellaneous couplets (including humorous couplets...), etc. The length of the couplet text varies. The short ones are only one or two characters; the long ones can reach hundreds of characters. There are various forms of couplets, including positive pairs, opposing pairs, running-water pairs, joint-ball pairs, and collection-sentence pairs. However, no matter what type of couplet or what form is used, it must have the following characteristics: First, the number of words must be equal and the sentences must be consistent. Unless the position of a certain word is intentionally left vacant to achieve a certain effect, the number of words in the upper and lower couplets must be the same, no more and no less. Second, the levels must be consistent and the tones must be harmonious. The traditional custom is "廄 rises and flat falls", that is, the last word of the first line is in the square tone, and the last word of the second line is in the flat tone. Third, the parts of speech should be relative and the positions should be the same. It is generally called "Void to Void, Real to Real", that is, noun to noun, verb to verb, adjective to adjective, quantifier to quantifier, adverb to adverb, and relative words must be in the same position. Fourth, the content must be relevant and connected from top to bottom. The meanings of the upper and lower lines must be connected to each other, but they cannot be repeated. In addition, the traditional practice of hanging couplets must be written straight and vertically, from right to left, top to bottom, and cannot be reversed.
Hengpi (also called banner, crossbar, banner, horizontal drapery, etc.) is an important part of the couplet. The horizontal comment is like the title of the article. It can indicate the theme and idea of ??a couplet. It is the finishing touch and the icing on the cake. Generally speaking, horizontal comments have the functions of summarizing, revealing, supplementing, and explaining joint texts. In terms of scope of use, the most commonly used and primitive form of couplets is to be hung between couplets (therefore they are also generally called couplets). The two couplets above and below, coupled with the horizontal inscription on the lintel, form the shape of a "door". Symmetry is the most obvious form of couplets, and Chinese architectural beauty often uses this traditional form of symmetry. The architecture and the couplet structure complement each other, which is another reason for adding horizontal comments to the couplet. But this does not mean that all couplets have horizontal inscriptions. For example, some door plaques can be replaced by horizontal inscriptions, and horizontal inscriptions can be omitted from inscribed couplets and elegiac couplets (those not suitable for hanging between couplets).
In the current couplet community, frankly speaking, there is still a lack of clear theoretical research on the classification of couplets. In many cases, the classification of couplets is quite arbitrary. There is often no uniform classification standard for couplet types, the conceptual connotations of different types of couplets are often vague, the denotations of different types of couplets often overlap with each other, etc. It should be said that these phenomena violate the basic requirements of scientific classification. In view of this, the author puts forward some rough ideas of his own in order to inspire others.
The author believes that the classification of couplets, like any other classification, mainly requires two clarifications: one is to clarify the criteria for classifying couplets; the other is that for classification under a certain standard, different types must be clarified The conceptual connotation and denotation of the couplets, and try to avoid or reduce the intersection and overlap of denotations.
There are many standards for classifying couplets. Here are some examples: First, according to the number of words in the couplets, they can be divided into long couplets and short couplets. The couplets in which the upper and lower couplets are both composed of a larger number of words are called long couplets; the couplets in which both the upper and lower couplets are composed of a smaller number of words are called short couplets. There is no absolute limit on the number of words between long couplets and short couplets, and there are divergent opinions and no conclusion on this in the field of couplets. Generally speaking, there are the following four types of more representative views: the first type advocates using 16 or 22 characters in a full couplet as the lower limit for the number of characters in a long couplet (such as what Mr. Lu Weilian said); the second type advocates using 30 characters in a full couplet Or 40 characters as the lower limit of the number of characters in a long couplet (as Mr. Yu Dequan said); the third category advocates using 60 or 70 characters in the full couplet as the lower limit of the number of words in a long couplet (as Mr. Zhou Yuanlong said); the fourth category advocates using the full couplet as the lower limit of the number of words (as Mr. Zhou Yuanlong said) 90 or 100 words is the minimum limit for long couplets (as Mr. Chang Jiang said). Investigating the reasons, the above-mentioned views are all self-contained. Relatively speaking, the author personally prefers 30 or 40 words, because this range seems to be closer to people's usual vague feeling about long and short couplets. But it can be said that no matter how many words are used to delineate long couplets and short couplets, it seems reluctant, especially when the difference is only one or a few words, it becomes even more rigid. In fact, long couplets and short couplets belong to the category of vague concepts. It is unnecessary and difficult to draw a boundary between the two in terms of word count. The same is true for other literary genres, such as long poems and short poems. I am afraid that there is still no absolute limit on the number of lines. Therefore, when selecting and compiling long couplets and short couplets, as long as there is some relatively reasonable and unified standard, it may be appropriate to separately stipulate them and form a self-contained system.
Second, according to the number of sentences in the couplet and the relationship between the sentences, it can be divided into three types: single sentence couplet, compound sentence couplet and sentence group couplet. Both the upper and lower couplets are composed of a single sentence, which is called a single-sentence couplet; according to the length of the metrical literary sentence, a single-sentence couplet is generally a short couplet (according to the theory that the whole couplet has more than 30 or 40 words, it is a long couplet). The upper and lower couplets are composed of two or more clauses to form a complex sentence, which is called a complex sentence couplet; the complex sentence couplet is generally between the long and short couplets. The upper and lower couplets are all couplets composed of two or more complex sentences forming a sentence group (or paragraph), which is called a sentence group couplet (or paragraph couplet); the sentence group couplet is usually a long couplet. The significance of this division is that it is related to the issue of the oblique arrangement of sentence footings.
Third, according to the metrical requirements and rigor of the antithesis, the couplets can be divided into broad pairs, Gong pairs, clever pairs, absolute pairs, etc.
The so-called wide pair refers to couplets or couplets that have looser or flexible metrical requirements and less neat counterpoints; the so-called Gongdui, also known as strict pairings, refers to couplets or couplets that have stricter metrical requirements and stable counterpoints; the so-called clever pairs, It is also called a wonderful pair, that is, a couplet or couplet that is quite ingenious and unique, or that highlights the use of certain special techniques (if it is relatively stable at the same time, it can also be called a skillful pair); the so-called absolute can also be called an excellent pair, that is, a pair of pairs. It is a couplet or couplet that is very difficult or the antithesis is so natural that it is difficult for other couplets to match the original sentence or to be comparable to the existing couplets. Of course, there is no clear boundary between wide pairing, working pairing, skillful pairing and absolute pairing.
The fourth is based on the content correspondence between the upper and lower lines, which are divided into positive pairs, opposing pairs, and running pairs. The content correspondence between the upper and lower lines of most couplets is a mutually reinforcing relationship. This kind of foil either sets off and complements each other from the same angle (the so-called "direct opposition"), or it contrasts and contrasts each other from the opposite angle (the so-called "opposition"). In layman's terms, the opposite is up and down. The joint intention is similar, and the opposition means that the upper and lower joints have opposite intentions. There are also a few couplets where the content correspondence between the upper and lower couplets is in a cohesive relationship (the so-called "flowing pair", or "string pair"), that is, the two clauses of the upper and lower couplets together form a complex sentence. There is a composite relationship such as coherence, progression, choice, turning, cause and effect, assumptions, conditions, purpose, etc.
Fifth, according to the writing skills or rhetorical techniques of the couplets, they can also be divided into embedded word couplets, palindrome couplets, riddle couplets, sentence couplets, hidden word couplets, rhyming couplets, etc. But strictly speaking, they should be called inlay pattern, palindrome pattern, riddle pattern, collection pattern, hidden word pattern, rhyming pattern, etc.
Sixth is divided according to the content and purpose of the couplets. From a theoretical point of view, this division is even more difficult to be strict and complete. But from a practical point of view, only this division is more meaningful, because it is closely related to the arrangement of couplets. Couplet division mainly refers to this kind. Therefore, the author intends to provide a little discussion on this classification. Generally speaking, couplets have the nature of title or inscription, so writing couplets is often called title couplet. The author believes that according to the content and objects of the couplets, they can be roughly divided into festival couplets, festive couplets, mournful couplets, scenic spots couplets, industry couplets, title-gift couplets, miscellaneous feelings couplets, academic couplets, and interesting and clever couplets. Categories. Among them, each category can be divided into several subcategories. The nine categories of couplets are briefly introduced as follows:
1. Seasonal couplets: refer to couplets that are of specific seasonal or commemorative nature and mostly contain general chants, lyrics, discussions, and wishes. Strictly speaking, they can be divided into festival couplets and seasonal couplets, but since the two are often combined into one, this distinction has no practical significance. Generally, seasonal couplets can be directly divided into several subcategories such as Spring Festival couplets, New Year's couplets, and National Day couplets. Among the seasonal couplets, the most important one is the Spring Festival couplets. The so-called Spring Festival couplets are seasonal couplets used during the Spring Festival. Most Spring Festival couplets can be used universally.
2． Happy couplets: Also known as congratulatory couplets, they refer to couplets other than festival celebrations that have a specific congratulatory content. According to its content and objects, it can be divided into several subcategories such as marriage couplets, longevity couplets, and new residence couplets (housewarming couplets). The outstanding feature of the festive couplet is that it has a specific festive and congratulatory nature, and its content must express good wishes, joy and auspiciousness. There are general and special celebration couplets. Whether it is universal or not depends on each couplet. Do not simply copy it to avoid making a fool of yourself.
3． Elegiac couplets: Also referred to as elegiac couplets, they refer to couplets used to mourn the deceased. Its content is limited to condolences, remembrances, evaluations and wishes for the deceased, and its style is generally sad, solemn, deep and solemn. There are also elegiac couplets written for the deceased or for the widow himself, which is a different matter. The elegiac couplets can be divided from many angles, such as elegiac couplets for the elderly, middle-aged people, young people, etc., or elegiac couplets for the elders, peers, younger generations, etc. In addition, elegiac couplets can also be divided into elegiac couplets, self-elegiac couplets, etc., and sacrificial couplets can also be regarded as a subcategory of elegiac couplets. The content of elegiac couplets generally refers to more specific objects. Although there are also general and special ones, more attention should be paid to the distinction in practice.
4. Couplets of famous places: refer to couplets posted, hung, or carved in scenic spots. Most of its contents are inscriptions on the scenic spots (such as landscapes, towers, cultural relics, etc.), or are closely related to it (relevant people, things, etc.). Such couplets often become an important part of scenic spots and even historical culture. Couplets of famous places can be divided into several sub-categories such as landscapes and gardens, temples, monasteries, pavilions, courtyards, halls, monuments, pagodas, tombs, etc., to name but a few.
5． Industry couplets: refer to couplets whose content is specific to a certain industry, department or field. Due to the changes of the times, although the use of couplets in the industry is not as good as before, it is still considerable. Judging from its scope of application and content characteristics, it is still a major type of couplet. Industry associations can be divided into subcategories by industry and department.
6． Couplet inscribed as a gift: refers to a couplet inscribed as a gift to others. Although many couplets have a certain nature of inscription and gift, the inscription and gift couplets mentioned here are limited to the inscriptions and gifts for interpersonal communication (or yearning), and do not include elegiac couplets and congratulatory couplets. Its content generally contains some kind of praise, blessing, or exhortation. Judging from the use of couplets, inscription and gift couplets can be regarded as a major category. According to the different objects of the gift, the couplet can generally be divided into several sub-categories, such as couplets for elders, couplets for peers, and couplets for juniors.
7. Miscellaneous couplets: refer to couplets that have no specific object and cover a wide range of contents.
This kind of couplets often have relatively simple characteristics of literary creation, such as philosophical couplets, lyrical couplets, persuasive and satirical couplets, etc.
8. Academic couplets: refer to couplets with some academic nature. This academic nature refers to a certain professional nature that does not fall into the above categories in terms of content and purpose. The content is often relatively specialized and has certain subject or religious characteristics, such as Popular Science Federation, Buddhism Federation, Taoism Federation, etc. From the perspective of the application scope and development space of couplets, it is necessary to treat academic couplets as a separate category. For example, the author's book "Collection of Touchings - 1,200 Buddhist Couplets" uses the form of couplets to systematically write down many Buddhist figures and Buddhist doctrines into an academic monograph. By extension, a lot of scientific knowledge or other cultural truths can also be written in the form of couplets, and their academic or professional nature can be highlighted in content.
9． Interesting and clever couplets: refer to couplets that highlight interest or skill but pay little attention to content. Such as various humorous couplets, skill couplets, etc. The content of this type of couplet either highlights the uniqueness of a certain style (humorous couplets), or is relatively unimportant (technical couplets), making it unique. In this sense, it can be regarded as a separate category.
Of course, there are no absolute boundaries between the nine categories of couplets mentioned above. But in general, these nine categories of couplets are concisely and clearly divided in type, relatively clear in connotation, and basically cover all couplets in denotation, and they basically do not overlap with each other. In the above-mentioned classification of couplets, the author has a relatively rigorous definition of each type, explaining the intersection of different types and trying to exclude them as much as possible. So they "basically do not overlap with each other."
If the above is a simple opinion, if it is inappropriate, please contact Fang’s tutor to correct it!
Judging from the content reflected and the occasion of use, couplets can be divided into:
Spring Festival Couplets:
To remove the old and welcome the new, to express aspirations and full of pride, The main content of the couplets is looking forward to the future, and they are specially pasted on New Year's Day and Spring Festival. Because of their strong timeliness, they are called Spring Festival Couplets.
For example: One Yuan and all things are renewed
Couplets:
In order to express certain wishes or meet decorative needs, they used to be often used in official courts, mansions and temples. , couplets on the pillars in the garden, either carved on wooden boards or carved on wall stones, are collectively called couplets.
For example: In 1979, the "Yue Temple" in Hangzhou was renovated. Zhao Puchu, a famous contemporary poet and calligrapher, used the meaning of Yue Fei's "Man Jiang Hong" to reshape the giant statue of Yue Fei. On the big pillars on both sides, a grand and grand new couplet is carefully written to serve the present purpose: Observing the weather dazzles the souls of the people, rejoices in the present temple, reopens the old cypresses, Qianxun looks up// Cleans up the mountains and rivers to pay tribute, look at this day China, start a new journey and drive thousands of miles.
Wedding couplets:
Specially selected or written couplets to express the warm atmosphere on the day of the wedding ceremony.
For example: cleverly borrowing flowers to add moonlight to enjoy the spring night on an autumn night
Elegiac couplet:
In order to evaluate the life achievements of the ancestors and express the sincerity of the descendants Couplets used at memorial or memorial services to express feelings of remembrance.
For example: An elegiac couplet in memory of the beloved Premier Zhou: The hard work of the revolutionary cause is like towering Mount Tai, shaking the world, and the Prime Minister's kindness is like drops of rain and dew, moistening people's hearts.
Life couplet:
When an old man celebrates his birthday, in order to express their blessings to their elders, their children often write some auspicious words carefully, with the main content of prolonging life and bringing happiness to the family, and stick them on the door or hang them. In the hall, such couplets are called longevity couplets.
For example: Blessings are as broad as the east sea and life is as long as the southern mountains