Chinese people have the custom of sticking up New Year pictures to celebrate the traditional New Year. This can be traced in the historical records of the Song Dynasty. The custom is particularly popular in the vast countryside. Upon the coming of the New Year, every household will be busy pasting colorful New Year pictures or paper-cuts on their doors, windows and walls. Traditional New Year pictures are characterized by scenes of prosperity depicted in simple, clear lines and brilliant colors. The themes expressed in New Year pictures cover a wide range, but the messages all pictures convey are always good luck, festival atmosphere or other nice things in the wish of the people.
中国人在庆祝传统新年时，有贴年画（New Year pictures）的习俗。这在宋朝的史料中有所记载。广大农村尤其流行这个习俗。在新年来临之际，每个家庭都忙于往门、窗户和墙上贴彩色的年画或剪纸（paper-cut）。传统的年画是用简单清晰的线条和明亮的色彩描绘出繁荣的景象。年画表达的主题范围很广，但所有年画传递的信息一直都是好运、节日气息或人们希望的其他好事情。
