'Tiē chūnlián' literally means 'to paste Spring Festival couplets' — a cherished traditional activity performed just before Chinese New Year. The verb 贴 (tiē) means 'to paste' or 'to stick'; 春 (chūn) means 'spring', referring to the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year); and 联 (lián) means 'couplet', specifically the matched poetic lines written on red paper. Together, the phrase denotes the ritual of affixing these auspicious, vertically aligned couplets — one on each side of a door and often a horizontal scroll above — to welcome good fortune and ward off evil spirits.

This custom is deeply rooted in Chinese folk belief and family tradition. Families typically choose couplets with themes of prosperity, health, harmony, or academic success. The act usually takes place on Lunar New Year’s Eve, often involving elders guiding children, symbolizing intergenerational continuity and shared hopes for the coming year. It’s more than decoration — it’s a cultural performance of hope, respect, and renewal.