Fu

Fu is a term in Chinese that most commonly denotes good fortune, happiness, or blessings. It is written with the character 福 (pinyin: fú). The character is one of the most recognizable in Chinese writing and is widely used across East Asia in decorations, art, and ritual objects. The form combines elements associated with ritual and abundance, and it is interpreted as blessings from heaven or ancestors.

In everyday usage, fu stands for good luck and prosperity. It appears on red envelopes, posters, and banners, especially during the Spring Festival. A well-known practice is to display the character upside down, a visual pun that conveys the idea that fortune has arrived (the word for arrival sounds similar to the concept of being inverted).

Fu also appears as a surname and as part of Chinese given names. It is the pinyin transliteration of several Chinese surnames, such as 傅 and 付, among others, and can be used as a given-name element in various East Asian languages.

Cultural influence extends beyond mainland China. The concept of fu is shared in many East Asian cultures, with variations in character and pronunciation, but the same underlying idea of blessing, luck, and well-being remains central. The character 福 remains a common motif in holidays, weddings, and other celebrations, reflecting a longstanding emphasis on auspiciousness and prosperity.