Chinese Couplet Competition

Alright, I know you are all extremely talented, so I thought I would share this upcoming contest for anyone who may be interested. I realize you must be able to read and write in Chinese, so it’s not for everyone, but additional contest will be coming soon for those of you who cannot participate this time. Here’s the information….

Calling all people who like to write Chinese couplets!  You can compete with others who share your interest at Richmond Public Library’s Chinese Couplets Competition. Complete the couplet with your second line and submit it to the library by 3:00 p.m. on Aug 15 for your chance to win. 

The first line of the couplet is: 書山藏愿景

“The judges will select the winners based on the established rules for Chinese couplets.” 

According to the rules for Chinese couplets, the two lines must have the same number of characters, each character must be from the same word class (e.g. noun to noun, verb to verb), the tone pattern of the two lines must be mirror images (inverse) of each other, and the meaning of the two lines must complement one another.  The dialect spoken does not matter.  The rhymes of the couplet must conform to the standards in the Dictionary of Chinese Rhymes (韻書).

The top three winners in each category will receive a trophy and a copy of their winning works written in Chinese calligraphy by local artist and calligrapher Yukman Lai. The winners will be announced at the Dr. Kwok-Chu Lee Recognition Ceremony on August 29 at 3:00 p.m.

Entry forms are available online at www.yourlibrary.ca/drlee or in person at any branch of Richmond Public Library