Red lantern
(Lantern; formal gardens, Suzhou)
These red lanterns appear everywhere I have been in China; they hang outside restaurants primarily, but also outside bars, shops, gardens, monuments, even just the street as decoration. I’m not aware if they have any significance outside a decorative use and possibly as a lucky charm of sorts. I haven’t been in a car or taxi yet that doesn’t sport a charm merrily hanging from the rear view mirror. They can take the shape of miniature gourds, characters or the more traditional knot-work patterns. All are tied up with red thread for luck and are said to protect the vehicle from harm.
Superstition seems quite prominent here and although many people claim not to be, they may still have one of these charms or refuse to live in a house with a kitchen on the right of the front door (which is not desirable feng shui).
