"Blessed" (福) 42 X 42cm
75 X 51cm with mounting
75 X 51cm
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"Blessed" (福)
45 X 45cm in Cursive Script (草書)
Historical Information and Interpretation
The Chinese character "福" represents "blessed", "goodness", "fortune", and, in some cases, "everything is going perfectly well". In Confucianism, it "means perfection;it is the name given to the complete and natural discharge of all duties. When nothing is left incomplete or improperly discharged;this is what we call perfection" (《禮記·祭統》: "福者，備也；備者，百順之名也", translated by James Legge)(1).
"福" is so pleasant and welcoming that it is posted on walls during Chinese New Years.
For Catholics, this "福" ("Blessed") carries a slightly different meaning. It refers to the reward and joy in Heaven as stated in Mathew 5:3-11:
神貧的人是有福的，因為天國是他們的。
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
溫良的人是有福的，因為他們要承受土地。
Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
哀慟的人是有福的，因為他們要受安慰。
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
飢渴慕義的人是有福的，因為他們要得飽飫。
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
憐憫人的人是有福的，因為他們要受憐憫。
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
心裡潔淨的人是有福的，因為他們要看見天主。
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
締造和平的人是有福的，因為他們要稱為天主的子女。
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.
為義而受迫害的人是有福的，因為天國是他們的。
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
幾時人為了我而辱罵迫害你們，捏造一切壞話毀謗你們，你們是有福的。
Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake.
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