The Chinese character 喜, xǐ, means joy, happiness and delight. It is used for happy occasions of every kind, from festivals to births, and it is the building block of double happiness, 囍, the emblem of weddings.
One character, many joys
In everyday language 喜 appears in words for happiness and celebration: xǐshì, a "happy event", is a common way of referring to a wedding. On its own, the character expresses a general wish for joy. Doubled into 囍, it becomes specifically the sign of marriage.
The magpie: a bird of joy
Chinese wordplay gives 喜 a bird. The magpie is called xǐquè, literally the "joy bird", and its chattering was traditionally taken as a sign that good news was on its way. A magpie on a branch of plum blossom is a classic image of happy tidings in Chinese art.
Xǐ or double happiness?
Choose 喜 for joy in general; choose 囍 for a wedding, an anniversary or a partnership. Both are written in red for celebrations.
Xǐ in jewellery
A Xǐ charm is a simple, generous symbol: a wish for happiness. See the AURYN Xǐ charm, or read our guide to Chinese auspicious symbols.
