Lóng Fèng Chéng Xiáng: 龙凤呈祥 - Dragon And Phoenix Bring Good Fortune

Keywords: 龙凤呈祥, lóng fèng chéng xiáng, dragon phoenix, auspicious, Chinese wedding, Chinese New Year, prosperity, harmony, traditional Chinese culture, Chinese blessing

Summary: 龙凤呈祥 (Lóng Fèng Chéng Xiáng) is a timeless Chinese auspicious expression that literally translates to “the dragon and phoenix bring forth good fortune.” This four-character idiom encapsulates one of the most powerful symbolic pairings in Chinese culture, combining the supreme masculine energy of the dragon with the graceful feminine essence of the phoenix. Far more than a simple greeting or blessing, this term carries deep cultural weight, representing ideal partnerships, cosmic harmony, and the promise of prosperity. In modern China, 龙凤呈祥 appears everywhere from wedding invitations to corporate logos, from calligraphy scrolls in homes to digital messages during holidays. Understanding this term unlocks a deeper appreciation of how Chinese culture perceives balance, fortune, and the intertwining of complementary forces. Whether you encounter it at a wedding banquet, see it embroidered on a qipao, or receive it as a digital blessing during Spring Festival, 龙凤呈祥 represents the ultimate expression of hopeful auspiciousness in Chinese social and ceremonial life.

Core Information

• Standard Pinyin: Lóng Fèng Chéng Xiáng
• Part of Speech: Four-character idiom (成语 / chéngyǔ); also used as a standalone phrase
• HSK Level: Advanced (HSK 5-6 range), though commonly understood at all levels
• Concise Definition: A congratulatory expression meaning “the dragon and phoenix herald/prosperity” or “auspicious union bringing good fortune”

The “In a Nutshell” Concept

Imagine you have two of the most powerful, revered creatures in Chinese mythology appearing together in perfect harmony, radiating good luck and prosperity wherever they go. That is the essence of 龙凤呈祥. The term captures a moment of cosmic alignment, where the dragon (symbolizing imperial power, strength, and yang energy) and the phoenix (representing grace, beauty, and yin energy) come together to bestow blessings. It is not merely a phrase; it is a visual and spiritual concept that conjures images of golden dragons and crimson phoenixes dancing together, their intertwined forms creating an aura of celebration and good fortune. The “soul” of this term lies in its ability to compress complex ideas about partnership, balance, and auspiciousness into just four characters.

Evolution and Etymology

The roots of 龙凤呈祥 stretch back thousands of years to the very foundations of Chinese symbolic thought. In ancient Chinese cosmology, the dragon (龙 / lóng) was the supreme symbol of imperial authority, masculine energy (阳 / yáng), and cosmic power. Emperors proclaimed themselves “true dragons” (真龙天子 / zhēn lóng tiānzǐ), and the dragon became synonymous with strength, leadership, and the ability to navigate between earthly and heavenly realms. The phoenix (凤 / fèng), meanwhile, represented the empress, feminine grace (阴 / yīn), virtue, and the ability to bring renewal and beauty into the world.

The combination of dragon and phoenix as a paired symbol dates back to at least the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), when imperial art began depicting them together as representations of the emperor-empress relationship and the harmonious balance necessary for cosmic order. The verb 呈 (chéng), meaning “to present” or “to offer,” adds a dynamic quality to the phrase, suggesting that good fortune is actively being brought forth and bestowed rather than passively existing. The final character 祥 (xiáng) means “auspicious” or “propitious,” reinforcing the blessing aspect.

The four-character idiom form, 龙凤呈祥, emerged during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) as literary and poetic traditions flourished. Scholars and poets began using this balanced, melodic phrase in couplets, official documents, and ceremonial contexts. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the term had become firmly established as one of the most important auspicious expressions in Chinese culture, appearing on everything from imperial decrees to personal correspondence.

In the modern era, 龙凤呈祥 has transcended its classical origins to become a versatile phrase that appears in wedding celebrations, business openings, festival greetings, and everyday blessings. Its enduring popularity stems from its positive associations and its ability to evoke traditional Chinese aesthetics without being overly formal or archaic. Today, you will find 龙凤呈祥 on everything from coffee cup designs at Starbucks China to wedding video overlays, demonstrating its remarkable adaptability across traditional and contemporary contexts.

The following table situates 龙凤呈祥 within the broader landscape of Chinese auspicious expressions, highlighting nuances, usage contexts, and intensity levels.

The comparison reveals that 龙凤呈祥 stands out as one of the most powerful and auspicious expressions in the Chinese blessing vocabulary. While other terms like 喜结良缘 and 百年好合 focus specifically on marriage, 龙凤呈祥 carries broader connotations of cosmic harmony, imperial-level fortune, and the meeting of complementary forces. Its intensity rating of 9/10 reflects its reserved usage for truly significant occasions where ordinary blessings feel insufficient.

龙凤呈祥 occupies a special position in Chinese social discourse. It is powerful enough to be used at the most significant life events, yet flexible enough to appear in everyday contexts. Understanding where this phrase shines and where it might feel awkward is essential for cultural fluency.

The Wedding Context: Its Natural Habitat

There is perhaps no setting more perfect for 龙凤呈祥 than a traditional Chinese wedding. The phrase captures everything a Chinese wedding represents: the union of two families, the harmonious joining of masculine and feminine energies, and the blessing of prosperity and happiness. In wedding contexts, you will encounter 龙凤呈祥 on:

• Wedding invitations, especially in the header or as a decorative banner
• Red envelopes (红包 / hóngbāo) given to the couple
• The wedding banquet backdrop or stage decoration
• Toast speeches given by family elders
• Gifts such as tea sets, bedding, or home decorations
• Digital projections and video montages shown during the reception

The phrase works particularly well when given by married couples to newlyweds, as it represents a blessing from those who have already experienced the dragon-phoenix harmony in their own unions. Elders presenting gifts with 龙凤呈祥 are symbolically passing on their own good fortune.

Business and Professional Settings

In the business world, 龙凤呈祥 has expanded beyond its wedding origins to become a symbol of successful partnerships and prosperous ventures. Modern applications include:

• Grand opening ceremonies for new businesses, especially those involving partnerships
• Corporate anniversary celebrations
• Strategic partnership signing events
• Lunar New Year greetings from companies to clients and employees
• Logo designs and brand imagery for companies wanting to evoke traditional values
• Real estate transactions, particularly for homes or businesses seen as investments

When used in business contexts, 龙凤呈祥 signals that the presenter views the business relationship as a harmonious, mutually beneficial partnership that will bring good fortune to all involved. It elevates a simple business transaction into a statement about cosmic alignment and shared destiny.

Social Media and Gen-Z Usage

The digital generation in China has taken 龙凤呈祥 and created new contexts for its usage. On platforms like WeChat, Douyin, and Weibo, you will see:

• Digital red envelopes with 龙凤呈祥 branding during holiday seasons
• Short videos featuring the characters 龙 and 凤 in animation, accompanied by the phrase
• Emoji-style decorative messages combining the characters with other festive elements
• Memes and viral posts that play on the traditional meaning in contemporary situations
• Dating app profiles where users describe themselves as seeking their “龙” or “凤” (their perfect complementary match)

Gen-Z has also playfully subverted the phrase, using it ironically when something unexpectedly positive happens, or as a sarcastic comment when two chaotic elements somehow create order together.

Where It Fails

Despite its versatility, 龙凤呈祥 is not appropriate in every situation:

• Funerals and mourning contexts: The phrase's association with celebration and prosperity makes it completely inappropriate for death-related ceremonies
• Casual, everyday conversation: Using 龙凤呈祥 to greet a colleague in the hallway would sound theatrical and over-the-top
• Sad news or sympathy contexts: Even when offering condolences, the term's positive energy feels mismatched
• Highly formal legal or official documents: While used in business ceremonies, it does not belong in contracts or official letters
• Contexts involving single individuals seeking romantic partners: The phrase's focus on couples might feel pressuring or exclusionary

The Hidden Codes

Understanding 龙凤呈祥 means understanding the unwritten rules that govern its use:

Timing Matters: The phrase is most appropriate at moments of new beginnings (weddings, business launches, New Year) or major celebrations. Using it during routine interactions feels excessive.

Relationship Hierarchy: 龙凤呈祥 given by elders or superiors carries more weight than the same phrase from peers or juniors. The blessing of an elder is considered more “powerful” in a traditional sense.

Reciprocity Expectations: When someone gives you a gift or message featuring 龙凤呈祥, there is an implicit expectation that you will eventually return the favor with a similarly auspicious gesture. This creates ongoing social obligations.

Gender Dynamics: While the phrase celebrates the union of dragon (traditionally male) and phoenix (traditionally female), modern Chinese couples may find the gendered symbolism either affirming or outdated. Progressive urbanites might use it ironically or selectively.

Material Manifestations: The phrase is often accompanied by tangible symbols (dragon-phoenix decorations, red and gold colors, specific gift items). The physical presence of these symbols amplifies the verbal blessing.

The following examples demonstrate 龙凤呈祥 in authentic contexts, from formal to semi-formal to contemporary digital usage.

Example 1: Wedding Invitation Wording

Chinese Sentence: 谨订于公元二零二四年五月五日，敝府小女出阁，特设喜宴，席间恭祝 龙凤呈祥，百年好合。

Pinyin: Jǐn dìng yú gōngyuán èr líng èr sì nián wǔ yuè wǔ rì, bì fǔ xiǎo nǚ chū gé, tè shè xǐ yàn, xí jiān gōng zhù lóng fèng chéng xiáng, bǎi nián hǎo hé.

English: Respectfully scheduled for May 5, 2024, the youngest daughter of our household will be married. A celebratory banquet is hereby arranged, at which we wish the couple dragon and phoenix bringing forth good fortune and a hundred years of harmonious union.

Deep Analysis: This formal wedding invitation demonstrates 龙凤呈祥 in its most traditional context. The phrase appears alongside another auspicious expression, 百年好合 (a hundred years of harmonious union), creating a layered blessing. The formal register (“谨订,” “敝府,” “出阁”) shows that 龙凤呈祥 belongs to elevated, ceremonial language. The phrase functions as both a wish and a statement of the family's aspirations for the union.

Example 2: Elder Presenting a Wedding Gift

Chinese Sentence: 这对龙凤镯是祖上传下来的，今天送给你们，愿你们 龙凤呈祥，白头偕老。

Pinyin: Zhè duì lóng fèng zhuó shì zǔ shàng chuán xià lái de, jīntiān sòng gěi nǐmen, yuàn nǐmen lóng fèng chéng xiáng, bái tóu xié lǎo.

English: These dragon-phoenix bracelets have been passed down through generations. Today I give them to you, wishing you dragon and phoenix bringing forth good fortune and white-haired companionship until the end.

Deep Analysis: The gift of dragon-phoenix bracelets (龙凤镯 / lóng fèng zhuó) paired with the phrase 龙凤呈祥 creates a powerful blessing. The elder is not merely speaking words but transferring a physical symbol of family continuity and good fortune. The added wish for “white-haired companionship” (白头偕老 / bái tóu xié lǎo) extends the blessing into longevity. This example shows how the phrase often accompanies specific symbolic gifts that reinforce its meaning.

Example 3: Business Partnership Celebration

Chinese Sentence: 今日两家公司正式签署合作协议，共创未来，祝愿我们 龙凤呈祥，合作共赢。

Pinyin: Jīnrì liǎng jiā gōngsī zhèngshì qiānshǔ hézuò xiéyì, gòng chuàng wèilái, zhùyuàn wǒmen lóng fèng chéng xiáng, hézuò gòngyíng.

English: Today the two companies officially sign the cooperative agreement to create the future together, wishing us dragon and phoenix bringing forth good fortune and mutual victory through cooperation.

Deep Analysis: This example shows the adaptation of 龙凤呈祥 from romantic to business contexts. The two companies are metaphorically cast as the dragon and phoenix, their partnership as an auspicious union. The phrase elevates what could be a dry legal proceeding into a ceremony of cosmic significance. Businesspeople use this to add gravitas and traditional weight to modern commercial activities.

Example 4: Lunar New Year Greeting Card

Chinese Sentence: 新春佳节，恭祝阖府 龙凤呈祥，富贵满堂，万事如意。

Pinyin: Xīnchūn jiājié, gōng zhù hé fǔ lóng fèng chéng xiáng, fùguì mǎn táng, wànshì rúyì.

English: During the joyous Spring Festival, we respectfully wish your entire household dragon and phoenix bringing forth good fortune, wealth and honor filling the hall, and all matters going as desired.

Deep Analysis: New Year greetings often combine multiple auspicious expressions. Here, 龙凤呈祥 is paired with 富贵满堂 (wealth filling the hall) and 万事如意 (everything as desired) to create a comprehensive blessing. The phrase's association with prosperity makes it natural for New Year contexts. The formality level is moderate, appropriate for distant relatives, colleagues, or business acquaintances.

Example 5: Digital Message Between Friends

Chinese Sentence: 好久不见！听说你订婚了，恭喜恭喜！愿你们 龙凤呈祥，幸福美满！

Pinyin: Hǎojiǔ bù jiàn! Tīng shuō nǐ dìnghūn le, gōngxǐ gōngxǐ! Yuàn nǐmen lóng fèng chéng xiáng, xìngfú měimǎn!

English: Long time no see! I heard you got engaged, congratulations! Wishing you dragon and phoenix bringing forth good fortune and happiness in abundance!

Deep Analysis: Even among friends, 龙凤呈祥 maintains its special status. The casual “好久不见” (long time no see) gives way to the formal blessing upon hearing of the engagement. This demonstrates how context elevates language; the significance of the news (an engagement) warrants the use of an auspicious expression that would be inappropriate for everyday conversation. The double “恭喜恭喜” (congratulations) shows enthusiasm that matches the gravity of the phrase.

Example 6: WeChat Moment Post

Chinese Sentence: 今天搬新家啦！感谢大家的支持，愿我们家 龙凤呈祥，越来越旺！

Pinyin: Jīntiān bān xīn jiā la! Gǎnxiè dàjiā de zhīchí, yuàn wǒmen jiā lóng fèng chéng xiáng, yuè lái yuè wàng!

English: Moving to our new home today! Thank you everyone for your support, may our family have dragon and phoenix bringing forth good fortune and become more prosperous!

Deep Analysis: Social media has democratized the use of traditional auspicious expressions. The poster uses 龙凤呈祥 to describe their household's aspirations rather than to bless a specific couple. The exclamation “越来越旺” (becoming more prosperous) extends the theme of growth and success. This example shows how the phrase has expanded beyond its original contexts while maintaining its core meaning of auspicious blessing.

Example 7: Restaurant Name or Brand

Chinese Sentence: 本店新推出龙凤呈祥套餐，寓意美好，适合各类喜庆宴席。

Pinyin: Běn diàn xīn tuīchū lóng fèng chéng xiáng tào cān, yùyì měihǎo, shìhé gè lèi xǐqìng yàn xí.

English: Our restaurant has newly launched the Dragon-Phoenix Prosperity set meal, with beautiful symbolism, suitable for all kinds of celebratory banquets.

Deep Analysis: Businesses appropriate 龙凤呈祥 for commercial purposes. The phrase's association with celebration and prosperity makes it attractive for wedding venues, banquet halls, and event spaces. By naming a menu item after this auspicious expression, the restaurant creates an emotional connection between the food and the positive outcomes the diners seek.

Example 8: Toast Speech at Wedding Banquet

Chinese Sentence: 作为一个结婚三十年的丈夫，我深知婚姻的真谛。今天看到你们，让我祝愿 龙凤呈祥，永结同心。

Pinyin: Zuò wéi yī gè jiéhūn sānshí nián de zhàngfu, wǒ shēn zhī hūnyīn de zhēndì. Jīntiān kàn dào nǐmen, ràng wǒ zhùyuàn lóng fèng chéng xiáng, yǒng jié tóng xīn.

English: As a husband married for thirty years, I deeply understand the true meaning of marriage. Seeing you today makes me wish dragon and phoenix bringing forth good fortune and hearts eternally united.

Deep Analysis: The speaker's credibility comes from his own long marriage. He uses his experience to validate the blessing. The addition of “永结同心” (eternally united in heart) specifies the romantic dimension of the broader 龙凤呈祥 blessing. This example shows how the phrase can be personalized and contextualized by the speaker.

Example 9: Calligraphy Gift Inscription

Chinese Sentence: 龙凤呈祥——谨以此作品献给我的恩师，祝愿师父桃李满天下。

Pinyin: Lóng Fèng Chéng Xiáng — Jǐn yǐ cǐ zuòpǐn xiàn gěi wǒ de ēnshī, zhùyuàn shīfu táo lǐ mǎn tiānxià.

English: Dragon and Phoenix Bring Good Fortune — With this work, I present it to my respected teacher, wishing the teacher have peach and plum blossoms (students) filling the world.

Deep Analysis: Calligraphy featuring auspicious phrases is a traditional gift in Chinese culture. Here, the giver adapts the phrase for an educational context. While 龙凤呈祥 originally refers to romantic or business partnerships, the giver invokes the dragon-phoenix symbolism to bless his teacher with success in developing students. This creative application shows the phrase's flexibility when understood as “auspicious harmony bringing forth prosperity” in whatever domain applies.

Example 10: Contemporary Song Lyrics

Chinese Sentence: 红绸带，飘起来，敲响那喜庆的锣鼓，祝福声声 龙凤呈祥，愿你找到幸福。

Pinyin: Hóng chóu dài, piāo qǐ lái, qiāo xiǎng nà xǐqìng de luó gǔ, zhùfú shēng shēng lóng fèng chéng xiáng, yuàn nǐ zhǎo dào xìngfú.

English: Red silk ribbons, floating in the air, beating that celebratory drum, blessings sounding dragon and phoenix bringing forth good fortune, may you find happiness.

Deep Analysis: Popular culture perpetuates traditional expressions through music and entertainment. This song lyric places 龙凤呈祥 within a vivid festive scene. The phrase functions as both a blessing and a cultural touchstone, immediately evoking traditional Chinese celebrations for listeners familiar with the expression.

Example 11: Interior Decoration Consultation

Chinese Sentence: 根据您的情况，我建议在客厅悬挂 龙凤呈祥 的十字绣，既美观又有好寓意。

Pinyin: Gēnjù nín de qíngkuàng, wǒ jiànyì zài kètīng xuánguà lóng fèng chéng xiáng de shízì xiù, jì měiguān yòu yǒu hǎo yùyì.

English: Based on your situation, I recommend hanging a cross-stitch embroidery of Dragon-Phoenix Bringing Good Fortune in the living room; it is both beautiful and carries good meaning.

Deep Analysis: Feng shui and auspicious symbolism deeply influence Chinese interior design. The consultant recommends 龙凤呈祥 artwork not merely for aesthetics but for its symbolic value. The phrase “好寓意” (good meaning/symbolism) indicates awareness that the visual image carries meaning beyond its appearance.

Example 12: Douyin Video Caption

Chinese Sentence: #婚礼现场 #龙凤呈祥 今天见证了最浪漫的爱情，希望他们永远幸福！

Pinyin: #Hūnlǐ xiànchǎng #LóngFèngChéngXiáng Jīntiān jiànzhèng le zuì làngmàn de àiqíng, xīwàng tāmen yǒngyuǎn xìngfú!

English: #WeddingScene #DragonPhoenixProsperity Today I witnessed the most romantic love, wishing them eternal happiness!

Deep Analysis: Social media hashtags compress traditional concepts into searchable, shareable tags. The user combines the hashtag #龙凤呈祥 with the specific wedding context, creating content that participates in a larger cultural conversation about weddings and blessings. The contemporary format shows how traditional expressions adapt to digital-age communication.

Understanding 龙凤呈祥 requires awareness of subtle distinctions that native speakers absorb intuitively but learners often miss.

Mistake 1: Assuming It Only Applies to Weddings

Wrong: “Happy birthday! 龙凤呈祥!” (used in a birthday greeting)

Right: “Congratulations on your wedding! 龙凤呈祥!”

Explanation: While 龙凤呈祥 has expanded to business and general celebration contexts, it remains fundamentally connected to the concept of pairing and union. Using it for individual events like birthdays, which have no inherent “union” component, sounds odd to native ears. The phrase works best when there is a joining of two parties, a partnership being formed, or a complementary pairing being celebrated.

Mistake 2: Overusing It in Casual Conversation

Wrong: “Hey, want to grab coffee? 龙凤呈祥!” (casual greeting to a friend)

Right: “Thank you for dinner! 龙凤呈祥.” (after a meaningful celebration dinner with close friends)

Explanation: 龙凤呈祥 carries ceremonial weight. Using it casually, especially with friends in informal settings, creates an impression of trying too hard or not understanding register. Reserve this phrase for moments that genuinely warrant its auspiciousness: celebrations, blessings, ceremonial occasions.

Mistake 3: Confusing 龙凤呈祥 with Simple Dragon-Phoenix Imagery

Wrong: “Look at that dragon and phoenix logo! It must mean 龙凤呈祥.”

Right: “The dragon and phoenix imagery suggests auspiciousness, possibly reflecting the concept behind 龙凤呈祥, though the specific phrase might not be intended.”

Explanation: Not every dragon-phoenix combination invokes the idiom 龙凤呈祥. Sometimes artists use these creatures separately or for different symbolic purposes. The phrase specifically refers to the active “presenting” of good fortune through the union of dragon and phoenix energies. Generic dragon-phoenix imagery may have different meanings.

Mistake 4: Using It to Describe Individuals

Wrong: “She is a perfect example of 龙凤呈祥.” (describing a single person's qualities)

Right: “Their partnership is a true case of 龙凤呈祥.” (describing the relationship between two people or entities)

Explanation: 龙凤呈祥 is fundamentally about relationship, union, and the fortune that emerges from harmonious combination. It cannot meaningfully describe a single individual. A person might be described as having “龙的气质” (dragon qualities) or “凤的气质” (phoenix qualities), but not 龙凤呈祥 itself.

Mistake 5: Mixing Up the Symbolic Genders

Wrong: “The bride is the dragon and the groom is the phoenix, 龙凤呈祥.”

Right: “The groom embodies dragon energy and the bride embodies phoenix energy, 龙凤呈祥.”

Explanation: In traditional symbolism, the dragon represents yang/masculine energy while the phoenix represents yin/feminine energy. Reversing these associations shows confusion about the underlying symbolism. While contemporary usage may be more flexible about gender roles, using the phrase with reversed symbolism draws attention to the mistake rather than the blessing.

Mistake 6: Using It in Inappropriate Contexts

Wrong: “My grandmother passed away last week. We hope for 龙凤呈祥 in the afterlife.”

Right: “My grandmother passed away last week. We wish her peace in the afterlife.” (and avoid 龙凤呈祥 entirely)

Explanation: 龙凤呈祥 is inherently celebratory and tied to life, union, and prosperity. Death and mourning contexts require completely different vocabulary. Using auspicious expressions at funerals or memorial services is considered inappropriate and potentially disrespectful.

Mistake 7: Treating It as a Simple Synonym for “Good Luck”

Wrong: “I didn't get the job, but I hope for 龙凤呈祥 next time.” (casual dismissal after a failure)

Right: “I didn't get the job, but I'm staying positive and wishing myself better fortune next time.” (using a more neutral expression)

Explanation: 龙凤呈祥 is specific in meaning: it refers to the prosperity that emerges from harmonious unions or partnerships. Reducing it to a generic “good luck” expression loses its cultural depth. Additionally, the phrase's grand connotations make it awkward for expressing hope about individual, isolated outcomes.

The following related terms expand understanding of 龙凤呈祥 within the broader context of Chinese auspicious expressions and symbolic traditions.

• 龙凤呈祥 - The primary term itself, representing the dragon-phoenix harmonious prosperity concept
• 龙凤呈祥 - Variant forms including artistic and calligraphy representations
• 鸾凤和鸣 (Luán Fèng Hémíng) - A romantic idiom describing a harmonious couple, closely related to wedding blessings
• 百年好合 (Bǎi Nián Hǎo Hé) - A standard wedding blessing wishing good harmony for a hundred years
• 喜结良缘 (Xǐ Jié Liángyuán) - Celebrating the happy occasion of a good marriage destiny
• 双喜临门 (Shuāng Xǐ Lín Mén) - Double happiness arriving at the door, often used for weddings and joyful events
• 龙腾虎跃 (Lóng Téng Hǔ Yuè) - Dragon soaring and tiger leaping, another powerful auspicious expression for prosperity
• 凤鸣朝阳 (Fèng Míng Zhāo Yáng) - Phoenix singing toward the morning sun, symbolizing talent meeting opportunity
• 龙马精神 (Lóng Mǎ Jīngshén) - Dragon-horse spirit, representing vigor, vitality, and energetic prosperity
• 天作之合 (Tiān Zuò Zhī Hé) - Heaven's perfect match, an extremely complimentary term for a destined union