Symbolism and regional identity in Hakka vernacular decorative arts: Insights from Southern Jiangxi, Western Fujian, and Northeastern Guangdong, China

Hakka vernacular dwellings in the core regions of Jiangxi, Fujian, and Guangdong constitute a culturally continuous yet stylistically diverse architectural heritage; however, their decorative arts—and the symbolic meanings through which they articulate regional identity—remain comparatively underexamined, particularly from a cross-regional perspective. To address this aim, this study investigates vernacular architectural decoration in traditional Hakka dwellings across Southern Jiangxi, Western Fujian, and Northeastern Guangdong—the core regions of Hakka culture—using fieldwork, image-symbol analysis, and qualitative comparison. Fifteen representative dwellings are examined to identify regional variations and connections in roof, wall, and plinth ornamentation. The research aims to highlight the architectural individuality and cultural distinctions among different Hakka cultural areas, elucidate auspicious symbolism and underlying cultural concepts, and reveal how a continuous Hakka cultural identity is expressed through regional decorative practices, thereby contributing to heritage understanding, preservation, and creative reuse.