![]() “ Quiet Night Thought” (Translated version) Su Shi was gazing at the moon and thinking of his brother as well as the ups and downs of his life before writing this poem. 《水調歌頭》 苏轼 (节录) (Original version – Excerpt)Ībout the poem: Su Shi had been missing his brother who he had not seen in 5 years, since both Su Shi and his brother were government officials in different cities. Though miles apart, we’ll share the beauty she displays. So let us wish that man May live as long as he can! There has been nothing perfect since the olden days. The moon is bright or dim and she may wax or wane. Men have sorrow and joy they part or meet again “ Prelude to Water Melody” by Su Shi (Translated version) Li Bai leaves the readers wondering if he’s celebrating life or if he’s lonely. Make our friendships out of the secular world forever meet next time in the sky together.Ībout the poem: This poem is talking about celebrating, spring, drinking wine and achieving spiritual awareness. Sharing cheer when I am awake, separating our ways when I am drunk. I sing and the moonlight lingers, I dance and my shadow scattered. The moment with the moon and shadow, I take the opportunity to have a joyous time until the end of spring. The moon cannot understand my enjoyable drinking, and my shadow only follows silently wherever I go. Raising my cup, I invite the moon and turn to my shadow which makes us three. Ancient Chinese poems about the moon “ Drinking Alone Under the Moon” by Li Bai (English translation)įrom a pot of wine amid the flowers, I drink alone beneath the moonshine without a partner. ![]() Keep scrolling to discover our favourite Mid-Autumn moon poems to read aloud amongst or in memory of your loved ones this year. Given the struggle so many have faced in reuniting with their families lately, it seems the right time to refamiliarize ourselves with some classic Chinese poems about the moon. The origins of the festival derive from the custom of moon worship, and even to this day, it is expected for families to gather together and enjoy the view of the moon together to mark the occasion. One of the most important holidays on the Chinese calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival (or zhongqiu – 中秋节 “Moon Festival”), takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Lunar calendar, when the moon is supposedly the fullest, and is known for being a time for family reunion. It is viewed by many as being a carrier of human emotions, with the ability to indicate a sense of belonging and family connection no matter where the family members may be. In Chinese culture, the moon is commonly viewed as representing gentleness and brightness, with the full moon being a symbol of peace, prosperity, and family reunion. Chinese poems about the moon in particular were very common during dynastic China, with poets referencing the moon as far back as the Tang dynasty (618 to 907 A.D.). The moon has special meaning in China, and is the subject of many legends in Chinese mythology. To mark the countdown to Mid-Autumn Festival, we’ve shared our 5 favourite Chinese poems about the moon. Chinese poets have long revered the celestial.
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