Introduction
Spring Equinox, also known as Chunfen in Chinese, falls on March 20th or 21st every year. It marks the time when the sun crosses the celestial equator and moves northward, bringing longer days and warmer weather to the Northern Hemisphere. This auspicious occasion has been celebrated for centuries through various traditions and customs, and has inspired many poets to write beautiful verses about springtime.
Spring Equinox in Chinese Poetry
Spring Equinox has always been a popular theme in Chinese poetry, with renowned poets such as Du Fu, Li Bai, and Su Shi all writing about this season. Here are some of the most famous spring equinox poems from Chinese literature:
1. "春分" - 杜甫 (Chunfen by Du Fu)
白日依山尽，黄河入海流。欲窮千里目，更上一層樓。
2. "春望" -杜甫 (Spring Scene by Du Fu)
國破山河在，城春草木深。
感時花濺淚，恨別鳥驚心。
烽火連三月，家書抵萬金。
白頭搔更短，渾欲不勝簪。
3. "人間四月芳菲盡" -白居易 (End of April by Bai Juyi)
人間四月芳菲盡，
山寺桃花始盛開。
長恨春歸無觸處，
不知轉入此中來。
Meaning Behind Spring Equinox Poems
Spring equinox poems often express the poets' feelings about the changing of seasons and the beauty of spring. Du Fu's "Chunfen" talks about his desire to reach a higher level and observe the world from a different perspective. "Spring Scene" is a somber reflection on the devastation of war and its impact on the natural world. Bai Juyi's "End of April" portrays the joy of the arrival of spring and the melancholy of its eventual departure.
Celebrating Spring Equinox
The Spring Equinox has been celebrated in various cultures and traditions for centuries. In China, one popular activity during this time is to create spring couplets and paste them onto the doorposts of houses. Plants and flowers are also an important part of the celebration, with peach blossoms and willow branches being particularly popular. Other customs include flying kites and eating traditional foods such as rice cakes and spring rolls.
Conclusion
Spring Equinox is a time of renewal and growth, and has inspired countless poets throughout history to create beautiful verses about this auspicious occasion. From Du Fu's lofty aspirations to Bai Juyi's bittersweet reflections, these spring equinox poems capture the essence of the changing of seasons and the beauty of spring. Whether through writing poetry or participating in traditional celebrations, we can all appreciate the wonder of spring equinox and the power it has to inspire us.