Last Thursday was Mid Autumn Day (中秋节), a major festival is in China besides the Spring Featival. In lunar calendar, this date was August 15th, which changes every year in solar calendar but usually happens in late September. It is said that on this day the moon is with its perfect roundness and brightness in the year. All family members should get together no matter where you are. However, this is my second Mid Autumn Day when I was not with my family, so I felt a little bit homesick and sad.
In the picture below is a poem written by one of the most famous poets in Chinese history, Su Shi (苏轼) who lived one thousand years ago. This poem was always remembered by Chinese people not only because it is beautiful words but also it expresses exactly what we think when we are not with family.
Here is an English translation of this poem I found on Wikipedia:
In the picture below is a poem written by one of the most famous poets in Chinese history, Su Shi (苏轼) who lived one thousand years ago. This poem was always remembered by Chinese people not only because it is beautiful words but also it expresses exactly what we think when we are not with family.
Here is an English translation of this poem I found on Wikipedia:
Title: 水调歌头 明月几时有 When will the moon be clear and bright?
When will the moon be clear and bright? With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the blue sky what season it would be up the heaven for tonight. Oh Moon, how I wish to get closer By riding on the breeze. Yet I fear your crystal and jade chateau, Are much too high and cold. So, let me just dance here with my moonlight shadow. Rounds and rounds, my red mansion, till you shine on my silk pillow, Sleepless, but bearing no regrets Blame not the full moon when people has to apart Sorrow or joy, be near or far, Things happen like that, and we still believe in fate. Toast to you, we are all be blessed Though distant away, we look at the same moon And in that way, we have never been apart. | |
Su Shi (translated by Charles Hartman)
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Hello Vicky!
ReplyDeleteI love learning about other cultures. Thanks for sharing the poem, is so beautiful! I get when you say you get home sick sometimes because I do too!
I like that your internship is different, I am curious to see what things you will be doing!
Good luck!
Thank you so much, Natalia! I hope everything goes great with your internship in City! I always think working with government is a very different experience!
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