Song Ci Poetry

Ci poetry is one type of the ancient poetry. Ci poetry has several names, and it is also known as musical Ci poetry because it can be sung to the music. As the length of verses in a Ci poem differs, it is also called ” Long and Short Verses”. The reason why there are more than one name concerning Ci poetry lies in the close relationship between Ci poetry has various names of cadence which we called :tune” such as The Moon over the West River, The River All Red and Dreamlike Song, etc.

As a new type of poetry, Ci reached its zenith in the Song Dynasty(960-1279). Like Tang poetry, the Song Ci poetry holds a very important position in the history of Chinese literature.

In the course of its development, many outstanding Ci poets, such as Su Shi, Li Qingzhao, Xin Qiji and Iu You emerged.

Su Shi’s Ci poems arc characteristic of passion, refreshment and mellifluence. The contents of his poems are rich in terms of subject: some expressed his patriotism, some described scenes of country, some depicted grievance when lovers had to part. The best-well kown of Su Shi’s Ci poem is Prelude to Water Melody:

Prelude to Water Melody

(Shuidiao Getou)

Su Shi

Su Shi

 

When will the moon be full and bright?

Raising my wineglass, I ask the blue sky.

I know not what year it is tonight,

In the far-away heaven palace.

I wish to return home with fair wind,

For fear I cannot bear the freezing cold,

So high in the marble towers and jade houses.

I dance with my lonely shadow wild,

As if I were not in the human world.

The moon rounds the red cabinet,

Peeps through the silk-pad windows,

And shines upon the sleepless man.

The moon should not suffer the hatred,

Why is it always full when people part?

People may have sorrows or joys,

And the moon may be dim or bright,

This cannot be perfect since ancient time.

I wish that we all would have a long life,

Sharing the beautiful moon even miles apart.

Li Qingzhao is an outstanding Ci poetess. Her works are exquisite, refined and full of true feelings. She expressed her understanding and pursuit of true love, described the impact of the changing seasons on human’s sentiment, and reflected the misery of the people suffering from the decline of their country and the disasters befalling families. Many of her moving verses such as“Can’t you see? Can’t you see?The green leaves are fresh but the red flowers are fading!”“This feeling is unable to be removed. It was shown on my knitted eyebrows a moment ago but has now come to pain my heart.” Show her poetic gifts.

Xin Qiji

Xin Qiji is the most prolific among the Ci poets of the Song Dynasty. His works teemed with heroism. His verses such as “Half drunk I lit the lamp to look at my sword / After dreams of the bugles in our army camps.” “Green mountains are no bar / To the river flowing on to the sea.” Have been circulating for generations. They not only reflected grand army life but also indicated his determination to resist the Jin troops and his deep love for his own country. Xin’s Ci poems greatly broadened the themes and enriched the artistic style of the Song Ci poetry.

 

Till today, Song Ci poems are still favored by the masses. The book Three Hundred Song Ci Poems can be regarded as a must for many families, and a great number of renowned Ci poems have been set to new tunes for extensive singing.

 

 

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Author: Amoytrip---Free China Travel Guide--Song Ci Poetry
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