水调歌头·明月几时 苏轼

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分享一首大家耳熟能详的描写中秋佳节的诗

水调歌头·明月几时

苏轼

明月几时有？把酒问青天。

不知天上宫阙，今夕是何年？

我欲乘风归去，又恐琼楼玉宇，

高处不胜寒。

起舞弄清影，何似在人间！

转朱阁，低绮户，照无眠。

不应有恨，何事长向别时圆？

人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴圆缺，

此事古难全。

但愿人长久，千里共婵娟。

One of the most famous pieces of Chinese literature that describes the Mid-Autumn Festival and the moon is the poem "水调歌头·明月几时有" (Shuǐdiào Gētóu · Míngyuè Jǐshí Yǒu) by the renowned Song dynasty poet Su Shi (苏轼), also known as Su Dongpo.

"水调歌头·明月几时有"

When Will the Moon Be Clear and Bright

This poem was written during the Mid-Autumn Festival of 1076 when Su Shi was away from his brother, Su Zhe. In the poem, Su Shi reflects on the moon, the passage of time, and the longing for family reunion, which makes it one of the most famous literary pieces connected to the festival.

English Translation of the poem:

When will the moon be clear and bright?

With a cup of wine in hand, I ask the blue sky.

I wonder what year it is up there in the palaces on high.

I want to ride the wind and return,

But fear that in the jade towers and crystal halls,

The heights would be too much to bear.

I rise and dance with my clear shadow,

How could such joy compare to being in the mortal world!

The moon rounds the red mansions, dips through the silk-curtained doors, and shines upon the sleepless.

Why must there always be regret? Why does the moon grow full when people are apart?

People experience sorrow, joy, separation, and reunion;

The moon may be dim or bright, full or not.

Since ancient times, perfection is rare.

But I wish that we may live long,

And share the beauty of the moon, even if we are a thousand miles apart.

Themes and Significance

The poem is celebrated for its profound philosophical reflections and deep emotional resonance. In it, Su Shi contemplates the transience of life and the universal human experience of separation and reunion, which aligns with the themes of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Moon as a Symbol: The moon in the poem serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of life, especially the experience of separation and longing for loved ones.

Human Emotions: The poem captures the poet's feelings of longing for his brother, expressing sorrow for being apart, yet finding solace in the shared beauty of the moon, which can be seen by both, no matter the distance.

Philosophical Reflection: Su Shi also reflects on the imperfection of life and the cycles of human emotions, symbolized by the phases of the moon (full, dim, bright, waxing, and waning). He concludes with the wish for longevity and shared moments of beauty, transcending the physical distance.

This poem has become one of the most iconic pieces of literature associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival and is widely recited during the holiday. Its themes of longing, reunion, and the shared appreciation of the moon's beauty resonate deeply with the spirit of the festival.