Petals of spring fly all through the city From the wind in the willows of the Imperial River. And at dusk, from the palace, candles are given out To light first the mansions of the Five Great Lords.
Original Poem:
「寒食」
韩翃
春城无处不飞花， 寒食东风御柳斜。
日暮汉宫传蜡烛，轻烟散入五侯家。
Interpretation:
This is a satirical poem that borrows from the past to satirize the present.
Cold Food is a traditional festival in ancient China handed down from the Spring and Autumn Period, about two days before Qingming. Ancient Chinese attached great importance to this festival, and according to the custom, every family forbade to make fire for three days, and only ate ready-made food such as cakes and dumplings. On the day of the Cold Food Festival, the poet roamed the streets of Chang'an and was mesmerized by the twilight scenery until twilight fell. At night, the palace flickered with a ball of candlelight and was brightly lit, while outside the palace was dark and buried in deep twilight. He was overwhelmed with emotion, thinking of Yang Guifei and her brother relying on the emperor's favor to act as a bully, and put pen to paper to write this poem.
The first two lines: in the late spring Chang'an City, willow wadding fluttered everywhere, countless falling red, cold food festival east wind blowing the willow trees in the Imperial City.
These two lines describe the scenery during the daytime, and outline the charming spring scenery of willow wadding, countless falling reds in Chang'an City and the scenery in the garden of the imperial palace.
The last two lines: In the evening, the Han Palace sends candles to reward the princes and vassals, and the curls of smoke waft to the homes of the Emperor's favored ministers.
When the sun sets, the Han Palace sends candles to reward the princes and vassals, and the curls of light smoke are first dispersed into the homes of the five vassals. Cold Food Festival this day home can not make fire lighting, but the palace is an exception, the sky is not yet dark, the palace is busy sending candles, in addition to the palace, the noble near favorites can also get this grace. Cold food ban on fire, is China's long-established custom, but the powerful ministers can make an exception to point candles. The poet makes a euphemistic satire on this corrupt political phenomenon.
The poem is filled with the intoxication of the spring color of the imperial city and the singing of the peace and prosperity of the world, and at the same time, it contains the euphemistic satirical advice.
Poem translator:
Kiang Kanghu
Han Hong (韩翃) was a native of Nanyang, Henan Province. He was awarded a bachelor's degree in 754 AD. He was one of the “Ten Talents of the Dali”, whose poems were written in a light style, with chic landscapes, and most of the subjects were farewell songs and harmonies.
