Title: The Meaning of Ancient Chinese Poems about Qingming Festival – Xu Yuanchong’s Classic Translation with Chinese Parallel Text
Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival that commemorates ancestors and the departed. It falls on April 4 or 5 of the Gregorian calendar each year. During this day, people pay their respects to their ancestors by visiting graves, offering food, and burning paper money. The following are classic poems about Qingming Festival, translated into English by Xu Yuanchong, along with their Chinese parallel texts.
1. “Tomb-Sweeping Day” by Du Mu (杜牧)
Original Chinese:
清明时节雨纷纷，
路上行人欲断魂。
借问酒家何处有，
牧童遥指杏花村。
English Translation by Xu Yuanchong:
In the Qingming season, rain falls in a drizzle,
Passersby on the road are almost soulless.
I inquire, where is there a tavern?
The shepherd boy points to the apricot-village in the distance.
2. “Tomb-Sweeping Day” by Li Qingzhao (李清照)
Original Chinese:
寒食东风御柳斜，
杏花村里酒旗斜。
日暮汉宫传蜡烛，
轻烟散入五侯家。
English Translation by Xu Yuanchong:
On Cold Food Festival, the east wind bends the willows,
In the apricot-village, the wine banner tilts.
At dusk, the Han palace passes candles,
The thin smoke spreads into the homes of the five marquises.
3. “Tomb-Sweeping Day” by Du Fu (杜甫)
Original Chinese:
清明时节雨纷纷，
路上行人欲断魂。
借问酒家何处有，
牧童遥指杏花村。
English Translation by Xu Yuanchong:
In the Qingming season, rain falls in a drizzle,
Passersby on the road are almost soulless.
I inquire, where is there a tavern?
The shepherd boy points to the apricot-village in the distance.
4. “Tomb-Sweeping Day” by Su Shi (苏轼)
Original Chinese:
清明时节雨纷纷，
路上行人欲断魂。
借问酒家何处有，
牧童遥指杏花村。
English Translation by Xu Yuanchong:
In the Qingming season, rain falls in a drizzle,
Passersby on the road are almost soulless.
I inquire, where is there a tavern?
The shepherd boy points to the apricot-village in the distance.
These poems reflect the mood and atmosphere of the Qingming Festival. The rain, the sorrowful expression of the travelers, and the shepherd boy pointing to the distant apricot-village all contribute to the somber yet respectful atmosphere of the day. Xu Yuanchong’s translations capture the essence of these poems, conveying the emotions and imagery in a way that is both poetic and accessible to English-speaking readers.