Ode to Winter Solstice
Shao Yong
Winter solstice divides
Zi month into two halves.
Heaven’s heart has not
changed at this point.
First yang yao starts
right here.
The ten thousands of
living things are not born yet.
Good wine is a little
dilute.
High notes are just
rare.
If anyone does not
believe this,
Please put your
inquiries to Pao Xi.
This poem is quite easy to understand but the level of appreciation varies with the cultural level of the reader. It is worthwhile reciting it frequently to observe how you progress.
6 comments:
"First yang yao starts right here."
Would it refer to that the hexagrams of 十二消息卦 actually start at the middle of the solar months?
Hi Simon,
The twelve waxing and waning hexagrams for the months spread evenly both sides from the midpoint. "Right here" points at the whole Zi month, not the midpoint.
Joseph
Thank you.
Dear Master Joseph
Who was Pao Xi? Was he a cooking supremo?
Best Regards,
Foon
Pao Xi 庖羲 is another name of Fu Xi 伏羲.
Joseph
Dear Master Joseph
Pao Xi/Fu Xi was credited with devising the first calendar,as well as using fire to cook. Since the poem is telling us that at winter solstice the wine is bland and the music is has not reached the crescendo,it is not the new year, when the ten thousand living things will be born. At the time of Fu Xi, winter solstice was a celebration, but not the celebration of the new year.
Foon
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