Mid-Autumn Festival: Ancient Chinese Poetry in English Translation
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional event celebrated by Chinese people around the world. It is a time when families gather to admire the full moon and enjoy mooncakes together. The festival is rich in cultural significance and has inspired countless poems throughout China's long history. Here, we explore some of these ancient verses that capture the essence of this special occasion, presented in English translation.
"Thoughts on a Tranquil Night" (静夜思) - Li Bai
One of the most famous poems about the Mid-Autumn Festival is "Thoughts on a Tranquil Night" by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai. This poem reflects the poet's longing for his family during the festival:
Before my bed, the bright moonlight—
I wonder if it’s frost on the ground.
Lifting my eyes, I gaze at the moon,
Bowing my head, I miss my dear ones back home.
"Moonlit Night on Autumn River" (秋夜月下有怀) - Du Mu
Du Mu, another renowned poet from the Tang Dynasty, wrote "Moonlit Night on Autumn River," which describes the beauty of the moon during the festival and the poet's nostalgia for home:
A river bathed in silver light,
On this night of autumn, so clear and bright.
Amidst the tranquility, thoughts of kin afar,
Under the same moon, we share the evening star.
"The Water Melody: Mid-Autumn Festival" (水调歌头·明月几时有) - Su Shi
Su Shi, a leading literary figure of the Song Dynasty, penned "The Water Melody: Mid-Autumn Festival," a profound reflection on the nature of life and the passage of time set against the backdrop of the festival:
When did the bright moon appear?
I pour a glass of wine to greet the sky.
I do not know what night of what month it is in the heavens,
But I suspect it might be the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Conclusion
These translations offer but a glimpse into the rich tapestry of poetry surrounding the Mid-Autumn Festival. Each verse speaks to the universal human experience of longing for home and loved ones, while celebrating the beauty of nature. Despite being written centuries ago, these poems continue to resonate with modern audiences, bridging the gap between past and present through their timeless appeal.
