The Shijing, or Book of Songs, is a remarkable collection of ancient Chinese poetry that offers a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and traditions of the people who lived in the Western Zhou dynasty. Compiled over centuries by various anonymous poets, these poems cover a wide range of topics, from love and courtship to nature and the seasons.
What makes the Shijing so captivating is its simplicity and honesty. The poems are written in a straightforward, unadorned style that allows the emotions and experiences of the poets to shine through. Whether expressing joy, sorrow, longing, or gratitude, the poems in this collection are imbued with a sense of authenticity and raw emotion that resonates with readers even thousands of years later.
In addition to their emotional depth, the poems in the Shijing also provide valuable insights into the social, political, and cultural landscape of ancient China. Through references to historical events, customs, and rituals, readers can gain a better understanding of the values and beliefs that shaped the lives of the people who lived during this period.
Overall, the Shijing is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move readers with its beauty and authenticity. It is a treasure trove of wisdom, insight, and emotion that offers a unique window into the rich cultural heritage of ancient China.
First Page:
國風周南
1. 關睢 關關雎鳩、在河之洲。 窈宨淑女、君子好逑。
參差荇菜、左右流之。 窈宨淑女、寤寐求之。 求之不得、寤寐思服。 悠哉悠哉、輾轉反側。
參差荇菜、左右采之。 窈宨淑女、琴瑟友之。 參差荇菜、左右芼之。 窈宨淑女、 鍾鼓樂之。
2. 葛覃 葛之覃兮、施于中谷。 維葉萋萋、黃鳥于飛。 集于灌木、其鳴喈喈。
葛之覃兮、施于中谷。 維葉莫莫、是刈是濩。 為絺為綌、服之無斁。
言告師氏、言告言歸。 薄污我私、薄澣我衣。 害澣害否、歸寧父母 。
3. 卷耳 采采卷耳、不盈頃筐。 嗟我懷人、寘彼周行。
陟彼崔嵬、我馬虺隤。 我姑酌彼金罍、維以不永懷。
陟彼高岡、我馬玄黃。 我姑酌彼兕觥、維以不永傷。
陟彼砠矣、我馬瘏矣、我僕痡矣、云何吁矣。
4. 樛木 南有樛木、葛藟纍之。 樂只君子、福履綏之。
南有樛木、葛藟荒之。 樂只君子、福履將之。
南有樛木、葛藟縈之。 樂只君子、福履成之。
5. 螽斯 螽斯羽、詵詵兮。 宜爾子孫、振振兮。
螽斯羽、薨薨兮。 宜爾子孫、繩繩兮。
螽斯羽、揖揖兮。 宜爾子孫、蟄蟄兮。
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