What is a true man? What is a true beauty? Is the handsome and beautiful appearance considered as handsome and beautiful? What is your ideal image of a handsome man or a beautiful woman? Let us go back 3000 years ago, to take a look at what people thought about the looks of men and women during the period from the early years of Western Zhou Dynasty to the middle years of Spring and Autumn Period, which lasted for more than 500 years, according to the first poetry collection in China, The Book of Songs. Let's return through the time tunnel and find out...
Five Looks of Beauty:
The first one is inner and outer cultivation. In the opening chapter of The Book of Songs, "Guan Guan Zhujiu, on the riverbank. A graceful lady, a gentleman's ideal mate." It is a love song for a beautiful girl picking water shield by the river. Birds are chirping on the sandbank in the river, showing labor and natural beauty, which expresses the admiration and pursuit of a healthy, naturally fresh image.
The second one is viewing from afar but not touching closely. "Reeds are lush, white dew turns to frost. The person I long for, is on the other side of the water. Tracing back against the current, the way is dangerous and long. Tracing down with the current, she seems to be in the middle of the water." What does the woman in the middle of the water look like? Perhaps she can never be approached, her face unclear, but she always makes people yearn, making men willing to overcome all kinds of difficulties to pursue her. Maybe it's because distance creates beauty.
The third one is simple and playful. "A quiet girl, waiting for me at the corner of the city wall. She hides and doesn't show up, making me scratch my head and hesitate." The gentle and soft girl, meeting her lover at the corner of the city wall, hides when the man arrives, making him "scratch his head and hesitate". Then she walks lightly out and gives the man wild grass and peony flowers as tokens of love, making the man surprised and delighted. The image of a playful, shy, innocent, and pure woman embodies indescribable beauty.
The fourth one is a beautiful bride. "Peach blossoms bloom, their flowers shine brightly. This daughter is getting married, suitable for her family." Peach blossoms are blooming, a beautiful woman is getting married, love has found its support, and the heart has found its harbor. At this moment, the girl completes the transformation of life, as beautiful as spring peach. Thereafter, taking care of her husband and children, serving elders, living happily together, the new bride is the most beautiful moment of a woman's life.
The fifth one is elegant and wise, different from others. "A girl rides in the same carriage, her face like hibiscus. Flying gracefully, her jade pendants jingle. That beautiful Meng Jiang, her virtue unforgettable." The girl's looks are like lotus flowers, her posture light and beautiful, like birds flying in the air, her transparent jade pendants dangling and jingling, every move graceful and virtuous, every gesture noble and moral. Though they have the chance to ride in the same carriage, it has already made the man lose his soul.
Five Images of Handsome Men:
One is the devoted man pursuing love. The first chapter of The Book of Songs, "Guan Ju" in Zhou Nan, writes about a man's admiration for a woman. The protagonist seeks after the graceful lady day and night, tossing and turning, only wishing to play the harp and bells with her, showing the man's simple and noble sentiments. "Jing Nv" in Bei Feng depicts the lively scene of young men and women secretly meeting. The man waits for his lover at a corner of the city, scratching his head and hesitating. When his lover comes, she gives him red pipes and straw, and he cherishes and plays with them, unwilling to let go, showing the young man's loyalty and simplicity and ardent feelings. The man pursuing love in "Han Guang" in Zhou Nan, however, is melancholy and disappointed, lacking the courage to pursue the beauty, his sincere feelings moving people.
Two is the image of men in happy families. "Nv Yue Ji Ming" in Zheng Feng shows the harmonious family life through the dialogue between a couple before getting up. "I will shoot it for you, and we will cook it together. Speaking of drinking wine, we will grow old together." The man's consideration and gratitude towards his wife can be an example of love throughout history. Interestingly, "Ji Ming" in Qi Feng presents a humorous scenario where the husband flirts with his wife, revealing the happiness of the family in the daily interactions of ordinary couples.
Three is the image of men as soldiers. "Ji Gu" in Bei Feng expresses the soldier's longing for his wife and family while stationed far away, as well as the fear of not being able to grow old with his wife. His strong sense of family responsibility and life sentiment is touching and thought-provoking.
Four is the modest, humorous man. "Qi Yao" in Wei Feng presents the gentleman's elegant and clear figure and inner modesty. The gentleman's literary knowledge is "like cutting and polishing, like carving and grinding," and his will is firm, his heart broad "like gold and tin, like jade and bi. Wide and spacious, leaning on the heavy carriage." The gentleman's "good humor, not cruel" and his tolerance and moderation in speech make such a handsome man unforgettable.
Five is the image of a strong and virtuous man. In "Yi Jie" in Qi Feng, a strong and skilled archer, not only "prosperous" and "tall and long," but also walking briskly "skilfully stepping," "dancing elegantly," flexible body, graceful dance moves. Not only does his appearance and posture meet the standards of a handsome man, but more importantly, he studies hard and practices diligently, mastering the art of archery. In "Jian Xi" in Bei Feng, "a mighty warrior, palace dances ten thousand times. Strong as a tiger, holding reins like a group." The mighty warrior leads the dance, holding the horse reins as if holding his own hatband. Such a valiant and kind-hearted warrior, whose heroic figure makes people sincerely admire.
By the riverside, in the middle of the water, under the moonlight, in the fields, young and free spirits, carrying the unique simplicity and vibrant youthfulness of our ancestors, crossing thousands of years later, do you like the spirit and demeanor of the men and women in The Book of Songs?
jnyrhb.com
Related theme articles: Are there really no beauties in the world? Four seasons health preservation, the popularity of Feng Shui.