“Heaven’s Blessings for a Prosperous Reign”
The heavens protect you with steadfast grace,
Your reign secure, your kingdom’s strong embrace.
May your nation’s power grow each day,
What blessing shall not come your way?
Riches and fortune abound in store,
Nothing in your life will lack or bore.
Heaven’s protection you shall always keep,
Enjoy peace and blessings, in happiness deep.
Every endeavor will flourish true,
Heaven’s countless blessings bestowed upon you.
Fortune and prosperity will never depart,
Ensuring each day a joyful heart.
Heaven’s protection, ever so grand,
Blessings as vast as mountain and land.
Like rivers that flow with endless might,
Prosperity growing day and night.
Choose a day of auspicious grace,
To honor ancestors in sacred place.
Through spring, summer, autumn, and winter,
Offerings given, tradition’s splendor.
Ancestors’ blessings conveyed to you,
Longevity and prosperity through and through.
Your subjects simple, content with their lot,
Grateful for the peace your reign has brought.
United in heart, they sing your praise,
Grateful for your benevolent ways.
You shine like the constant moon above,
Like the rising sun, a symbol of love.
Like the southern mountain, enduring and strong,
Your reign, like pine and cypress, lasting long.
This poem, divided into six sections, expresses the deep-seated hopes and blessings for a young monarch, believed to be King Xuan. The structure is carefully designed, with each chapter flowing seamlessly into the next, creating a comprehensive picture of prosperity, protection, and reverence for tradition.
Chapter 1: The Throne and Divine Blessing
The poem begins by affirming that King Xuan has ascended the throne by divine mandate. His position is secure and eternal, reflecting the stability and strength of his rule. The encouragement is heartfelt, urging the young king to embrace his destiny with confidence. The blessings invoke Heaven’s support in all endeavors, ensuring that the king’s reign is marked by abundant resources and success. This message aims to dispel any doubts the king might have, encouraging him to pursue his goals with determination.
Chapter 2: Divine Support and Prosperity
The second chapter continues with blessings for the king, promising that Heaven will exhaust all means to protect and support the royal family. The assurances of prosperity and smooth governance highlight the strong divine favor the king enjoys. This chapter paints a picture of an ideal world where the king’s path is paved with success and divine blessings are never in short supply. The repetition of the blessings reinforces the certainty of divine support and the endless fortune bestowed upon the king.
Chapter 3: National Prosperity
The third chapter extends the blessings to the entire nation, predicting that under the king’s rule, all aspects of the kingdom will flourish. The use of the word “like” repeatedly emphasizes the divine protection and favoritism that the king enjoys. This section of the poem utilizes vivid imagery to convey the idea of prosperity, comparing it to vast mountains and flowing rivers. The imagery underscores the boundless and ever-growing nature of the blessings the kingdom will experience.
Chapter 4: Ancestral Worship and Divine Favor
Starting from the fourth chapter, the focus shifts to the ritual of honoring ancestors, a crucial aspect of the king’s duties. The description of the ritual highlights its significance, emphasizing the hope that the ancestors’ blessings will bring national peace and prosperity. The poem details the thoroughness of the ritual, from selecting an auspicious day to making offerings throughout the seasons. This meticulous portrayal reflects the deep-rooted cultural importance of ancestral worship in ensuring the well-being of the kingdom.
Chapter 5: Uniting the People and Ensuring Stability
The fifth chapter connects the blessings of the ancestors with the wellbeing of the people. It paints a picture of a harmonious society where subjects live simply yet contentedly, grateful for the king’s benevolent governance. The unity and gratitude of the people are seen as essential for maintaining peace and stability in the kingdom. The poetic depiction of the king as a luminous figure, akin to the constant moon and rising sun, symbolizes his enduring presence and positive impact on his subjects.
Chapter 6: Eternal Prosperity and Strength
The final chapter extends the blessings into eternity, wishing the king a long and prosperous reign. The comparisons to the southern mountain and enduring pine and cypress trees signify strength and longevity. This conclusion reinforces the theme of everlasting prosperity and stability, encapsulating the deep-seated hopes and aspirations for the king’s reign. The poem ends on a note of unwavering optimism, envisioning a future where the king’s rule continues to thrive, underpinned by divine and ancestral support.
Through symbolic imagery and heartfelt blessings, this poem encapsulates the cultural and spiritual aspirations of the people for their monarch. It reflects the profound connection between divine favor, ancestral worship, and the prosperity of the kingdom, offering a timeless message of hope and unity.