Missing Family on the Double Ninth Festival
Translation
Alone, a stranger in a foreign land, I miss my family all the more on festive days. I know my brothers are climbing high, wearing the dogwood, but one is missing—me.
Introduction
The poem “Remembering My Brothers in Shandong on the Ninth Day of the Ninth Month” by Wang Wei beautifully encapsulates the profound sense of longing and homesickness experienced by the poet during the Double Ninth Festival. This festival, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, is a time for families to gather, climb heights, and wear dogwood to ward off evil. Wang Wei’s poignant verses convey his deep yearning to be with his family, highlighting the universal human experience of missing loved ones during special occasions. In this essay, we will explore the cultural and emotional layers of this classic poem, making it accessible and relatable to modern readers.
The Double Ninth Festival: A Cultural Context
The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday with a history dating back over 2,000 years. The number nine is considered yang in Chinese philosophy, representing positive and masculine energy. The ninth day of the ninth month is thus seen as an auspicious day, often celebrated by climbing mountains, drinking chrysanthemum wine, and wearing dogwood (zhuyu) to ward off evil spirits. This festival also holds significant cultural importance as a time for family reunions and paying respects to ancestors.
The Poet’s Solitude
Wang Wei, a prominent poet of the Tang Dynasty, begins the poem by expressing his solitude and displacement. “Alone, a stranger in a foreign land” immediately sets the tone of isolation and homesickness. Wang Wei was living in Puxian (modern-day Yongji City, Shanxi Province), far from his family in Shandong. The word “foreign” underscores his sense of being out of place, not just geographically, but emotionally and culturally as well.
The Amplification of Homesickness
The phrase “I miss my family all the more on festive days” resonates with anyone who has been away from loved ones during special occasions. Festivals are times of joy and togetherness, making the absence of family even more poignant. Wang Wei’s use of the word “倍” (bei), meaning “double,” emphasizes the intensity of his longing. The festive atmosphere that brings people closer together only deepens his sense of separation.
Imagining His Brothers
In the next lines, Wang Wei visualizes his brothers partaking in the traditional activities of the Double Ninth Festival. “I know my brothers are climbing high, wearing the dogwood” paints a vivid picture of his family engaged in the festival’s customs. This act of imagination serves as a bridge between the poet and his distant family, allowing him to feel connected despite the physical distance.
The Missing Presence
The final line, “but one is missing—me,” is a poignant reminder of the poet’s absence. The dogwood (zhuyu) was traditionally worn to protect against evil, and its mention here symbolizes the family’s unity and collective strength. The realization that one person is missing from this harmonious picture highlights the poet’s deep sense of loss and exclusion. This line encapsulates the essence of homesickness—a feeling of being left out from the shared experiences that bind families together.
Emotional Resonance
Wang Wei’s poem transcends time and culture, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the pang of separation from loved ones. His ability to convey deep emotions through simple, yet evocative language is a testament to his poetic genius. The poem’s structure, with its brief yet impactful lines, mirrors the fleeting yet intense nature of the poet’s feelings.
The Universal Theme of Homesickness
Homesickness is a universal experience, and Wang Wei’s poem captures its essence with remarkable clarity. Whether it is a student studying abroad, a soldier stationed far from home, or a migrant worker in a distant city, the longing for family and familiar surroundings is a common human experience. Wang Wei’s words provide solace by acknowledging this shared feeling and validating the emotional turmoil that comes with being away from home.
The Importance of Family and Tradition
The poem also underscores the importance of family and tradition in Chinese culture. Festivals like the Double Ninth are not just about celebrations; they are occasions for reinforcing familial bonds and cultural heritage. Wang Wei’s longing to be part of these traditions speaks to the deep-rooted value of family unity and the role of cultural practices in maintaining it.
“Remembering My Brothers in Shandong on the Ninth Day of the Ninth Month” is a timeless expression of longing and homesickness. Wang Wei’s evocative imagery and heartfelt words capture the essence of being away from loved ones during special occasions. The poem serves as a reminder of the universal nature of these feelings, connecting readers across different times and cultures. As we reflect on Wang Wei’s experience, we are reminded of the enduring importance of family, tradition, and the emotional ties that bind us all.