Eternal Love on the Hill
In the ancient plains of the Yellow Earth, the love between a young couple is immortalized in the landscape they cherished. The poem that follows captures the essence of their passion:
“土坡上一片，有郎的深情留下。
有郎的深情留下，盼望郎来的步伐。
土坡上一片麦田，有郎的爱意缠绵。
有郎的爱意缠绵，盼望郎再来野宴。
土坡上一片李林，有郎的真情爱心。
有郎的真情爱心，他赠送佩玉晶莹。”
This poem, interpreted by scholars as a love song, is written from the perspective of a young woman reminiscing about her passionate encounters with her lover. The events mentioned take place in fields of hemp, wheat, and plum trees on the hill. These places, where the hemp grows tall, the wheat fields are dense, and the plum trees provide lush shade, are where the couple’s love blossomed. The woman fondly remembers these magical places where their love was expressed so deeply.
The poem’s first and second stanzas mention “郎来施” (expecting the lover to come) and “郎来食” (expecting the lover to feast), indicating that their meetings were not isolated incidents but frequent passionate rendezvous. They shared intimate moments in the hemp fields, wheat rows, and under the plum trees, investing their hearts and souls into their love. Their love was genuine and enduring, not a fleeting madness but a sustained wave of pure affection.
In the third stanza, the phrase “赠送佩玉晶莹” (giving a gift of jade) symbolizes the material confirmation of their immaterial relationship. The jade represents the purity and permanence of their love, signifying their eternal bond. This gift of jade marks their commitment, foretelling a future where they would be united, marry, and have children, continuing the legacy of their passionate and genuine love. The woman’s song expresses her deep hope for this future.
The poem vividly portrays the tenderness and boldness of young love on the Yellow Earth over two thousand years ago. The woman’s willingness to sing about the places where she met her lover shows her innocence and sincerity, while also highlighting the depth of their affection. Her courage to love and to sing about it is admirable in itself.
The landscape of the Yellow Earth is not just a physical setting but a canvas for the young couple’s love story. The hemp fields, wheat rows, and plum trees symbolize different aspects of their relationship. The tall hemp represents the initial attraction and curiosity, the dense wheat fields symbolize the deepening bond and intimacy, and the lush plum trees stand for the enduring nature of their love.
The woman’s song, with its repetitive structure, emphasizes the recurring nature of their meetings and the consistency of their love. Each stanza builds upon the previous one, creating a rhythm that mirrors the heartbeat of their relationship. The anticipation of the lover’s return and the joy of their reunion are central themes, showcasing the longing and fulfillment that characterize their love.
The use of natural elements in the poem underscores the connection between the couple’s love and the environment. Nature serves as both a witness and a participant in their love story, enhancing the authenticity and timelessness of their bond. The imagery of the landscape intertwines with the emotions of the lovers, creating a powerful and evocative narrative.
Furthermore, the gift of jade in the final stanza serves as a powerful metaphor for the couple’s commitment. Jade, a precious stone known for its beauty and durability, symbolizes the strength and purity of their love. By giving this gift, the lover is not only expressing his affection but also making a promise of eternal devotion. This act of giving transforms their intangible emotions into a tangible symbol of their bond, reinforcing the poem’s theme of enduring love.
The poem also reflects the social and cultural values of the time. The woman’s open expression of her love and her boldness in singing about it highlight a society that values sincerity and emotional honesty. Her song is a testament to the power of love to transcend social boundaries and norms, celebrating the purity and intensity of youthful passion.
In modern times, the poem’s themes continue to resonate. The longing for a loved one, the joy of reunion, and the desire for a lasting bond are universal emotions that transcend time and culture. The poem’s portrayal of love as a powerful and transformative force speaks to the enduring nature of human relationships and the timeless appeal of genuine affection.
The woman’s song is not just a personal expression of love but also a reflection of the collective human experience. Her story, set against the backdrop of the Yellow Earth, becomes a universal narrative of love, longing, and commitment. The poem’s ability to capture the essence of these emotions in such a vivid and evocative manner is a testament to the power of poetry to convey the deepest aspects of the human experience.
In conclusion, the poem “” is a beautiful and poignant portrayal of young love in ancient China. Through its vivid imagery, repetitive structure, and powerful metaphors, it captures the essence of a timeless and universal emotion. The woman’s song, with its boldness and sincerity, serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the importance of expressing our deepest feelings. By connecting the personal with the universal, the poem transcends its historical context to become a timeless celebration of love’s enduring power.