The Sorrows of a Painted Brow: Understanding Ouyang Xiu’s “The Meaning of Eyebrows”
“诉衷情” (Telling My Inner Feelings) by Ouyang Xiu, a renowned poet of the Song Dynasty, vividly portrays the deep sorrow and emotional turmoil of a woman separated from her lover. The poem is also known by the title “眉意” (The Meaning of Eyebrows), reflecting the central role of the woman’s painted eyebrows in conveying her emotional state. This translation and interpretation aim to capture the essence of the original Chinese text while making it relatable and engaging for an American audience.
Original Poem:
清晨卷起结着点点薄霜的幕帘，呵暖双手试梳新式梅花妆。都因为内心有太多离愁别恨，所以把双眉画得像远山那么长。回想如烟往事，痛惜流逝的年华，让人更加伤感。准备唱歌的时候先敛容不欢，将笑之时，也还带恨含颦，这日子最令人痛断肝肠。
Translated Poem:
At dawn, I roll up the curtains touched by light frost, warming my hands to try a new plum blossom makeup. Because of the many sorrows and regrets in my heart, I paint my eyebrows as long as distant mountains. Remembering past events like smoke, lamenting the fleeting years, brings even more sadness. Before singing, I suppress my sorrow, and even when smiling, there is still a hint of bitterness. These days are the most heart-wrenching.
Analysis and Interpretation
The poem begins with the serene yet chilly imagery of “清晨卷起结着点点薄霜的幕帘” (At dawn, I roll up the curtains touched by light frost). This setting evokes a sense of quiet solitude and the beginning of a routine in the early morning. The action of “呵暖双手试梳新式梅花妆” (warming my hands to try a new plum blossom makeup) introduces us to the woman’s delicate and meticulous process of preparing herself, highlighting the fragility and care in her actions.
The line “都因为内心有太多离愁别恨” (Because of the many sorrows and regrets in my heart) reveals the emotional core of the poem. The woman’s act of painting her eyebrows “像远山那么长” (as long as distant mountains) symbolizes the depth and continuity of her sorrow. In traditional Chinese culture, distant mountains are often used to symbolize enduring emotions, particularly those of longing and separation.
As the poem transitions to the woman’s reflections on her past, “回想如烟往事，痛惜流逝的年华” (Remembering past events like smoke, lamenting the fleeting years), it emphasizes the ephemeral nature of time and the poignant memories that haunt her. The simile “如烟” (like smoke) underscores the insubstantial and fleeting nature of her memories, while “痛惜” (lamenting) conveys a deep, almost physical sense of regret.
The final lines, “准备唱歌的时候先敛容不欢，将笑之时，也还带恨含颦，这日子最令人痛断肝肠” (Before singing, I suppress my sorrow, and even when smiling, there is still a hint of bitterness. These days are the most heart-wrenching), capture the complexity of the woman’s emotional state. Despite her attempts to present a composed exterior, her true feelings of sorrow and bitterness are impossible to fully conceal. The phrase “痛断肝肠” (heart-wrenching) is particularly powerful, suggesting a sorrow so deep that it physically affects her.
Cultural and Literary Context
“诉衷情” is a ci poem, a form of Chinese poetry that gained popularity during the Tang and Song dynasties. Ci poetry is known for its focus on personal emotions and intricate use of language. Ouyang Xiu, a prominent figure in Chinese literature, was adept at capturing the subtleties of human emotions, and his works often reflect a deep empathy for his subjects.
The title “眉意” (The Meaning of Eyebrows) highlights the cultural significance of eyebrow painting in ancient China. Eyebrows were not merely a cosmetic feature but a symbol of one’s emotional and social state. The practice of painting eyebrows can be traced back to the Southern Dynasties, where different styles of eyebrows conveyed various emotions and statuses. In this poem, the “远山眉” (distant mountain eyebrows) symbolize the woman’s deep and enduring sorrow.
The imagery used in the poem is rich with cultural references. The “梅花妆” (plum blossom makeup) is a specific style of makeup that originated during the Southern Dynasties, known for its delicate and intricate design. The “远山” (distant mountains) metaphor has been used in Chinese literature for centuries to convey the idea of distant, unfulfilled longing.
Ouyang Xiu’s skillful use of these cultural symbols allows him to convey complex emotions with great economy of language. His depiction of the woman’s daily routine, intertwined with her deep emotional pain, offers a poignant glimpse into her inner world.
Ouyang Xiu’s “诉衷情” is a masterful depiction of a woman’s sorrow and longing, beautifully conveyed through the imagery of painted eyebrows and morning routines. This translation and analysis aim to bring the emotional depth and cultural richness of the original poem to an English-speaking audience, highlighting the universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Through the lens of ancient Chinese culture, we gain a deeper understanding of the timeless nature of human emotions and the ways in which they are expressed.