The following ancient poems describe the scene of the ancients spending the winter:
1. "Knowing the pines and cypresses when the weather is cold" - Huang Tingjian
Knowing the pines and cypresses when the weather is cold, and a friend in need is a friend.
Translation: Only in the cold winter can we see the tenacity and fearlessness of the pines and cypresses; only when we encounter difficulties can we see the true emotions between people.
Appreciation: This poem uses pines and cypresses as a metaphor for human quality and friendship, expressing that true friendship and love will be revealed in the face of difficulties.
2. "Snow on the River" - Liu Zongyuan
Thousands of birds have disappeared, and thousands of people have disappeared. A man with a coir raincoat in a lone boat, fishing alone in the snow in the cold river.
Translation: No bird has flown over the countless peaks, and no one has walked on the countless paths. An old man, wearing a raincoat and a bamboo hat, was fishing alone on the cold river.
Appreciation: This poem depicts a picture of river snow in winter. By depicting the natural environment, it expresses the poet's praise for loneliness, poverty, perseverance and other qualities.
3. "Plum Blossom" - Wang Anshi
There are several plum blossoms in the corner, and Ling Han blooms alone. I know it's not snow from a distance, because there is a faint fragrance coming.
Translation: There are a few plum blossoms in the corner, blooming alone in the cold weather. Although it looks like a snowy scene in the distance, it is actually the scent of plum blossoms that makes it feel that way.
Appreciation: This poem expresses the poet's praise for qualities such as strength, independence, and fragrance through the description of plum blossoms.
4. "Winter Solstice" - Zhang Ji
The days are short and the nights are long and the years are cold, so the north wind never ceases. I went out alone and looked at the wild fields, where the dead vines and old trees were dimly lit by crows.
Translation: The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer, which is a sign of cold. When will the north wind stop? I walked out of the house alone and looked at the wild fields. The dusky crows on the old trees withered vines kept calling.
Appreciation: This poem describes the cold festival of the winter solstice. By depicting the natural environment, it expresses the poet's thinking about the passage of time and emotions such as loneliness and silence.
5. "North Wind Travel" - Cao Cao
The north wind is cool, and the rain and snow are strong. Be kind to me and walk hand in hand.
The new Kongjia is the same as the old one. The most important thing for people to know each other is knowing their hearts.
Translation: The north wind is very cold and it is snowing heavily. You are very friendly to me and walk hand in hand with me. Our relationship is as fresh and beautiful as this snow, so can our old relationship last as long as this snow? The most important thing for people to know each other is the communication of souls.
Appreciation: This poem takes the north wind as the background and expresses the emotions that people should love, support and understand each other.
6. "Nostalgia for the past at the end of the year" - Du Fu
The setting sun is boundless by trees, and the birds return alone on the empty mountains. Nostalgia sings alone in the air, hurting the present is crying for poverty.
In the lingering smoke, in the deep alleys and small bridges. It's hard to say goodbye when we meet, the east wind is powerless and the flowers are withered.
Translation: The sunset is infinitely better, but it’s almost dusk. Returning to the mountains alone, with only the birds returning to their nests for company. Missing the past, chanting ancient poems, feeling sentimental about the present, crying about the poor life. In the lingering smoke, the alleys and bridges were filled with deep sadness. It was already difficult when we met, and it was even more painful when we parted. The east wind blows away the flowers, and the beauty of life is gradually disappearing.
Appreciation: This poem is set at the end of the year and expresses the poet's sentiments and thoughts about the passage of time and poverty of life.