Chinese Idiom: 秋月春风 (Qiu Yue Chun Feng)
English Translation: Autumn moon and spring breeze
pīn yīn: qiū yuè chūn fēng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically represents a beautiful youth, often referring to delightful moments and pleasant scenery.
Historical Source: Bai Juyi’s poem “琵琶行” (Song of the Pipa), a renowned narrative poem from the Tang Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
Bai Juyi, a famous poet of the Tang Dynasty, is well-known for his narrative poetry, with “长恨歌” (Song of Everlasting Regret) and “琵琶行” (Song of the Pipa) being his most celebrated works. Upon its completion, “琵琶行” quickly gained widespread acclaim and became known throughout the Tang Dynasty and beyond.
In his writings, Bai Juyi categorized his poetry into four types: satirical, leisurely, sentimental, and miscellaneous. He described “琵琶行” as a sentimental poem, capturing emotions stirred by external events and personal experiences. The underlying sadness in the poem arises from the tragic fate of the pipa player and Bai’s own experiences of exile due to his outspoken criticism of societal issues.
In one section of the poem, the pipa player recounts her life story, reflecting on her past:
“沉吟放拨插弦中，整顿衣裳起敛容。
自言本是京城女，家在虾蟆陵下住。
十三学得琵琶成，名属教坊第一部。
曲罢常教善才服，妆成每被秋娘妒。
五陵年少争缠头，一曲红绡不知数。
钿头云篦击节碎，血色罗裙翻酒污。
今年欢笑复明年，秋月春风等闲度。
弟走从军阿姨死，暮去朝来颜色故。
门前冷落车马稀，老大嫁作商人妇。
商人重利轻别离，前月浮梁买茶去。
去来江口守空船，绕船月明江水寒。
夜深忽梦少年事，梦啼妆泪红阑干。”
In these lines, the pipa player reflects on her youth spent in the capital, her skill in playing the pipa, and the fleeting joys of her past. The phrase “秋月春风等闲度” (the years pass easily like autumn moons and spring breezes) signifies the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of beauty and youth, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
The idiom “秋月春风” thus captures the essence of beautiful moments that can slip away effortlessly, reminding us of the transient nature of life and beauty.
