
Chinese Idiom: 秉烛夜游 (Bing Zhu Ye You)
English Translation: Holding a candle to wander at night
pīn yīn: bǐng zhú yè yóu
Idiom Meaning: This idiom expresses a sense of melancholy about the brevity of life, suggesting that one should seize the moment and enjoy life to the fullest.
Historical Source: Li Bai’s Spring Night Banquet with Cousins at the Peach Blossom Garden (《春夜宴从弟桃花园序》)
Idiom Story:
In Li Bai’s Spring Night Banquet with Cousins at the Peach Blossom Garden, while the author expresses a sentimental tone about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of enjoying it, the overall sentiment of the piece is one of joy and appreciation for life and nature. The text begins with a reflection on the transient nature of existence:
“What are heaven and earth? They are merely the inns of all things. What is time? It is just the hurried traveler through a hundred generations. Life floats like a dream; how much joy can there be? The ancients held candles to enjoy the night, and there is good reason for that! Especially since the bright spring invites me with its misty landscapes, and nature offers me such splendid scenery.”
Here, Li Bai illustrates that the universe serves as a temporary resting place for all beings, and time is simply a fleeting visitor. He highlights the ephemeral nature of life, comparing it to a dream and questioning how many truly joyful days one can have. By referencing the tradition of the ancients who held candles to enjoy nighttime activities, he underscores the idea that it is wise to appreciate and seize joyful moments. Li Bai encourages readers to embrace the beautiful spring scenery and revel in the wonders of nature, emphasizing that one should enjoy life while they can.