Chinese Idiom: 天伦之乐 (Tian Lun Zhi Le)
English Translation: The Joys of Family Bonding
pīn yīn: tiān lún zhī lè
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the joy and happiness derived from family reunions and the companionship of close relatives, such as parents and siblings.
Historical Source: The Spring Night Banquet at Peach Blossom Garden (《春夜宴从弟桃花园序》) by Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty
Idiom Story:
In Li Bai’s poem The Spring Night Banquet at Peach Blossom Garden, he vividly describes a lively and elegant gathering with his brothers during a spring night. Using a free and unrestrained style, Li Bai recounts their joyous time together, drinking, composing poetry, and enjoying each other’s company.
The poem includes the lines:
“Gathering in the fragrant peach and plum garden, we indulge in the joys of family bonding. All my brothers are as talented as Xie Huilian of the Southern Dynasty. As we compose poetry and sing songs, I alone feel ashamed not to measure up to Xie Lingyun. Immersed in the serene beauty of the spring night, we continue with refined and carefree conversation. With a luxurious banquet set before us and sitting among blooming flowers, we drink freely and fall under the moonlight. Without exquisite poetry, how could we express our lofty sentiments?”
Here, “天伦” (tiānlún) refers to the familial bonds of brothers, and “天伦之乐” (tiānlún zhī lè) signifies the joy and delight of being with family. The idiom originated from this depiction of a joyful and harmonious family gathering.
