Chinese Idiom: 欣欣向荣 (Xin Xin Xiang Rong)
English Translation: Thriving and flourishing
pīn yīn: xīn xīn xiàng róng
Idiom Meaning: Originally referring to the lush growth of plants, this idiom is now commonly used to describe a vigorous development of enterprises or a flourishing prosperity in various fields.
Historical Source: Poem Guìqùlái cí (《归去来辞》) by Tao Yuanming.
Idiom Story:
Tao Yuanming, also known as Tao Qian, was a renowned poet of the Eastern Jin dynasty. At the age of forty-one, he became disillusioned with the corruption of officialdom and resigned from his position as the magistrate of Pengze County. He then decided to return to his hometown to live a life of seclusion.
While journeying home, he reflected on his decision, realizing that returning to his rural life was the right choice. He felt that it was better to return home than to endure the hunger and cold of political life, compromising his ideals for material survival. He thought about his past mistakes, acknowledging that while he could not change what was done, there was still time to redeem his future.
Upon arriving home, he was warmly welcomed by his family. He poured himself a drink, savoring the joy of his return and appreciating the flourishing trees in his garden. As he walked through the fields, the farmers informed him that spring had arrived, saying, “The trees are thriving, and the streams flow gently.” This imagery expressed the vibrant growth of nature and the flowing vitality of the spring.
Tao Yuanming captured his feelings during this journey and his initial experiences at home in the poem Guìqùlái cí. The phrase “木欣欣以向荣” (The trees thrive and flourish) from the poem later evolved into the idiom “欣欣向荣,” symbolizing a thriving and prosperous state in both nature and life.
This idiom emphasizes the importance of growth and renewal, reflecting a positive outlook on development and prosperity.
