Chinese Idiom: 正襟危坐 (Zheng Jin Wei Zuo)
English Translation: Adjust the collar and sit upright
pīn yīn: zhèng jīn wēi zuò
Idiom Meaning: This idiom originally referred to straightening one’s clothing and sitting up straight, but it is now commonly used to describe a serious, respectful, or solemn demeanor.
Historical Source: Su Shi’s (苏轼) “Preface to the Red Cliffs” (《前赤壁赋》) written during the Northern Song Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
In 1082 AD, Su Shi, a renowned scholar and poet of the Northern Song Dynasty, visited the Red Cliffs (赤壁) in Huanggang. On July 16 of that year, Su Shi and his friends were enjoying a boat trip on the river. The gentle breeze and calm waters set a peaceful mood. They were drinking wine and reciting poetry from Cao Cao’s “Short Song” and the “Book of Songs,” enjoying themselves until late into the night.
As the moon rose high, they continued their revelry, with one friend playing the xiao (a type of bamboo flute) to accompany their songs. The music, melancholy and evocative, stirred Su Shi’s thoughts. The flute’s sound seemed to express feelings of lamentation, longing, and complaint.
Feeling a sense of melancholy, Su Shi straightened his clothes and sat upright, asking his friend, “Why do you play so mournfully?” His posture reflected his solemn mood and respect for the moment.
The friend explained that his music was a reflection on the fleeting nature of human life, contrasting it with the eternal flow of the Yangtze River. The xiao’s mournful tone was his way of expressing this profound sentiment.
Thus, “正襟危坐” captures the essence of maintaining a serious and respectful demeanor, particularly in moments of reflection or when faced with profound thoughts.
