Introduction

Peony and peacock are two beautiful creatures that have been admired by humans for centuries. They both symbolize grace, beauty, and nobility. In Chinese culture, they have become even more significant, representing prosperity and happiness. The combination of these two creatures has given birth to one of the most poetic motifs in classical Chinese literature- Peony and Peacock. Many poets have been fascinated by this theme, and their poetry has been cherished for ages. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous peony and peacock verses.

The Origin of the Peony and Peacock Motif

The peony is known as the "Queen of Flowers." It has been cultivated for more than 1,500 years in China and has become a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and honor. The peacock, on the other hand, has always been considered a symbol of beauty and nobility in Chinese culture. Peacock feathers were once a prized possession of the imperial court and were used to decorate official robes. The combination of these two symbols gave birth to the motif of peony and peacock. The imagery of the proud peacock standing amidst the colorful peonies creates a beautiful picture that has inspired many poets.

Peony and Peacock Poems

1. "Peony Pavilion" by Tang Xianzu Tang Xianzu, one of the greatest playwrights of the Ming Dynasty, wrote the famous play "Peony Pavilion." This play is known for its poetic language and its portrayal of the love story between Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei. In one of the most famous scenes, Du Liniang dreams of a young scholar who rescues her from a demonic world. When she wakes up, she finds a peony petal on her pillow. The following verse describes the scene: "Their graciousness echoes Between the peony bed and the pavilion. The fragrant screen breathes coolness, While a many-hued phoenix fans the robe." 2. "Autumn Thoughts" by Yuan Mei Yuan Mei, a poet from the Qing Dynasty, wrote a poem called "Autumn Thoughts." In this poem, he depicts the beauty of autumn and how it is mirrored in the peacock and peony. The following verse describes how the peacock spreads its tail like the blooming peonies: "The garden of peonies blooms red As handsome as clouds; The peacock blooms its tail, spreading ten thousand feathers, Complementing the flowers." 3. "Peony and Phoenix" by Li Shangyin Li Shangyin, a Tang Dynasty poet, wrote a poem called "Peony and Phoenix." In this poem, he uses the imagery of the peony and the phoenix to describe the beauty of his beloved. He compares her to the peony, which blooms beautifully in the spring, and the phoenix, which symbolizes nobility and grace. The following verse describes his beloveds beauty: "She has hair like the clouds, Her body is soft, and she walks with grace. Shes as fair as the peony, And her smile shines like the phoenix."

Conclusion

Peony and peacock are two symbols that have always held a significant place in Chinese culture. Their combination has given birth to a motif that has been used by poets to express their thoughts and feelings. From Tang Dynasty playwrights to Qing Dynasty literati, the theme has been explored by many poets, each bringing their own unique perspective. The beauty of the imagery, coupled with the mastery of language, has made these poems timeless classics that will continue to be admired for generations to come.