Chinese Poems About The Moon

The moon has a special meaning in China and is the subject of many legends in Chinese mythology. Chinese poems about the moon in particular were very common during dynastic China, with poets referencing the moon as far back as the Tang dynasty (618 to 907 A.D.).

In Chinese culture, the moon is commonly viewed as representing gentleness and brightness, with the full moon being a symbol of peace, prosperity, and family reunion. It is viewed by many as being a carrier of human emotions, with the ability to indicate a sense of belonging and family connection no matter where the family members may be.

One of the most important holidays on the Chinese calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival (or Zhongqiu – 中秋节 “Moon Festival”), takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Lunar calendar, when the moon is supposedly the fullest, and is known for being a time for family reunion. The origins of the festival derive from the custom of moon worship, and even to this day, it is expected for families to gather together and enjoy the view of the moon together to mark the occasion. 

<Prelude to Water Melody> Sent to Ziyou on Mid-autumn Festival

· <Prelude to Water Melody> Sent to Ziyou on Mid-autumn Festival

On the mid-autumn festival,I drank happily till dawn and wrote this in my cups while thinking of Ziyou.

When did the bright moon first appear?

Wine-cup in hand,I ask the blue sky.

I do not know what time of year It would be tonight in the palace on high.

Riding the wind,there I would fly,

But I'm afraid the crystalline palace would be 

Too high and too cold for me.

I rise and dance,with my shadow I play.

On high as on earth,would it be as gay?


The moon goes round the mansions red 

With gauze windows to shed 

Her light upon the sleepless bed.

Against man she should not have any spite.

Why then when people part is she oft full and bright?

Men have sorrow and joy,they part and meet again;

The moon may be bright or dim,she may wax or wane.

There has been nothing perfect since olden days.

So let us wish that man live as long as he can 

Though miles apart,we'll share the beauty she displays.

The Moon Rose From the Sea

· The Moon Rose From the Sea

The moon rose from the sea,

it's when we both yearned each other.

What a long night we sighed,

just kept thinking of the love we've had.

Turned out the candle light,i walked under the moonshine.

Wore the silky shirt,i felt the dew sleep on my shoulders.

Sorry,baby,i couldn't scissor a piece of moonshine to you,

just wished we could encounter each other in the beautiful dream.

A Night-mooring Near Maple Bridge

· A Night-mooring Near Maple Bridge

While I watch the moon go down, a crow caws through the frost;

Under the shadows of maple-trees a fisherman moves with his torch;

And I hear, from beyond Suzhou, from the temple on Cold Mountain,

Ringing for me, here in my boat, the midnight bell.

Thoughts in the Silent Night

· Thoughts in the Silent Night

So bright a gleam on the foot of my bed --

Could there have been a frost already?

Lifting myself to look, I found that it was moonlight.

Sinking back again, I thought suddenly of home.

Drinking Alone With the Moon

· Drinking Alone With the Moon

From a pot of wine among the flowers

I drank alone. There was no one with me --

Till, raising my cup, I asked the bright moon

To bring me my shadow and make us three.

Alas, the moon was unable to drink

And my shadow tagged me vacantly;

But still for a while I had these friends

To cheer me through the end of spring....

I sang. The moon encouraged me.

I danced. My shadow tumbled after.

As long as I knew, we were boon companions.

And then I was drunk, and we lost one another.

...Shall goodwill ever be secure?

I watch the long road of the River of Stars.

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