the joys and sorrows of human separation and reunion; the vicissitudes of life
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Song Dynasty, brothers Su Shi and Su Zhe shared a deep bond. They both passed the imperial examinations and embarked on official careers.
However, the demands of their official lives meant they were often separated.
One Mid-Autumn Festival, Su Shi lamented not having seen his brother Su Zhe for six years. He composed the famous poem 'Prelude to Water Tune' ("水调歌头"), which includes the lines: 'People have their sorrows and joys, partings and reunions; the moon has its waxing and waning, its cloudy and clear spells. Such perfection is rare since ancient times. May we all live long and share the moon's beauty across a thousand miles.'