To describe a married couple who deeply love and respect each other; a harmonious and affectionate marital relationship, often highlighting mutual courtesy and devotion.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
The idiom 'Huà Méi Jǔ Àn' combines two ancient stories symbolizing a harmonious and respectful marital relationship.
The first part, 'Huà Méi' (painting eyebrows), refers to Zhang Chang, a high-ranking official during the Han Dynasty. Despite his prominent position, he would personally paint his wife's eyebrows every morning, a gesture that became a famous symbol of his deep affection and care for her.
The second part, 'Jǔ Àn' (lifting the tray), comes from the story of Liang Hong and his wife Meng Guang during the Eastern Han Dynasty. After their marriage, they chose to live a simple life, abandoning Meng Guang's family wealth. When Meng Guang served meals to Liang Hong, she always held the tray up to the level of her eyebrows, showing profound respect and courtesy towards her husband.
Both stories illustrate the ideal of a devoted and mutually respectful relationship between a husband and wife.