To describe plants growing luxuriantly and vigorously; metaphorically, to describe a business, career, or society as prospering, thriving, and flourishing with great vitality.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
Tao Yuanming, a great poet in ancient times, served as an official in several positions. Dissatisfied with the dark realities of his time, he resolutely resigned and returned to his hometown.
Back home, he enjoyed drinking wine while admiring the luxuriant trees in his courtyard, feeling very joyful. After a satisfying meal and drink, he went to his garden. The full spring scenery inspired him, and he wrote: '木欣欣以向荣，泉涓涓而始流.'
This means, with the arrival of spring, trees and grasses are growing luxuriantly and vigorously, and the water in the mountain springs and streams is beginning to flow gently.
Later, people simplified the phrase '木欣欣以向荣' into the idiom '欣欣向荣', which is now used to metaphorically describe the vigorous and prosperous development of a business or enterprise.