元日
The First Day of the Lunar New Year
Original
爆竹声中一岁除，
春风送暖入屠苏。
千门万户曈曈日，
总把新桃换旧符。
Translation
Amidst the crackle of firecrackers, the old year passes away;
The warm spring breeze carries warmth into the Tu Su wine.
The bright sun shines on thousands of households;
People always replace old peach charms with new ones.
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
This poem vividly captures the exuberant festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year in ancient China. The crackle of firecrackers signals the end of the old year, while the gentle spring breeze brings warmth as people toast with Tu Su wine. The radiant sun bathing every household and the ritual of swapping old peach charms for new ones embody the universal longing for renewal, good fortune, and fresh starts. Written during the early phase of Wang Anshi’s political reforms, the poem not only reflects traditional New Year customs but also mirrors his optimistic vision and unwavering resolve to implement transformative changes, as the theme of "casting off the old and embracing the new" aligns seamlessly with his ambition to revitalize the Song Dynasty.
About the Poet
王安石
Wáng Ānshí
Wang Anshi (1021–1086) was a distinguished statesman and litterateur of the Northern Song Dynasty, and one of the 'Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties'. He spearheaded sweeping political reforms to revitalize the declining Song regime. His poetry is celebrated for its concise, forceful language, profound philosophical undertones, and the skill to weave social commentary into vivid, relatable imagery, exerting a lasting influence on classical Chinese literature.
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background: In the mid-Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127), the empire grappled with severe economic stagnation and military weakness, creating an urgent need for systemic reform. Cultural Background: "Yuan Ri" refers to the first day of the lunar new year, a core traditional festival where firecrackers were lit to ward off evil spirits, Tu Su wine was consumed for health, and peach charms—wooden plaques inscribed with auspicious phrases—were hung to bring good luck. Social Background: The public cherished the New Year as a chance for renewal, while intellectual and political circles sought solutions to national crises, fostering a climate receptive to innovation. Personal Experience: When composing this poem, Wang Anshi served as Prime Minister and had just launched his ambitious "New Policies" reform program, brimming with confidence in rejuvenating the nation. Creative Purpose & Artistic Features: Wang used familiar festive rituals to symbolize his reformist ideals of replacing outdated systems. The poem’s strength lies in its seamless blend of joyful celebration and subtle political symbolism, with simple, vivid language making abstract reform concepts tangible and resonant for readers across all classes.