Analysis of "点绛唇·蹴罢秋千" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem Diǎn Jiàng Chún·Cù Bà Qiū Qiān (Rouged Lips·After Swinging on the Swing) is attributed to Li Qingzhao (李清照, 1084–1155), one of China's most celebrated female poets from the Song Dynasty. Known for her delicate and introspective style, Li Qingzhao often wrote about love, solitude, and fleeting beauty. This particular poem captures a moment of youthful playfulness followed by sudden shyness, blending vivid imagery with emotional depth. It remains a beloved example of classical cí (lyric poetry) and offers insight into the lives and emotions of women in ancient China.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

点绛唇·蹴罢秋千
Diǎn Jiàng Chún·Cù Bà Qiū Qiān
Rouged Lips·After Swinging on the Swing

蹴罢秋千
Cù bà qiū qiān
After swinging on the swing,

起来慵整纤纤手
Qǐlái yōng zhěng xiān xiān shǒu
I rise, lazily rubbing my slender hands.

露浓花瘦
Lù nóng huā shòu
Dew lies heavy on the delicate flowers,

薄汗轻衣透
Bó hàn qīng yī tòu
My light robe damp with a sheen of sweat.

见客入来
Jiàn kè rù lái
Suddenly, a guest arrives—

袜刬金钗溜
Wà chǎn jīn chāi liū
I flee barefoot, my golden hairpin slipping loose.

和羞走
Hé xiū zǒu
Shyly I run away,

倚门回首
Yǐ mén huí shǒu
Yet lean by the gate, glancing back—

却把青梅嗅
Què bǎ qīng méi xiù
Pretending to sniff the green plums.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. After swinging on the swing – The poem opens with a carefree scene of youthful play, evoking innocence and joy. Swinging was a common pastime for young women in ancient China.

2. Lazily rubbing my slender hands – The poet’s fatigue after play is tenderly described, emphasizing her delicate femininity.

3. Dew lies heavy on the delicate flowers – Nature mirrors the girl’s state: fresh yet fragile, hinting at fleeting youth.

4. My light robe damp with a sheen of sweat – A subtle sensuality emerges, portraying natural beauty without artifice.

5. Suddenly, a guest arrives – The mood shifts abruptly, introducing tension. The "guest" may be a suitor or an unexpected visitor.

6. I flee barefoot, my golden hairpin slipping loose – The girl’s hasty retreat suggests modesty, yet the disheveled hairpin adds a touch of charming disorder.

7. Shyly I run away – A universal moment of bashfulness, relatable across cultures.

8. Yet lean by the gate, glancing back – Her curiosity betrays interest, a playful contradiction to her earlier flight.

9. Pretending to sniff the green plums – The final line is masterful: she feigns indifference, using the plums as an excuse to steal another look. "Green plums" (qīng méi) symbolize young love in Chinese poetry.

Themes and Symbolism

• Youth and Innocence: The swing, sweat, and barefoot escape depict a girl on the cusp of womanhood.
• Love and Shyness: The sudden arrival of the guest triggers a mix of modesty and curiosity, a classic trope in romantic poetry.
• Nature as Reflection: Dew and flowers mirror the girl’s freshness, while the green plums hint at budding romance.

Cultural Context

Li Qingzhao wrote during the Song Dynasty, a golden age for cí poetry. Women’s lives were often confined to domestic spaces, making moments like swinging rare freedoms. The poem’s charm lies in its authenticity—capturing a private, unguarded moment in a society that prized female decorum. The "green plum" motif later inspired the term méizhú mǎ (青梅竹马), meaning "childhood sweethearts."

Conclusion

Diǎn Jiàng Chún·Cù Bà Qiū Qiān is a miniature masterpiece, blending vivid imagery with emotional nuance. Its portrayal of youthful bashfulness transcends time, offering a glimpse into the inner world of a Song Dynasty girl. For modern readers, the poem resonates as a timeless snapshot of fleeting beauty and the universal flutter of first love. Li Qingzhao’s genius lies in turning a simple moment into an enduring work of art.