Understanding "卖花声·怀古" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 卖花声·怀古
• Pinyin: Mài huā shēng·huái gǔ
• Literal Meaning: "The Sound of Selling Flowers · Reflecting on the Past"
• Primary Meaning: A poetic title referring to a classical Chinese poem or song lyric (词 cí) that reflects on historical events or expresses nostalgia for the past.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"卖花声·怀古" is the title of a famous poem by the Yuan dynasty poet Zhang Kejiu (张可久). It belongs to the genre of "怀古" (huái gǔ), which means "reflecting on antiquity" or "nostalgia for the past." These poems often express melancholy or philosophical thoughts about historical figures, events, or the passage of time.

The phrase "卖花声" (mài huā shēng) literally means "the sound of selling flowers," which evokes an image of street vendors in ancient China. Combined with "怀古," the title suggests a poetic reflection on history, perhaps triggered by a mundane yet evocative scene.

Character Breakdown

• 卖 (mài): "to sell"
• 花 (huā): "flower"
• 声 (shēng): "sound" or "voice"
• 怀 (huái): "to cherish," "to remember," or "to reflect on"
• 古 (gǔ): "ancient times" or "the past"

Together, "卖花声" paints an auditory scene, while "怀古" shifts the focus to historical contemplation.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 张可久的《卖花声·怀古》充满了对历史的感慨。
   Pinyin: Zhāng Kějiǔ de 《Mài huā shēng·huái gǔ》 chōngmǎn le duì lìshǐ de gǎnkǎi.
   English: Zhang Kejiu's "The Sound of Selling Flowers · Reflecting on the Past" is filled with reflections on history.

2. Chinese: 这首《卖花声·怀古》让我想起了古代的兴衰。
   Pinyin: Zhè shǒu 《Mài huā shēng·huái gǔ》 ràng wǒ xiǎng qǐle gǔdài de xīngshuāi.
   English: This poem, "The Sound of Selling Flowers · Reflecting on the Past," reminds me of the rise and fall of ancient times.

3. Chinese: 他在《卖花声·怀古》中表达了对英雄的怀念。
   Pinyin: Tā zài 《Mài huā shēng·huái gǔ》 zhōng biǎodá le duì yīngxióng de huáiniàn.
   English: In "The Sound of Selling Flowers · Reflecting on the Past," he expresses nostalgia for heroes of the past.

Cultural Notes

"怀古" poetry is a significant genre in Chinese literature, often written by scholars or officials who reflected on historical events to critique contemporary society or express personal sorrow. The "卖花声" part of the title adds a layer of everyday life, contrasting the grandeur of history with the simplicity of the present. Zhang Kejiu’s work is renowned for its elegant melancholy and vivid imagery, making it a classic example of Yuan dynasty poetry.

Conclusion

"卖花声·怀古" is a poetic title that combines the imagery of daily life ("the sound of selling flowers") with deep historical reflection. It represents a traditional Chinese literary form where poets use the past to meditate on life, time, and human experiences. For learners, understanding this phrase offers insight into Chinese poetic traditions and cultural nostalgia.