Analysis of "钗头凤" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem Chai Tou Feng (钗头凤, "Phoenix Hairpin") is one of the most famous lyric poems (ci) from the Song Dynasty, written by the renowned poet Lu You (陆游, 1125–1210). It is a heart-wrenching expression of lost love and regret, inspired by Lu You's tragic separation from his first wife, Tang Wan (唐婉).

Composed in the Chai Tou Feng lyric meter, this poem stands as a masterpiece of classical Chinese love poetry. Its emotional depth and poignant imagery have resonated with readers for centuries, making it a timeless representation of love, sorrow, and longing in Chinese literature.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

Original Poem by Lu You (陆游)

红酥手，黄縢酒，满城春色宫墙柳。
Hóng sū shǒu, huáng téng jiǔ, mǎn chéng chūn sè gōng qiáng liǔ.
Rosy hands so tender, fine wine of yellow seal,
Spring paints the city walls with willows’ verdant hue.

东风恶，欢情薄，一怀愁绪，几年离索。
Dōng fēng è, huān qíng báo, yī huái chóu xù, jǐ nián lí suǒ.
The east wind unfair, happy times rare,
In my heart sad thoughts throng; we’ve severed for years long.

错，错，错！
Cuò, cuò, cuò!
Wrong, wrong, wrong!

春如旧，人空瘦，泪痕红浥鲛绡透。
Chūn rú jiù, rén kōng shòu, lèi hén hóng yì jiāo xiāo tòu.
Spring is as green, but she’s worn and lean,
Her kerchief soaked with tears and red with stains unclean.

桃花落，闲池阁，山盟虽在，锦书难托。
Táo huā luò, xián chí gé, shān méng suī zài, jǐn shū nán tuō.
Peach blossoms fall near deserted pool and hall,
Our oath is still there, but letters we can’t share.

莫，莫，莫！
Mò, mò, mò!
No, no, no!

(Note: The poem follows a strict tonal and rhythmic pattern, typical of the *ci form.)*

Line-by-Line Analysis

First Stanza: Memories of Love

• "Rosy hands so tender, fine wine of yellow seal" – Lu You recalls his wife’s delicate hands and the wine they once shared, symbolizing happier times.
• "Spring paints the city walls with willows’ verdant hue" – The willow (liǔ 柳) is a traditional symbol of parting, hinting at their forced separation.

Second Stanza: The Pain of Separation

• "The east wind unfair, happy times rare" – The "east wind" (dōng fēng 东风) represents cruel fate that tore them apart.
• "Wrong, wrong, wrong!" – The triple repetition conveys deep regret and self-blame.

Third Stanza: Sorrowful Reunion

• "Spring is as green, but she’s worn and lean" – Nature remains unchanged, but Tang Wan has grown thin from sorrow.
• "Her kerchief soaked with tears" – A vivid image of her grief.

Final Stanza: Irrevocable Loss

• "Peach blossoms fall near deserted pool and hall" – The fallen blossoms symbolize the end of their love.
• "Our oath is still there, but letters we can’t share" – Despite their vows, societal rules forbid their reunion.
• "No, no, no!" – A resigned, despairing conclusion.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Lost Love and Regret

The poem is a lament for a love destroyed by familial and societal pressures. Lu You blames himself ("Wrong, wrong, wrong!") but also acknowledges the inevitability of their separation.

2. Nature as a Mirror of Emotion

Spring scenery contrasts with human suffering—while the world renews itself, the lovers remain trapped in sorrow.

3. Symbolism

• Willow (柳) – Represents parting and lingering attachment.
• Peach Blossoms (桃花) – Ephemeral beauty, reflecting the transient nature of happiness.
• East Wind (东风) – A destructive force, symbolizing fate’s cruelty.

Cultural Context

Historical Background

Lu You and Tang Wan were deeply in love but forced to divorce due to his mother’s disapproval (a common tragedy in Confucian society, where filial piety often overrode personal happiness). Years later, they met again at Shen Garden (沈园), where Lu You inscribed this poem on a wall.

Influence on Chinese Culture

The poem became a cultural symbol of tragic romance. Tang Wan wrote a heartbreaking reply (Chai Tou Feng as well), deepening the legend. Their story has inspired countless retellings in opera, film, and literature.

Conclusion

Chai Tou Feng is more than a poem—it is an immortal cry of the heart. Its raw emotion, masterful imagery, and tragic beauty continue to move readers today. For English-speaking audiences, it offers a profound glimpse into classical Chinese poetry’s emotional depth and cultural significance.

Lu You’s lament reminds us that love and loss are universal, transcending time and language. Though centuries have passed, his words still whisper: "Wrong, wrong, wrong… No, no, no."