Albert's Learning Log

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Tomb Sweeping Day Poem

Yes, it's time for my triennial Qīngmíng jié 清明节 post. This poem is famous, so you've probably already memorized it. But just in case you haven't, here it is:

Qīng míng 清明 Tomb Sweeping Festival

by Dù Mù 杜牧 (803–852, Tang Dynasty)清明时节雨纷纷,路上行人欲断魂。借问酒家何处有?牧童遥指杏花村

qīngmíng shíjié yǔ fēnfēnlù shàng xíngrén yù duàn húnjiè wèn jiǔjiā héchù yǒumùtóng yáo zhǐ xìnghuā cūn

English Translation from Wikipedia

A drizzling rain falls like tears on the Mourning DayThe mourner's heart is going to break on his wayWhere can a wine shop be found to drown his sad hours?A cowherd points to a cot' mid apricot.

English Translation from eChinaExpat

Heavy raindrops fall like tears on Qing Ming,Even the people on the street look lifeless.Where can I find a wine shop to drink?The shepherd boy points to Xing Hua Village.

English Translation by Wu Junta (pdf)(I just love the 3rd line in this version)

It drizzles thick on the Pure Brightness DayI travel with my heart lost in disway"Is there a public house somewhere, cowboy?"He points at Apricot Bloom Village faraway.