1. Farewell Imagery(expressing feelings of reluctance to part, or narrating thoughts of longing after separation)❶Willow – The word “willow” is a homophone for “stay”. In ancient times, people often cut willows to bid farewell, expressing deep feelings of parting. Many literati used it to convey feelings of resentment and longing. For example, in the “Book of Songs – Picking Vetch”: “In the past, I left, the willows swayed. Now I return, the rain and snow fall thick.” ❷Long Pavilion – In ancient times, pavilions were built along roads for travelers to rest or bid farewell. In ancient poetry, it became an image imbued with feelings of reluctance to part. For instance, Li Bai’s “Bodhisattva Man”: “Where is the way back? The long pavilion is shorter than the short pavilion.” ❸South Bank – Commonly found in poetry about farewells along southern waterways. For example, in Bai Juyi’s poem “Farewell at South Bank”: “The South Bank is desolate, the west wind is gentle in autumn.” ❹Wine – Besides alleviating sorrow, wine also carries deep blessings. Countless poems link fine wine with parting feelings, such as Wang Wei’s “Sending Yuan Er to Anxi”: “I urge you to drink another cup of wine, as you leave Yangguan, there are no old friends.” ❺Fragrant Grass – In classical Chinese poetry, fragrant grass symbolizes parting sorrows. In the Han Yuefu poem “Drinking Horse at the Great Wall”, the line “The green grass by the riverbank, thoughts stretch far away” uses “green grass by the riverbank” to express a woman’s longing for her husband far away.2. Nostalgia Imagery(expressing longing for one’s hometown, or expressing concern for loved ones)❶Moon – In ancient Chinese poetry, the moon is often used to evoke emotions. Generally, the moon in ancient poetry symbolizes nostalgia.❷Wild Goose – The wild goose is a large migratory bird that returns to its nest every autumn, often evoking feelings of homesickness and longing for family among travelers. Poets frequently express emotions through the image of the goose. For example, Du Fu’s “Remembering My Brother on a Moonlit Night”: “The drum at the guard post interrupts the traveler, a wild goose calls in the autumn sky. The dew turns white tonight, the moon is brightest in my hometown.” ❸Double Carp – In ancient times, people often used the shape of carp to conceal letters. Thus, many literati also used carp to refer to letters in poetry. For instance, in Zhao Lingzhao’s “Butterfly Loves Flower”: “The butterfly has gone, the oriole flies without a place to ask. Across the water, the tall building, I long for the double carp letter.” ❹Clothing Beating – The scene of “beating clothes under the moon, the wind carries the sound of the pounding” not only evokes feelings of sorrow for the wife but also easily touches the emotions of travelers. Therefore, the imagery of clothing beating is also a traditional symbol of nostalgia. For example, in Li Bai’s “Midnight Wu Song – Autumn Song”: “In Chang’an, a piece of moon, the sound of thousands of households beating clothes. The autumn wind cannot blow away, it is all the feelings of Yuguan.” 3. Sorrow Imagery(expressing sorrow, sadness, or creating a desolate atmosphere)❶Wutong – In classical Chinese poetry, the wutong tree symbolizes desolation and sadness. For example, in Li Qingzhao’s “Slowly Sounding”: “The wutong tree is accompanied by fine rain, at dusk, it drips drop by drop.” ❷Banana – The banana is often associated with loneliness and sorrow, especially feelings of parting. For instance, in Li Qingzhao’s “Adding Words to the Ugly Slave”: “Who planted the banana tree in front of the window? The shade fills the courtyard. The shade fills the courtyard, leaf by leaf, heart by heart, rolling up and down with lingering feelings.” ❸Flowing Water – Flowing water in ancient Chinese poetry is often associated with lingering sorrow, conveying the sadness of life’s brevity and the unpredictability of fate. For example, in Li Yu’s “Waves Wash Sand”: “Flowing water and falling flowers, spring is gone, in heaven and on earth.” ❹Monkey Cry – In classical poetry, the cry of monkeys often expresses a sense of sadness. For example, in Du Fu’s “Ascending High”: “The wind is urgent, the sky is high, the monkeys cry sadly, the islet is clear, the sand is white, the birds fly back.” ❺Cuckoo – In ancient mythology, during the late Zhou Dynasty, the ruler of Shu, Wang Di, abdicated to his minister and retreated to the mountains. After his death, his soul transformed into a cuckoo, crying day and night, to the point of bleeding from its mouth, its voice filled with sorrow and grief. Thus, the “cuckoo” in ancient poetry became a symbol of desolation and sadness. For example, in Li Bai’s “The Difficulty of the Shu Road”: “I also heard the cuckoo cry at night, sorrowful in the empty mountains.” ❻Cold Cicada – The cicada after autumn does not live long. After the autumn rain, the cicada is left with only a few intermittent cries. Therefore, the cold cicada has become synonymous with desolation. For example, in Yuan Zhen’s “Sending Lu Kan”: “The red trees are filled with cicada sounds at sunset, sending off the white-haired person doubles the sorrow.” ❼Partridge – The image of the partridge in classical poetry also has specific connotations. The call of the partridge sounds like “I cannot go, brother”, easily evoking feelings of parting and the dangers of travel. For example, in Xin Qiji’s “Bodhisattva Man – Writing on the Wall of Jiangxi”: “The river is late, I am worried, the mountains are deep, I hear the partridge.” ❽Raven – According to superstition, the raven is an ominous bird, often found in desolate places like graves. In classical Chinese poetry, it is often associated with decay and desolation.❾Dusk, Sunset – Dusk and sunset represent feelings of sadness, as seen in Li Qingzhao’s “Slowly Sounding”: “The wutong tree is accompanied by fine rain, at dusk, it drips drop by drop. How can one word express this sorrow?” This sense of sadness at dusk often manifests in scenes of parting, longing, and melancholy. For example, in Li Bai’s “Sending a Friend”: “The floating clouds reflect the thoughts of a traveler, the setting sun reflects the feelings of an old friend.” Fine Rain, Mist – The fine rain and mist convey the author’s boundless sorrow and gloomy feelings. For example, in Qin Guan’s “Washing Stream Sand”: “Endless fine rain is as fine as sorrow”, the fine rain lingers, and sorrow also spreads. In Cui Hao’s “Yellow Crane Tower”: “At dusk, where is my hometown? The misty waves on the river make one feel sorrowful.” 4. Expressive Imagery(expressing aspirations through objects or expressing sentiments)❶Chrysanthemum – The chrysanthemum has always been favored by literati. Some praise its strong character, while others admire its noble temperament. The pastoral poet Tao Yuanming of the Eastern Jin wrote many poems about chrysanthemums, naturally linking the elegant and simple image of the chrysanthemum with his own unconventional aspirations, such as “Picking chrysanthemums at the eastern fence, I leisurely see the southern mountain.” ❷Plum Blossom – In literary works, the plum blossom symbolizes pride in the snow, strength, and resilience, earning the admiration and praise of literati. For example, in Lu You’s “Bidding Farewell to the Plum Blossom”: “Falling into mud and ground into dust, only the fragrance remains as before.” This uses the plum blossom to metaphorically express one’s unfortunate experiences and noble character unwilling to associate with evil forces.❸Pine and Cypress – In the “Analects of Confucius – Zi Han”, it is said: “In the cold of winter, one knows the pine and cypress do not wither.” The author praises the cold resistance of pine and cypress, thus extolling the steadfast and unyielding character. For example, in Li Bai’s “To Wei Shiyu Huang Chang”: “I hope you learn from the long pine, and be careful not to be like peach and plum.” ❹Bamboo – Tall and upright, bamboo stands gracefully. Zheng Banqiao has a beautiful poem: “Biting down on the green mountain and not letting go, the roots stand in the broken rock. After thousands of磨 and strikes, it remains strong, no matter the winds from the east, west, south, or north!” ❺Ice and Snow, Flora – Classical poetry often uses the crystal clarity of ice and snow to symbolize loyalty and noble character, contrasting with the flourishing of flora to express sentiments of rise and fall. For example, in Wang Changling’s “Sending Off Xin Jian at the Hibiscus Tower”: “If friends in Luoyang ask, my heart is as pure as ice in a jade pot.” In Jiang Kui’s “Yangzhou Slow”: “After the spring breeze for ten miles, the field is full of green leeks and wheat.” 5. Love Imagery(used to express love and longing)❶Red Bean – Often used to symbolize love or express longing. For example, in Wang Wei’s “Longing”: “Red beans grow in the southern country, how many branches bloom in spring? I hope you gather more, this is the most longing thing.” ❷Lotus – With the same pronunciation as “pity”, many poems about the lotus in ancient poetry express love. For example, in the Southern Dynasties’ Yuefu “West Zhou Song”: “Picking lotus in the southern pond in autumn, the lotus flowers are taller than a person’s head; bowing down to play with lotus seeds, the lotus seeds are as clear as water.” ❸Swallow – (1) The swallow, due to its habit of flying in pairs, has become a symbol of love. For example, in Yan Jidao’s “Linjiang Xian”: “Falling flowers stand alone, in the fine rain, the swallows fly in pairs”, showcasing the poet’s feelings of loneliness and nostalgia after waking from a dream. (2) The swallow’s attachment to its old nest has become a metaphor in classical poetry for expressing the changes of time and the passage of human affairs. For example, in Liu Yuxi’s “Wuyi Lane”: “The swallows that used to fly in front of Wang and Xie’s halls now fly into the homes of ordinary people”, hinting at the past prosperity of Wuyi Lane while revealing the poet’s infinite sentiments towards the changes of time.❹Longing for Home – The longing for home is a common theme in poetry, often expressed through various symbols and imagery. For example, the moon, wild geese, and the sound of clothing beating are all traditional symbols of nostalgia.6. War Imagery(expressing hatred for war or longing for peace)❶Throwing the Brush – According to the “Book of the Later Han”, Ban Chao’s family was poor, relying on copying documents for the government to survive. He once threw down his brush, lamenting that he wanted to emulate Fu Jiezi and Zhang Qian to achieve merit on the frontier and gain titles. Later, “throwing the brush” referred to abandoning literature for military pursuits. For example, in Xin Qiji’s poem “Water Melody”: “Do not learn from Ban Chao to throw the brush, even if you gain titles and positions, you will grow old and haggard in the border state.” ❷The Great Wall – According to the “Southern History”, Tan Daoji was a minister of the Southern Song Dynasty, who held great power and was suspected by the emperor and his ministers. Later, when Emperor Wen of Song took the opportunity to kill him, Tan Daoji angrily said: “You are destroying your own Great Wall!” This phrase refers to the Song Emperor killing generals and undermining his own army. Later, “the Great Wall” referred to the generals guarding the borders. For example, in Lu You’s poem “Writing with Anger”: “The Great Wall on the frontier is empty, my hair is already gray in the mirror.” ❸Loulan – Loulan refers to the enemy at the border, and “breaking (cutting) Loulan” refers to achieving merit. For example, in Wang Changling’s “From Military Marches Seven Poems (Part Four)”: “In the yellow sand, a hundred battles wear golden armor, I will not return until Loulan is broken.” ❹Willow Camp – The willow camp refers to the military camp. According to the “Records of the Grand Historian”, during the Han Dynasty, the Han army was stationed at Basha, Jimen, and Xiliu to guard against the Xiongnu. The commander of the Xiliu camp was Zhou Yafu, whose camp was disciplined. Even Emperor Wen of Han and his entourage had to obtain permission from Zhou Yafu to enter the camp; Emperor Wen greatly admired Zhou Yafu, believing he managed the army well. Later, “willow camp” became a term for a disciplined military camp. For example, in Wang Wei’s “Watching the Hunt”: “Suddenly passing through the new Feng market, returning to the willow camp.” ❺Requesting a Long Cord – Emperor Wu of Han sent a young courtier, Zhong Jun, to persuade the King of Nanyue to submit to the Han Dynasty. Zhong Jun said: “Please give me a long cord, I will definitely capture the King of Nanyue.” Later, it referred to requesting to kill enemies or requesting to be given a task. For example, in Yue Fei’s “Full River Red – Climbing Yellow Crane Tower”: “Sighing that the rivers and mountains are as before, thousands of villages are desolate. When will I request a long cord to lead the sharp troops, to cross the Qinghe and Luo rivers in one whip?” ❻Qiang Flute – The Qiang flute is often mentioned in Tang Dynasty frontier poetry, such as Wang Zhihuan’s “Cool Prefecture Song”: “What need is there for the Qiang flute to complain about the willows, the spring wind does not cross the Jade Gate Pass.” The sound of the Qiang flute often brings tears to the eyes of soldiers. 7. Leisure Imagery(expressing a relaxed and tranquil mood, or longing for a secluded life)❶Five Willows – The origin of the five willows is from Tao Yuanming’s “Biography of Mr. Five Willows”, where the protagonist is a hermit who forgets gains and losses and enjoys poetry and wine. For example, in Wang Wei’s “Wangchuan Leisurely Residence for Pei Xiucai Di”: “The cold mountains turn green, the autumn water ripples. Leaning on the staff outside the thatched door, I listen to the cicadas in the evening breeze. At the ferry, the setting sun lingers, and a solitary smoke rises in the village. I happen to meet the drunken poet, singing wildly in front of the five willows.” ❷Eastern Fence – In ancient poetry, the eastern fence represents the pastoral life after resigning from office or the elegant sentiment. For example, in Tao Yuanming’s “Drinking Wine”: “Picking chrysanthemums at the eastern fence, I leisurely see the southern mountain.” ❸Three Paths – Referring to the place where hermits live. For example, in Bai Juyi’s “Wanting to Neighbor Yuan Ba, First Gift”: “The bright moon is good to share on a three-path night, the green willows are suitable for spring for two families.” ❹Southern Mountain – Representing a place of seclusion. For example, in Tao Yuanming’s “Returning to the Garden and Fields”: “Planting beans at the foot of the southern mountain, the grass is lush, and the bean sprouts are sparse.” ❺Yellow Oriole – The yellow oriole is good at singing and symbolizes spring. For example, in Du Mu’s “Spring in Jiangnan”: “The yellow orioles sing a thousand miles, the green reflects the red, the water village and the mountain city have wine flags in the wind.” 1.[The Great Wall] The Southern Song general Tan Daoji referred to himself as “the Great Wall”. Later, it referred to heroes who can resist enemy invasions. For example, in Lu You’s “Writing with Anger”: “The Great Wall on the frontier is empty, my hair is already gray in the mirror.” 2.[Loulan] Loulan refers to the enemy at the border, used to refer to military achievements. For example, in Wang Changling’s “From Military Marches Seven Poems (Part Four)”: “In the yellow sand, a hundred battles wear golden armor, I will not return until Loulan is broken.” 3.[Yuyang] An ancient county name, located in today’s Tianjin. Because it is a border area, it is often heavily guarded, and later generations used it to refer to border garrison areas.4.[Blood of Loyalty] Often used with “loyal heart”, praising those who sacrifice for their country. For example, in Yuan Zheng Yuanyou’s “Song of Zhang Yushi of Ruyang”: “Lonely loyalty is a bright loyal heart, three years must turn into blood of loyalty.” 5.[Resigning the House] A famous story from the “Records of the Grand Historian”, where Huo Qubing resigned from the house given by the king. This reflects Huo Qubing’s noble demeanor and patriotic thoughts of prioritizing the country over family. Later, “resigning the house” became a metaphor for the patriotic spirit of forgetting home for the country. For example, in Du Fu’s “In Harmony with Yan Zhongcheng’s Evening View of the Western City”: “Resigning the house shows high righteousness, observing the map recalls the ancients.” 6.[Requesting a Long Cord] Emperor Wu of Han sent a young courtier, Zhong Jun, to persuade the King of Nanyue to submit to the Han Dynasty. Zhong Jun said: “Please give me a long cord, I will definitely capture the King of Nanyue.” Later, it referred to requesting to kill enemies or requesting to be given a task. For example, in Yue Fei’s “Full River Red – Climbing Yellow Crane Tower”: “Sighing that the rivers and mountains are as before, thousands of villages are desolate. When will I request a long cord to lead the sharp troops, to cross the Qinghe and Luo rivers in one whip?” 7.[Willow Camp] Referring to the military camp, according to the “Records of the Grand Historian”, during the Han Dynasty, the Han army was stationed at Basha, Jimen, and Xiliu to guard against the Xiongnu. The commander of the Xiliu camp was Zhou Yafu, whose camp was disciplined. Even Emperor Wen of Han and his entourage had to obtain permission from Zhou Yafu to enter the camp; Emperor Wen greatly admired Zhou Yafu, believing he managed the army well. Later, “willow camp” became a term for a disciplined military camp. For example, in Wang Wei’s “Watching the Hunt”: “Suddenly passing through the new Feng market, returning to the willow camp.” 8.[Throwing the Brush] In the Eastern Han, Ban Chao, when young, lived by copying documents for the government. He once threw down his brush, lamenting that he wanted to emulate Fu Jiezi and Zhang Qian to achieve merit on the frontier and gain titles. Later, it referred to abandoning literature for military pursuits. For example, in Xin Qiji’s poem “Water Melody”: “Do not learn from Ban Chao to throw the brush, even if you gain titles and positions, you will grow old and haggard in the border state.” 9.[Chrysanthemum] The chrysanthemum has always been favored by literati. Some praise its strong character, while others admire its noble temperament. The pastoral poet Tao Yuanming of the Eastern Jin wrote many poems about chrysanthemums, naturally linking the elegant and simple image of the chrysanthemum with his own unconventional aspirations, such as “Picking chrysanthemums at the eastern fence, I leisurely see the southern mountain.” 10.[Plum Blossom] The plum blossom represents strength and resilience. For example, in the poem by Chen Liang of the Song Dynasty: “Falling into mud and ground into dust, only the fragrance remains as before.” This uses the plum blossom to metaphorically express one’s unfortunate experiences and noble character unwilling to associate with evil forces.