Celebrating the Lunar New Year with You | An Appreciation of the Sequential Art Series “One Hundred Scenes of Ancient Customs” (No. 11)

71. First Birthday Ritual (Song Dynasty)
 

At seventy, the head is already showing its age; joyfully embracing a grandson, he sits by the round table.
 

Dare I hope that my family will produce a remarkable talent, who, following in the footsteps of his forebears, yet longs to wear the scholar’s cap.
 

——Song Dynasty, Yuan Yueyou, “Rui Sun’s First Birthday”
 

72. Breaking Willow Branches (Tang Dynasty)
 

By the lake, the willows gleam like gold; after a few days of absence, they have grown into a verdant shade.
 

Bent and folded, the tender twigs are carried into the city, letting all know that spring has grown deep.
 

——Ming Dynasty, Lin Hong, “Breaking Willow”

73. Step Barrier (Tang Dynasty)

A step screen is a type of partition used to shield against wind and dust or to block the line of sight.

At that time, the powerful and affluent vied in extravagance, and brocade was used to construct a screen stretching forty li.
 

— Tang Dynasty, Du Wei Yingwu, “Song of the Golden Valley Garden”

74. Sending a Letter at the Post Station (Yuan Dynasty)

As yesterday’s jade, the lotus remains a cherished memento, passed down through letters.
 

— Yuan Dynasty, Ma Yu, “Man Ting Fang: A Letter Inviting Master Yao”

75. The Tea Merchant (Song Dynasty)

On short paper, I idly scribble cursive; at the sunny window, I playfully pour and divide tea.
 

— Song Dynasty, Lu You, “Early Spring Rain in Lin’an After the Clearing”
 

76. Peddler’s Cart (Gold)

I’m about to embroider a few flowers, but I’ve no needle to use.
 

In their eagerness, they could not wait for the peddler to come and make a purchase.
 

— Yuan Dynasty, Wang Ye, “The Peach Blossom Maiden”