Celebrating the Lunar New Year with You | An Appreciation of the Sequential Art Series “One Hundred Scenes of Ancient Customs” (Part 14)

89. Western Regions Songs and Dances (Tang Dynasty)

Hu Xuan maid, Hu Xuan maid, her heart responds to the strings, her hands to the drum.
 

The zither and drum—voices rise, sleeves lifted in unison; the swirling snow flits and swirls, as the dancer’s skirt whirls like a tumbleweed.
 

Turning left and right without tiring, circling again and again with no end in sight.
 

Among all things in the mortal world, none can compare; a speeding chariot turns as slowly as a wheel, and the whirlwind moves with tardy haste.
 

At the song’s end, I again bow in gratitude to the Son of Heaven, who for my sake slightly parts his lips.
 

— Tang Dynasty, Bai Juyi, “Hu Xuan Dance”
 

90. Storytelling at the Wa Zi (Song Dynasty)

Sorrowful Qin and Han, the common people in dire straits,
 

The scholar let out a long sigh.
 

— Yuan Dynasty, Zhang Kejiu, “Selling Flowers: Nostalgia for the Past”
 

91. Puppet Theater (Song Dynasty)
 

Carve out the semblance of form, and even the slightest tug stirs the spirit.
 

When the drum and flute fall silent, the puppet remains as it was before.
 

——Song Dynasty, Yi Shida, “Viewing a Puppet Show”
 

92. Singing at the Restaurant (Jin)

All sing together the Spring Ode of Lord Xian; beyond the Golden Beam Bridge, the moon shines like frost.
 

—— Ming Dynasty, Li Mengyang, “Yuanxi in Bianjing”

93. Stilts (Qing Dynasty)

How delightful it is to watch the swing‑set drama and the playful, humorous game of cuju.
 

—— Song Dynasty, Ge Changgeng, “Qinyuanchun: No Chill on the Face”
 

94. Zidi Shu (Qing Dynasty)

Circling the golden dike, fish and dragons frolic in endless procession,
 

Brocade and silk in the spring breeze, music and revelry that resound through the heavens.
 

— Song Dynasty, Liu Yong, “Po Zhen Yue: Dewdrops Reflect the Shadow”

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