爆竹声中一岁除
In firecracker sounds another year departs;
春风送暖入屠苏
Spring wind brings warmth into the festive wine.
千门万户曈曈日
Bright morning sun shines on a thousand doors;
总把新桃换旧符
New peachwood charms replace the old.
What the poem means
The old year passes amid firecracker sounds as warmth and sunlight welcome the new one. Families replace old peachwood charms. Use clapping instead of firecrackers and water instead of wine in pretend play.
Meet the poet
Wang Anshi was a Song poet. Sounds, spring warmth and new door charms express the feeling of renewal.
Wang Anshi · More poems →