The cuckoo bird has a rich meaning and symbolism in Chinese culture since ancient times. It is seen both as a messenger of spring and as a symbol of loyalty and patriotism. Let's take a closer look at the meaning and symbolism behind the cuckoo bird.
1. The messenger of spring.
The cuckoo bird is the messenger of spring, representing vitality and rejuvenation. When spring comes, the cuckoo begins to chirp, waking up the sleeping earth. Its cry is graceful and sound-like, bringing infinite hope and joy to people. As a result, the cuckoo bird is often depicted in literary and artistic works as the embodiment of spring, representing new life and hope.
2. A symbol of loyalty and patriotism.
In ancient times, the cuckoo bird was seen as a symbol of loyalty and patriotism. According to legend, Du Yu, the ancient king of Shu, died because he missed his hometown and turned into a cuckoo bird. The bird's mournful call is like calling its name, so it is believed that it is missing its hometown and loved ones. In many literary works, the cuckoo bird is also used to express loyalty and love for the motherland.
3. A symbol of sorrow and sorrow.
Although the cuckoo bird represents a vibrant spring, its call is often seen as a symbol of sadness and melancholy in some contexts. This may have something to do with its poignant and mournful cry. In ancient poetry, the cuckoo bird was often used to express the pain of parting, homesickness, or feelings of worrying about the country and the people. For example, the poem "Emperor Wang's Spring Heart Trusts the Cuckoo" uses the lamentation of the cuckoo bird to express the poet's sorrow for his deceased relatives and friends.
The cuckoo bird has different meanings and symbolic meanings in different cultures and eras. But whether it is a messenger of spring, a symbol of loyalty and patriotism, or a symbol of sorrow and sorrow, it all reflects people's yearning for a better life and reverence for the natural world.