Han
zi: 画眉鸟古诗 Pinyin: Huà méi niǎo gǔ shī Translation: Ancient Poem about the Mandarin Duck 画眉洞里松，声笑出翠中。
舞蹈窝边草，歌谣树上风。
云间两点翠，溪畔一行红。
明日若相见，应笑问君容。
In the cave of the Mandarin Duck, The sound of laughter echoes through the emerald grove. They dance among the grass, And sing along with the trees in the wind. Two green dots in the clouds, And a row of red along the creek. If we meet again tomorrow, I'll be sure to ask you how you’ve been. This ancient Chinese poem is a tribute to the beauty and grace of the Mandarin Duck, also known as the Painted Duck or the Chinese Child Duck. Its stunning plumage, with its intricate patterns and colors, has made it a beloved symbol of love and fidelity in Chinese art and culture. The Mandarin Duck is native to East Asia and can be found in regions such as Japan, Korea and Siberia. It is a migratory bird that spends its winters in the warmer parts of China and Southeast Asia, and returns to its breeding grounds in northern China and Russia during the summer months. In Chinese culture, the Mandarin Duck is often depicted as a pair, and is considered a symbol of marital fidelity and bliss. It is believed that the sight of a pair of Mandarin Ducks signifies a happy and loyal marriage, and they are often used as decorations at weddings. The poem makes references to the Mandarin Duck's habits and habitat. It describes how the bird dances and sings among the grass and trees. It also mentions the green dots in the clouds, which could refer to the Mandarin Duck's flying pattern, as well as the row of red along the creek, which could be a reference to its bright plumage. The poem ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that the speaker will meet the Mandarin Duck again and ask about its wellbeing. This reflects the fondness and admiration the Chinese people have for the Mandarin Duck and how it has become an integral part of their culture and mythology. In conclusion, the Mandarin Duck is an important symbol in Chinese culture, and this ancient poem is a testament to its timeless beauty and grace. It also shows how nature and art are closely intertwined in Chinese culture, and how a simple bird can inspire such profound emotions and musings.