Women's Leisure (Cultural Encyclopedia Series)

Author: Yin Wei / Written by
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: This book introduces the recreational activities of ancient Chinese women from three aspects: "Festival Entertainment," "Seeking Pleasure in Elegant Rooms," and "Competing in Wisdom and Skills," including activities such as watching lanterns, spring outings, swinging, tea appreciation, kite flying, cuju (a traditional ball game), playing the qin (a traditional zither), beauty routines, and jianzi (kicking shuttlecocks). It is truly a dazzling array of activities, making one eager to see them for oneself. If one were to witness them, they would surely be dazzled and inspired to try them too. Some of the recreational activities introduced in the book are participated in by women, while others are exclusively their own. It is precisely because of their involvement that the atmosphere becomes lively and these activities gradually "solidify." Those purely recreational activities have become rich and varied thanks to their participation. Therefore, in a wide range of recreational activities, women are the main figures, and without them, society might become cold and desolate. The book also quotes a large number of allusions and poems. In the section "Playfully Chasing Butterflies," it cites a qu (a form of song) by Zhao Yan of the Yuan Dynasty, describing a young lady chasing twelve butterflies. Each butterfly has a unique demeanor, creating a very lively scene. The writing is delicate and vivid, truly a masterful penwork. Combined with numerous allusions and anecdotes, it offers readers a rare artistic enjoyment.