Hanging branches

Author: Feng Menglong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-08-01
Features: "Guazhi'er" is a folk song from the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era, which became extremely popular during the late Ming period. It was said that "regardless of north or south, men or women, young or old, or social status, everyone practiced it, and everyone enjoyed listening to it" (Shen Defu, Wanli Yehuo Bian, Volume 25, Fengshi Xiaoling), demonstrating its widespread influence. Feng Menglong compiled and commented on Guazhi'er in 10 volumes, of which only 9 volumes survive from the Ming-era printed edition. Additionally, Yao Meibei's Jin Yuefu Xuan contains a manuscript copy, divided into two volumes, which is also incomplete but perfectly complements the 10-volume edition. This book includes sections such as Private, Joyful, Fantasy, Separate, Gap, Complaint, Sentiment, Ode, Mockery, and Miscellaneous, totaling 435 poems. Its primary content is the portrayal of romantic and social life, with a distinctive style characterized by vividness, liveliness, straightforwardness, and authenticity, which is the mainstream. However, there are also some vulgar and low-quality pieces that require criticism and rejection. The publication and organization of Guazhi'er hold significant importance for the study of late Ming social customs and folk literature.