What does it mean to know that the pines and cypresses will wither after the cold years?

"When the weather is cold, you will know that the pines and cypresses will wither later." Vernacular translation: Only in the cold winter, will you know that the pines and cypresses (bǎi) are the last to wither.

It means that when the weather is the coldest every year, you will know that most other plants have withered, and only pines and cypresses stand tall and tall. It is a metaphor for those who practice Taoism and have perseverance. They can endure hardships and torture without changing their original intentions.

From "The Analects of Confucius·Zihan": "Confucius said: "The year is cold, and then we know that the pines and cypresses will wither. ”

Deep meaning:

Suihan: a metaphor for a dirty society or a difficult environment.

Songs and cypresses: gentlemen.

Songs and cypresses: Evergreen trees, which like warm and cold-resistant, and have strong adaptability to soil pH, are widely distributed in the southern part of North my country and East China. They are also commonly used as ornamental trees in gardens. The Chinese people have a special affection for pine trees since ancient times, and pine and cypress are commonly used. It symbolizes strong and unyielding character, and the pine, bamboo and plum trees are known as the "three friends of winter"

Extended information

This chapter of "The Analects of Confucius Zihan" includes 31. Chapter. Involves Confucius' thoughts on moral education; Confucius's disciples' discussions about his teacher; in addition, it also describes some of Confucius' activities.

Ten excerpts from the Analects:

1. Confucius. He said: “Isn’t it true that you should learn and practice it from time to time? Wouldn’t it be great to have friends from far away? Isn't it a gentleman who doesn't know something but doesn't get upset? ”

Translation: Confucius said: “Isn’t it also very pleasant to study and review frequently? Isn’t it very happy to have like-minded friends coming from far away? Others don’t understand (know) me, but I don’t resent (get angry). Aren’t I also a morally cultivated person? ”

2. Zengzi said: “I examine myself three times every day: Have I been unfaithful in my plans for others? Make friends but don’t believe it? Are you not used to it? "

Translation: Zengzi said: "I reflect on myself many times every day. Have you tried your best to make suggestions for others? Have you treated your friends sincerely? Have you reviewed the knowledge taught by the teacher? "

3. Confucius said: "One can become a teacher by reviewing the old and learning the new. ”

Translation: Confucius said: “Review the knowledge you have learned and gain new understanding and experience. You can rely on this to become a teacher for others.” ”

4. Confucius said: “Learning without thinking will lead to indifference; thinking without learning will lead to peril.” ”

Translation: Confucius said: “If you only study without thinking, you will feel confused and at a loss; just thinking without learning is harmful.” ”

5. Confucius said: “Yu, teach your daughter to know it!” Knowing is knowing, not knowing is not knowing, this is knowing. "

Translation: Confucius said: "Zhong Yu, let me teach you the attitude towards knowing and not knowing! If you know, you know, if you don't know, you don't know. Such people are smart. ”

Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia - When the weather is cold, you will know that the pines and cypresses will wither after that