"Who says the heart of a blade of grass can repay the warmth of three springs?" Here, "three springs" refers to spring. In ancient times, spring bore many elegant alternative names. Let's explore these poetic appellations through classical literature!
Three Springs
Ancient Chinese divided spring into three lunar months: the first month as Early Spring (孟春), the second as Middle Spring (仲春), and the third as Late Spring (季春)—collectively known as "Three Springs."
Ban Gu of the Han Dynasty wrote in his "Ode to Mount Zhongnan": "In the season of the Three Springs, at the dawn of early summer, the air is crisp and clear, and I survey the eight corners." Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty composed in his poem "Farewell to the Felt Tent and Fireplace": "Parting sorrow belongs to the Three Springs, our rendezvous lies in the tenth month." Song Fanghu of the Yuan Dynasty sang in his suite "Fighting Quails · Spring Outing":The tender beauty of spring's three months, A verdant range of towering green mountains." Liu Dabai's poem "Spring's End": "Though spring's three months have passed, Some traces of spring should surely remain." Here, "three springs" refers to the season of spring.
Nine Springs
"Delightful and strange as nine springs, Fragrant and broken like autumn frost"— The "nine springs" in Ruan Ji's poetry also signifies spring.
Southern Dynasties, Emperor Yuan of Liang, "Golden Tower: Tales of the Strange": "Its blossoms resemble apricots, with green pistils and jade-like stamens. During the Nine Springs, ten thousand acres bloom in competition, like the wings of phoenixes." Ming Dynasty, Tang Yin, "Ode to the Land of Golden Powder": "The Jade Pool, sparse yet moist, displays its splendor throughout the Nine Springs; the Splitting Wood divides its radiance, casting light for a thousand miles."In ancient times, the 90 days of spring were divided into three periods of ten days each, collectively termed "nine springs."
Youthful Spring
"Sing freely in the white hours, drink to your heart's content; with youthful spring as companion, it's good to return home." Here, "youthful spring" refers to the verdant green of spring foliage, serving as a synonym for the season itself.
From "The Great Summoning" in the "Chu Ci": "Spring's youth is accepted, the bright day shines." In Liu Ji's "Wind Entering the Pine" from the Ming Dynasty: "They only say spring's youth has not faded, unaware the fragrant path is deep with moss." In both instances, "spring's youth" signifies spring.
Green Yang
Spring sunlight is gentle and bright, hence spring is also known by the beautiful name "Green Yang."
In Chen Zi'ang's poem "Reflections," the line "The sun seldom returns, and Qingyang's days grow short" uses "Qingyang" in this sense.
Yangchun
In southern China, spring is often referred to as "Yangchun" or "Yangchun's third month."
Li Bai penned the exquisite line: "Spring summons me with its misty scenery." A Tang dynasty poet wrote in "Drunken Verse": "In spring's season, weather mild and fair, all things flourish—how can man remain indifferent?" Kong Shangren of the Qing dynasty noted in "The Peach Blossom Fan: The Charming Seat": "After court, sleeves still faintly fragrant, she changed into light robes and red shoes; in the tenth month of spring, the plum blossoms had already burst open their crimson petals."
Radiant Sun
Spring brings gentle breezes, warm days, and brilliant sunshine, hence it is also called "Radiant Sun."
Du Fu wrote: "Vying with each other in bright hues, they steal glances on this radiant day." Bao Zhao penned: "In the season of peach and plum blossoms under the radiant sun, their pure beauty shines brightly."
Fragrant Spring
As spring warms, grasses sprout, trees flourish, and rare flowers vie in splendor—earning spring the elegant name "Fragrant Spring."
Chen Zi'ang wrote: "The solitary pine suits late years, while myriad trees cherish fragrant spring." Lu Ji's verse states: "Fierce heart and vigorous autumn, splendid robes and fresh fragrant spring."
Springtime Growth
Spring is also called "Springtime Growth" because plants sprout and flourish during this season.
Qian Qi of the Tang Dynasty wrote in his poem "Spring Suburbs": "The east wind serves as the messenger of warmth, bringing news of growth to every blade of grass and blossom."