Today, we are going to explore a commonly misunderstood Chinese character - "Xiu", and the beautiful legend associated with it - "Chu Xiu Yao Ji".
"Xiu", the word, seems simple, but it often makes people make mistakes in pronunciation. It is pronounced neither "yóu" nor "shān", but "xiù".
In Shuowen Jie Zi, "Xiu" is interpreted as a "mountain cave", meaning a cave in a mountain peak, giving people unlimited space for reverie.
Whenever I read this word, I always imagine that secret place hidden in the mountains, full of mystery and tranquility.
If "Xiu" is a hidden corner in a landscape painting, then "Chu Xiu Yaoji" is the most romantic stroke in this painting.
Yao Ji, as a goddess in ancient Chinese mythology, her story has an indissoluble relationship with the word "Xiu".
According to legend, Yao Ji was the daughter of the Queen Mother, and she was beautiful, kind, and amorous. One day, she visited a beautiful mountain in Chudi, was attracted by the beauty there, and decided to stay in the world.
She chose a mountain peak in Chu as her residence, and that mountain was named "Chu Xiu", which means the peak of Chu land.
Yao Ji lived an isolated life in Chu Xiu, and with her beauty and kindness, she gave the mountains and rivers more aura and charm.
Whenever spring comes, the flowers in Chu Xiu will be particularly delicate, as if to welcome the arrival of Yao Ji, and whenever night falls, the moonlight shines on the mountain peaks, as if Yao Ji's gentle gaze is guarding this land.
It is believed that Yaoji's soul has become one with Chu Xiu, and she silently guards this land she loves in her own way.
"Chu Xiu Yao Ji" is not only a beautiful legend, but also people's yearning for nature and harmonious coexistence.
It tells us that every life is closely related to nature, and we should cherish every intimate contact with nature.
In modern society, with the advancement of technology and the fast pace of life, we may have forgotten how to live in harmony with nature.
But every time we look up at the distant Chu Xiu, there will always be an inexplicable feeling in our hearts. That's Yaoji telling us, that's nature calling us.
So, when you read the word "Xiu" again, you might as well slow down and feel the deep cultural connotation behind it.
And when you hear the legend of "Chu Xiu Yaoji", you may understand that harmonious coexistence with nature is the way of life that we should pursue the most.
In this busy world, may we all find our own "Chuxiu", dance in harmony with nature, and compose a romantic ecological movement together.