Tang Dynasty · Longing & Affection
Red Beans (Lovesickness)相思
By Wang Wei (王维)
红豆生南国，
春来发几枝。
愿君多采撷，
此物最相思。
The red beans grow in the southern lands;
When spring arrives, how many branches bloom?
I pray that you will gather a generous share,
For this seed awakens the deepest longing of all.
Line-by-Line Study with Pinyin
Detailed study breakdown matching each verse with character pinyin and English phrasing.
Traditional Color: 珊瑚红
The vivid scarlet of Abrus precatorius seeds, known in Chinese folklore as "love peas" (hongdou), symbolizing indelible devotion that never fades.
Cultural Context & Zen Lore
The red bean tree grows primarily in southern China. According to legend, a wife wept beneath a tree after her husband died at the frontier; her tears turned to blood and became red beans. Wang Wei wrote this piece for his close musician friend Li Guinian, lending it both romantic and deep friendship resonance.
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