Chinese poem illustration: 卫风 芄兰/Wei Wind – Wanlan the orchid
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A new argument is raised that this poem is about Weixuangong(卫宣公) and his chief staff, the poet himslef at the funeral of Weihuangong(卫桓公).
In the time of pre-Qin, funeral is always considered the best place to oberserve the VIPs in a state their personality, behavoir and compliance to Code of Conduct(周礼) which reflected the local morality and flavors of upper layer. This poem is a very good example which feaured this classic writing and thinking.
支(枝), 叶 are the first time usage as a metaphor of pedigree in Chinese literature. In this poem it indicates the new erected lord is from a junior brother rather than crown prince.
卫风 芄兰
佚名
芄兰之支，童子佩觿。
虽则佩觿，能不我知。
容兮遂兮，垂带悸兮。
芄兰之叶，童子佩韘。
虽则佩韘，能不我甲。
容兮遂兮，垂带悸兮。
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