📖 Meaning
Originally referring to the common people being like stars — the Bi constellation favors rain while the Ji constellation favors wind — it metaphorically describes how the populace yearns for the benevolent grace of their ruler. Later used as a term of praise for a sovereign who broadly bestows compassionate and virtuous governance upon the people.
📜 Origin Story
From the 'Book of Documents' (《书·洪范》), which states that the common people are like stars, some favoring wind and others favoring rain. The Han dynasty commentator Kong Anguo (孔安国) explained that the Ji constellation (箕星) is fond of wind and the Bi constellation (毕星) is fond of rain, just as the people have their natural inclinations. The phrase later evolved into a classical expression praising rulers for administering benevolent policies that satisfy the people's heartfelt desires.
💡 Example Usage
陛下毕雨箕风，恩泽遍及四海，万民仰德。
Your Majesty, like the Bi star bringing rain and the Ji star bringing wind, bestows grace across the four seas, and all people look up to your virtue.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 毕雨箕风
- Pinyin: bì yǔ jī fēng
- Literal Translation: Bi star rain, Ji star wind
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4