📖 Meaning
This idiom literally means playing the Jie drum to hasten the blooming of flowers. It originates from a story about Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, who so loved the Jie drum that his playing seemed to coax apricot flowers into early bloom. Metaphorically, it refers to using one's power, art, or skill to urge natural processes along, often carrying an elegant and refined connotation.
📜 Origin Story
During the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong was deeply fond of the Jie drum, a two-headed drum with a narrow waist. According to Nan Zhuo's 'Jie Gu Lu' (Record of the Jie Drum), the Emperor once played the drum in the inner palace and personally composed a tune called 'Spring Light Good' (春光好). At that very moment, apricot flowers in the courtyard happened to open, and the Emperor laughed, remarking that for such a feat he might well be called the Heavenly Lord. The tale of imperial artistry seemingly commanding nature gave rise to this enduring idiom.
💡 Example Usage
古人以羯鼓催花，寄望春光早至。
The ancients played the Jie drum to urge the flowers to bloom, hoping spring would arrive early.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 羯鼓催花
- Pinyin: jié gǔ cuī huā
- Literal Translation: Jie drum, urge, flowers
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4