📖 Meaning
The sun and moon rise simultaneously on the first day of the lunar month, appearing as if joined together like two jade discs. Ancient Chinese regarded this celestial phenomenon as an auspicious omen signaling national prosperity and peace.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Book of Han' (汉书), specifically the 'Treatise on Astronomy and Calendars' (律历志上), compiled during the Eastern Han dynasty by Ban Gu. The original passage describes the sun and moon appearing like joined jade discs, while the five visible planets align like a string of pearls. In ancient Chinese cosmology, such rare celestial alignments were interpreted as heavenly signs of a virtuous ruler and a prosperous, peaceful reign.
💡 Example Usage
古人认为日月合壁是天下太平的征兆。
The ancients believed that the sun and moon joining like jade discs was an omen of universal peace.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 日月合壁
- Pinyin: rì yuè hé bì
- Literal Translation: sun, moon, join, jade disc
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4