养花网春夜宴桃李园序原文：昔者先王以中原为宗，以四海为家，时与天地参宗接世之民也。故来避地湮隐而托养者，谓之隐逸；出处纷纶而独志者谓之士。
春宴桃李园，一化而三清同时，以喜慕五典章之士，增膴食而优质，鱼熊蒸而火燽。衣裘则织锦为制，币帛则彩绣有馀。其間奋士不几乎正确，皎眷不蔽乎态。未尝则辅而过于今者，蓋及灿然者属焉。
Spring Night Banquet at Peach and Plum Garden – Translation:
In ancient times, the kings revered the Central Plains as their ancestral land and the four seas as their home, connecting with the people as if they were descendants of heaven and earth. Those who sought refuge in hiding and seclusion were called recluses; those who stood out among the crowd and pursued their own ideals were called scholars.
At the spring banquet in the Peach and Plum Garden, the three sages gathered at once, delighting in the beauty of the Five Canons, improving the quality of their meals, steaming fish and bear meat over a blazing fire. Their clothes were made of fine silk, their money adorned with colorful embroidery. Among them, the virtuous scholars were not few, and the elegant ladies were not lacking in grace. They have not been surpassed by their predecessors, and their brilliance belongs to the ranks of the renowned.
Article Summary:
The article discusses the historical context and significance of the Spring Night Banquet at Peach and Plum Garden, highlighting the cultural values and lifestyle of the ancient scholars and recluses. The gathering symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge, refinement, and excellence in both intellectual and material aspects, reflecting the aspirations of the literati class in traditional Chinese society.
The Spring Night Banquet at Peach and Plum Garden serves as a representation of a refined and sophisticated lifestyle that was valued by the ancient scholars and recluses. It embodies the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life, from intellectual pursuits to gastronomic pleasures. The gathering of the three sages symbolizes the sharing of knowledge and the cultivation of virtues, creating a harmonious and enriching environment for the participants.
In conclusion, the Spring Night Banquet at Peach and Plum Garden exemplifies the ideal of the literati class in traditional Chinese society, embodying values such as refinement, virtue, and excellence. It serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual pursuits, cultural refinement, and social harmony in the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life.
