The  Sun and Liberty

This image of Xiao Liu ,taken before Jing appears (sun - herbal scent as covered above), in the drama ep.17 - translate by a visual expression her waiting for sun (metaphore of Jing) , with the rounded element around her visage.

It's a XiaoJing Visual drama recurence:

As maybe you remember in ch.4....

The seek and hide warm moment between Yeshiqi and Xiao Liu (yes the one she end up all red faced, slapping her own cheeks :D) . 

Look in the background on the wooden wall => yes, you caan clearly see a rounded hat, same material. Simple formed. Circle around the face.

Short : A solar symbol is a symbol representing the Sun. Common solar symbols include circles (with or without rays), crosses, and spirals. In religious iconography, personifications of the Sun or solar attributes are often indicated by means of a halo or a radiate crown.

What's the meaning of the Sun? BONUS reading: 

(ref-https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/sun)

+ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_symbol :

Sun with face

Sun (ten rays) and Moon with faces in a manuscript miniature illustrating the fourth day of creation (12 C.)[7]

Sun with a face and eight (alternating triangular and wavy) rays (fresco in Larbey, France, dated c. 1610)

Rayed depictions of the Sun with a human face are a Western iconographic tradition which became current in the Early Modern period.

The iconographic tradition of depicting the Sun with rays and with a human face developed in Western tradition in the high medieval period and became widespread in the Renaissance, harking back to the Sun god (Sol/Helios) wearing a radiate crown in classical antiquity.

One of it's most recent art form worldwide known is funnily the Liberty Statue.

Why am I speaking of this huge New York statue (provided by French gouvrnement to New Yorkers :D) , why ? :

Because the writer we are enjoying the book and the drama is living in New York!

Ren Haiyan (Chinese: 任海燕; born 18 October 1980), known by her pen name Tong Hua graduated from Peking University and emigrated to America in 2005. She currently lives in New York City.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tong_Hua)

Now isnt this interesting? :D

=> So...you know me, if a visual peeps my curiosity...I'll dive into it. What's the meaning of the Lyberty statue? French: La Liberté éclairant le monde.?

*The idea for the statue was born in 1865, when the French historian and abolitionist Édouard de Laboulaye proposed a monument to commemorate the upcoming centennial of U.S. independence (1876), the perseverance of American democracy and the liberation of the nation's slaves. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Liberty

 

*The statue is a figure of Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty. She holds a torch above her head with her right hand, and in her left hand carries a tabula ansata inscribed JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776, in Roman numerals), the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. A broken chain and shackle lie at her feet as she walks forward, commemorating the national abolition of slavery following the American Civil War.[8] After its dedication the statue became an icon of freedom and of the United States .

Bartholdi and Laboulaye considered how best to express the idea of American liberty.[23] In early American history, two female figures were frequently used as cultural symbols of the nation.[24] One of these symbols, the personified Columbia, was seen as an embodiment of the United States in the manner that Britannia was identified with the United Kingdom, and Marianne came to represent France. Columbia had supplanted the traditional European Personification of the Americas as an "Indian princess", which had come to be regarded as uncivilized and derogatory toward Americans.[24] The other significant female icon in American culture was a representation of Liberty, derived from Libertas, the goddess of freedom widely worshipped in ancient Rome, especially among emancipated slaves. A Liberty figure adorned most American coins of the time,[23] and representations of Liberty appeared in popular and civic art, including Thomas Crawford's Statue of Freedom (1863) atop the dome of the United States Capitol Building.[23]

The statue's design evokes iconography evident in ancient history including the Egyptian goddess Isis, the ancient Greek deity of the same name, the Roman Columbia and the Christian iconography of the Virgin Mary.[25][26]

Liberty is depicted with a raised right foot, showing that she is walking forward amidst a broken shackle and chain.

Interesting right?

As we continue our exploration, I getting more and more curious!!! and saving for later this subject to grasp fully all it's ramifications! :D Merci Madame TH.

 Symbolika1:

DW Studio Update :) !

He looks like TSJ's little white fox 

Xiao Liu never turned around but his herbal scent was very calming


this again is a growth in their relationship. The herbal poch was made by her for him . It is a piece of Xioa l that Jing carries with him all the time.  It is now become " his scent"  and  just  breathing it , is calming to xl.  Jing is not even holding her and already his scent is affecting her. Bringing her peace.  Its remind me of their time in the dragon prison when she felt calm in Jing arms.

@Symbolika1  nice analysis.  I like those point regarding xl want for her freedom and the statue of liberty. 

 peng-peng:

He looks like TSJ's little white fox 

:D Here's for you (while we are off here working on ch11 covering ) some funny and distractive pics , posted by diamonds today :

1/ Create a standy of DW (you can draw it, paint it...wathever!:D) 

2/ take the immemorable pic!!!! XD!

They also shared some fun they had while taking DW standies in subway, for a walk....

hahahahah!!! :D 

 peng-peng:

@Symbolika1  nice analysis.  I like those point regarding xl want for her freedom and the statue of liberty. 

Thank you! <3 I'm on this subject for the w-end, there is more to say and analyse !

 peng-peng:

Xiao Liu never turned around but his herbal scent was very calming


this again is a growth in their relationship. The herbal poch was made by her for him . It is a piece of Xioa l that Jing carries with him all the time.  It is now become " his scent"  and  just  breathing it his calming to xl.  Jing is not even holding her and already his scent is affecting her. Bringing her peace.  Its remind me of their time in the dragon prison when she felt calm in Jing arms.

Yes! the herbal natural scents in  context  tell us a lot about the characters and their relationship! 

The herbal scent represents in its own sensitive way -  the connection between Xiao Liu and Jing, as it is a physical reminder of their bond.

 It signifies comfort, familiarity, pleasurable scent,pleasurable memories and a sense of security. The fact that Jing ,the herbal pouch with him all the time suggests a deep emotional attachment to Xiao Liu. Additionally, the calming effect the scent has on both characters indicates a strong emotional influence, showing how their bond goes beyond mere physical presence and has a profound impact on their well-being.

This smell healthy :D!

 Symbolika1:
this again is a growth in their relationship. The herbal poch was made by her for him . It is a piece of Xioa l that Jing carries with him all the time.  It is now become " his scent"  and  just  breathing it his calming to xl.  Jing is not even holding her and already his scent is affecting her. Bringing her peace.  Its remind me of their time in the dragon prison when she felt calm in Jing arms.

Yes! the herbal natural scents in  context  tell us a lot about the characters and their relationship!

The herbal scent represents in its own sensitive way -  the connection between Xiao Liu and Jing, as it is a physical reminder of their bond.

 It signifies comfort, familiarity, pleasurable scent,pleasurable memories and a sense of security. The fact that Jing ,the herbal pouch with him all the time suggests a deep emotional attachment to Xiao Liu. Additionally, the calming effect the scent has on both characters indicates a strong emotional influence, showing how their bond goes beyond mere physical presence and has a profound impact on their well-being.

This smell healthy :D!

                                                XIAO JinG a NATURAL BOND

                                                           (Herbal scent analysis in Chapter 11)

=> CHAPTER 11: Novel extract : Xiao Liu said nothing more and Shi Qi silently kept Xiao Liu company under the sun. Xiao Liu never turned around but his herbal scent was very calming 

The mention of Xiao Liu's herbal scent in this context is a very subtle and sensory detail that adds depth to the emotional connection between the characters. The herbal scent symbolize Xiao Liu's natural, earthy presence, and  also evoke a sense of comfort in  Shi Qi's presence.

Throughout human history, herbs have played a significant role in various cultures and traditions. They have been used for medicinal purposes, culinary practices, and even in spiritual rituals. The use of herbs dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were valued for their healing properties and their ability to enhance flavor in food. The knowledge of herbs has been passed down through generations, often through oral traditions and written texts, making them an integral part of human history and culture.

One example of the historical use of herbs is the ancient practice of Ayurveda, which originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that utilizes various herbs and natural remedies to promote health and well-being. Herbs such as turmeric, ashwagandha, and holy basil have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments and to promote overall wellness.

For more information on the historical use of herbs in Ayurveda, you can visit the following link: https://www.ayurveda.com/resources/articles/the-history-of-ayurveda

This link provides an overview of the history and principles of Ayurveda, including the traditional use of herbs in this ancient healing system. It offers insights into the historical significance of herbs in Ayurvedic medicine and their enduring role in promoting health and wellness.

=> In the context of Xiao Liu and Shiqi, the association with herbs is showed as a reflection of their deep connection and the richness of their bond. Just as herbs have been valued and passed down through generations, their relationship  carry a sense of tradition and history, rooted in a deep understanding and appreciation for each other. The use of herbs as a symbol for their bond underscores the enduring nature of their connection, suggesting that it is deeply ingrained in their lives and carries a sense of human cultural and historical significance with it's relation to nature and all it's living beings.

Furthermore, the use of herbs in various aspects of human life, such as medicine and culinary practices, relatedsto the multifaceted nature of Xiao Liu and Shiqi's relationship. Just as herbs serve different purposes, their bond may also fulfill various roles in their lives, providing support, nourishment, and healing in different ways. The enduring presence of herbs in human history can be paralleled with the enduring and fundamental nature of Xiao Liu and Shiqi's bond, emphasizing its significance and impact on their lives

In terms of attraction, the herbal scent is a powerful element in creating an intimate and personal connection. A person's natural scent can be deeply evocative and can trigger emotional responses. In this case, Xiao Liu's herbal scent being calming  suggests that it has a soothing and grounding effect on her. It  also signify the grounding and calming effect that their relationship has on them, much like the soothing and aromatic qualities of herbs. 

We see ( we smell... ) that the mention of the herbal scent  also symbolize Xiao Liu's connection to nature, portraying her as someone in tune with the natural world, shared with Shiqi . It suggests a sense of authenticity, groundedness, and a connection to the earth. 

The herbal scent on it's own, has been associated with healing and positive effects for centuries. In traditional medicine systems such as inTraditional Chinese Medicine, various herbs and their scents are used to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. For example, lavender is known for its calming properties, while eucalyptus is often used to clear the respiratory system. The scent of herbs like rosemary and peppermint is believed to enhance mental clarity and focus.

The use of herbs and their scents in aromatherapy is another example of their positive effects. Aromatherapy utilizes essential oils derived from herbs to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate various ailments. The inhalation of herbal scents is believed to stimulate the limbic system, which is involved in emotions and memory, leading to a sense of well-being and balance.

For more information on the healing and positive use of herbal scents, you can visit the following link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/

This link provides a scientific perspective on the therapeutic effects of herbal scents and aromatherapy. It discusses the impact of herbal scents on mood, stress, and overall well-being, highlighting their potential positive effects on human health.

Overall, the inclusion of the herbal scent in the passage is a subtle way to convey the emotional and sensory aspects of attraction and connection betweenXiao Liu and Shiqi. It adds a layer of intimacy and natural allure to the scene, deepening the reader's understanding of the characters' emotional bond.

The container , The herbal pouch given by Xiao Liu to Shiqi is also a Token of love: Chinese perfume pouches, xiangbao, are still valued items which are exchanged between lovers in the countryside. Perfume pouches are also a love token for the ethnic Manchu; and when two youths fall in love, the boy is given a handmade perfume pouch by the girl. It's pretty much used in many drama as a token of love.

Their connection is natural. It is. As is the Sun in the sky, as the grass on fields, as threes in the forest.

 The natural aspect of their connection skillfully described by the auhor in this passage , symbolize an innate harmony and a shared sense of tranquility as  essential to both.

The sun and herbs emphasizes the timeless and essential aspects of their connection. The sun is a symbol of life, warmth, and energy, while herbs are associated with healing, nourishment, and growth. By aligning their bond with these powerful symbols, the author suggests that their connection is not only natural but also vital for their well-being and growth. Just as the sun provides stability and nourishment for the natural world, their bond provides stability and growth for their relationship. This comparison highlights the enduring and fundamental nature of their connection, emphasizing its importance in their lives. Overall, the use of these enduring symbols serves to underscore the deep and essential nature of their bond, portraying it as a fundamental and vital aspect of their lives. 

Conclusion:

By aligning their connection with these enduring symbols (sun -herbs - scent of herbs ) , the author Tong Hua  underscores the enduring and fundamental nature of their bond.: a NATURAL one/A HEALING one. This comparison suggests that their connection is not only natural but also vital, providing a sense of stability and growth, much like the natural world itself

 Symbolika1:
hahahahah!!! :D 

Off to work, have a Happy Day @Peng and Winny !

 Symbolika1:

Off to work, have a Happy Day @Peng and Winny !

Wow i love this standy...

 peng-peng:

Xiao Liu never turned around but his herbal scent was very calming


this again is a growth in their relationship. The herbal poch was made by her for him . It is a piece of Xioa l that Jing carries with him all the time.  It is now become " his scent"  and  just  breathing it his calming to xl.  Jing is not even holding her and already his scent is affecting her. Bringing her peace.  Its remind me of their time in the dragon prison when she felt calm in Jing arms.

It's sensual indeed...how much the herbal scent affect her.

@Symbolika1

In summary, Shi Qi is portrayed as a positive and comforting force, symbolized by the sun and the calming herbal scent. Xiao Liu's loneliness is poignantly depicted as she walks along the river, and the contrast between her solitude and Shi Qi's supportive presence enhances the emotional depth of the scene

Iove this scene. In the scene she was comforted by him but he's still holding those loneliness in him.

And wow the way you compare her sun with face with statue of liberty.  Its interesting.

I’m sure y’all have noticed this, but Xiao Yao is a VERY jealous woman especially when it has to do with Jing..can be quite possessive too. She may say she’s not bothered but her actions says otherwise lol. She does anything/everything to get jing’s attention, when she thinks she’s being ignored or Jing doesn’t care about her. When she FINALLY gets the attention she’s been craving for,she acts up just for her to fall into Jing’s sweet temptation lol. She’s BEEN possessive since day 1

 Romans_Revenge:

I’m sure y’all have noticed this, but Xiao Yao is a VERY jealous woman especially when it has to do with Jing..can be quite possessive too. She may say she’s not bothered but her actions says otherwise lol. She does anything/everything to get jing’s attention, when she thinks she’s being ignored or Jing doesn’t care about her. When she FINALLY gets the attention she’s been craving for,she acts up just for her to fall into Jing’s sweet temptation lol. She’s BEEN possessive since day 1

Yes  lol and she wants him to also be jealous as well. 

@Symbolika1 

The boat passing with Jing on board and then disappearing into the distance creates a sense of longing and anticipation. Love is not just about the moments spent together; it's also about the yearning for each other when apart. The reader feels the emotional weight of their connection as Jing moves away, leaving the anticipation of their next encounter.


I love  this so much. It is so true. The feeling if the both of them longing for each others was very  palpable.