Willow in Tang Poetry: Cultural and Emotional Dimensions

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the symbolic meanings of the word “willow” (柳) in Tang Dynasty Chinese poetry. The research is grounded on the observation that this symbol has often been narrowly interpreted within the themes of parting and sorrow, despite its broader usage across various poems. Employing the theoretical framework of Symbolic Interactionism by Herbert Blumer, this qualitative study analyzes 22 selected poems from the classical anthology Tang Shi that prominently feature the term “柳” The findings reveal that the willow serves as a multifaceted symbol expressing internal states and social contexts in 11 thematic dimensions: farewell, homesickness, the arrival of spring, femininity, mourning for the homeland, tranquility, loneliness, the Cold Food Festival, emotional indifference, and the appreciation of natural beauty and memory. These diverse symbolic interpretations suggest that “柳” does not possess a fixed meaning but is shaped through the dynamic interaction between poets and their sociocultural contexts. This research thus contributes to expanding the interpretive boundaries of classical Chinese literary symbolism and proposes a culturally and socially grounded approach to literary analysis.