Comments and Annotations

The present song is cited from the 51st page of History of Zhejiang Songs and Ballads (《浙江歌谣源流史》) by Zhu Qiufeng. The song first appeared in Records of Mores (《风土记》) by Zhou Chu (周处, 236-297). It is a vow of devotion to be taken at the Yues’ friend-making rite. Featuring a simple style and expressiveness involving such devices as metonymy, it vividly reflects the values of the Yues, who cherish equality, sincerity and friendship.

Records of Mores includes a brief introduction to the song, which goes as follows: The Yues are frank in nature and true to themselves. Newly-made friends are to perform a rite, at which they take the vow after dog and chicken are offered as sacrifice to the deity embodied by the altar.