The term "Shui Long Yin" literally translates to "Water Loong/Dragon Chant," which might sound confusing to international audiences.
On the one hand, the title implies Tang Lici's identity as a fox loong, and on the other hand, it is related to his flute. Because ancient people used loong chant to describe the sound of the flut.
A famous poem by Li Bai, 笛奏龙吟水,箫鸣凤下空, describes how a flute resembles a dragon's sound, while a xiao (another Chinese flute) evokes the call of a phoenix.
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According to academic research, "Shui Long Yin" first appeared during China's Northern and Southern Dynasties as a piece of Gu-Qin music inspired by "Loong Yin,"meant to evoke the deep, resonant sound of a loong. In the Tang dynasty, this music evolved further, eventually being used in the royal honor guard's music.
"Loong" in Chinese culture, are strongly associated with water, which led to the adaptation of the title as "Shui Long Yin," or "Water Loong/Dragon Chant."
Now, "Shui Long Yin” is well known as one of the titles of Song-Ci, a traditional form of Chinese lyrical poetry. These titles called as "tonal pattern names". While most Song-ci today are read as text, they were originally performed to music, and each tonal pattern name reflects a specific melody.
It's essential to note that “Water Loong/Dragon” here does not mean a literal water dragon; instead, it is a poetic reference tied to musical instruments and cultural symbolism. This meaning is further enriched by the martial art hero Tang Lici, known as a "Fox Loong," whose connection with the flute brings layers of meaning to the title.
In the end, let's savor the most representative poem of "Shui long yin/Water Dragon Chant":
They seem to be but are not flowers.
None pity them when they fall down in showers.
Forsaking leafy home,
By the roadside, they roam.
I think they're fickle, but they've sorrow deep.
Their grief-o'erladen bowels are tender.
Like willow branches slender;
Their leaves like wistful eyes near shut with sleep,
About to open, yet soon closed again.
They dream of drifting with the wind for long.
Long miles to find their men,
But are aroused by Orioles' song.
Grieve not for Willow Catkins flowing away,
But in the western garden, fallen petals are red.
Can't be restored.
When dawns the day
And rain is on; we cannot find their traces.
But in a pond with duckweeds overspread.
Of spring's three graces,
Two have gone with the roadside dust.
And one with waves.
But if you just
Take a close look, then you will never
Find willow down but tears of those who part,
Which drop by drop
Fall without stop.
--[Song Dynasty] Su Shi
Original poem:
《水龙吟》—————作者:
【宋】苏轼 似花还似非花,也无人惜从教坠。
抛家傍路,思量却是,无情有思。
荣损柔肠,困酣娇眼,欲开还闭。
梦随风万里,寻郎去处,又还被、莺呼起。
不恨此花飞尽,恨西园、落红难缀。
晓来雨过,遗踪何在,一池萍碎。
春色三分,二分尘土,一分流水。
细看来,不是杨花,点点是离人泪。
("Shui Long Yin" was announced on November 11, 2023, at Mango TV's Commercial Presentation (芒果驷马难追建群大会). The series began filming on December 2, 2023, and finished on April 24, 2024.)
Author: 风风子
Proofreader: Aristolan ; 玲云永曦
Unofficial - Unprofessional - For reference only
