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The Classic of Poetry contains the oldest chronologically authenticated Chinese poems. The majority of the Odes date to the Western Zhou period (1046–771 BC). A final section of 5 "Eulogies of Shang" purports to be ritual songs of the Shang Dynasty as handed down by their descendents in the state of Song, but is generally considered quite late in date. According to the Eastern Han scholar Zheng Xuan, the latest material in the Shijing was the song "Tree-stump Grove" (株林) in the "Odes of Chen", dated to the middle of the Spring and Autumn Period (c. 700 BC).
Ah! Solemn is the clear temple,
reverent and concordant the illustrious assistants.
Dignified, dignified are the many officers,
holding fast to the virtue of King Wen.
Responding in praise to the one in Heaven,
they hurry swiftly within the temple.
Greatly illustrious, greatly honored,
may never be weary of men.
| Part | Number and meaning | Date (BC) |
|---|---|---|
| 國風/国风 Guó fēng | 160 "Airs of the States" | 8th to 7th century |
| 小雅 Xiǎo yǎ | 74 "Lesser Court Hymns" | 9th to 8th century |
| 大雅 Dà yǎ | 31 "Major Court Hymns" | 10th to 9th century |
| 周頌/周颂 Zhōu sòng | 31 "Eulogies of Zhou" | 11th to 10th century |
| 魯頌/鲁颂 Lǔ sòng | 4 "Eulogies of Lu" | 7th century |
| 商頌/商颂 Shāng sòng | 5 "Eulogies of Shang" | 7th century |
The content of the Poetry can be divided into two main sections: the "Airs of the States", and the eulogies and hymns. The "Airs of the States" are shorter lyrics in simple language that are generally ancient folk songs which record the voice of the common people. They often speak of love and courtship, longing for an absent lover, soldiers on campaign, farming and housework, and political satire and protest. On the other hand, songs in the two "Hymns" sections and the "Eulogies" section tend to be longer ritual or sacrificial songs, usually in the forms of courtly panegyrics and dynastic hymns which praise the founders of the Zhou dynasty. They also include hymns used in sacrificial rites and songs used by the aristocracy in their sacrificial ceremonies or at banquets.
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