September 5, 2026 · 星期六
Returning Swallows
燕子· lovebird, swallow
Today’s episode with Jason & AmySwallows symbolize the arrival of spring and renewal in Chinese culture.
处暑 signals that the oppressive summer heat is finally retreating, with 处 here meaning to halt or withdraw. Mornings and evenings turn crisp, the air loses its heaviness, and the harvest of autumn crops begins.
Coastal communities hold fishing festivals to celebrate the open season, and people eat duck, believed to nourish the body in autumn.
Returning Swallows
燕子yàn zǐ
Swallows, known as 燕子 (yànzi) in Chinese, hold a special place in the cultural tapestry of China. These small, agile birds are not only admired for their graceful flight but also cherished as harbingers of spring. When swallows return to nest under the eaves, it signals the end of winter and the beginning of a new season filled with growth and renewal[1].
The presence of swallows is often associated with good fortune and prosperity. In traditional Chinese architecture, eaves are designed to offer shelter to these birds, reflecting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The belief is that the swallows bring positive energy and blessings to the households they choose to nest in[2]. This connection between swallows and good luck is deeply embedded in Chinese folklore and even literature, where they often symbolize hope and the continuity of life.
The charm of swallows extends into Chinese art and poetry, where they are frequently depicted as symbols of beauty and elegance. Poets have long drawn inspiration from the return of swallows, using them as metaphors for the cycles of life and the enduring spirit of renewal. Their role as messengers of the changing seasons highlights the intricate bond between nature and human emotions, a theme prevalent in many classic Chinese works[3]. By observing these birds, one gains insights into the rhythm of nature and the importance of living in harmony with it.
Today, as swallows continue to inspire, they remind us of the importance of preserving nature and the simple joys that come with the changing seasons. On this day, reflecting on the cultural significance of the 燕 can deepen our appreciation for these remarkable birds and the timeless traditions they represent.
Swallows symbolize the arrival of spring and renewal in Chinese culture.
燕子回来了。
Yànzi huílái le.
The swallows have returned.
- [1] 《诗经》 The Book of Songs
- [2] 《红楼梦》 Dream of the Red Chamber
- [3] 《唐诗三百首》 Three Hundred Tang Poems
Jason & Amy on 燕
Podcast: Dragon Daily: Returning Swallows — and the word 燕
Jason & Amy on Returning Swallows and 燕
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September 5, 2026
This day connects us to Chinese cultural milestones, from influential figures to literary achievements.
Wang Qi (王圻) and Wang Siyi (王思義) (Life time: Wang Qi died in 1612, Wang Siyi is his son and highly unlikely to have lived until 1926.) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain) source Birth of Fan Zhongyan, Influential Chinese Chancellor 范仲淹
Fan Zhongyan was a renowned Chinese chancellor and scholar during the Song Dynasty. Known for his integrity and reforms, he contributed to educational and social improvements.
Fan Zhongyan's legacy includes his famous saying, 'Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures,' which remains influential.
Read moreBirth of Lucille Soong, Chinese-American Actress
Lucille Soong is a Chinese-American actress known for her roles in film and television. She has had a long career in the entertainment industry, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Her contributions to film and television have enriched the representation of Asian culture in global media.
Read more
Carla Amse / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) sourcelicence Birth of Zhang Zhong, Prominent Chinese Chess Player
Zhang Zhong is a notable Chinese chess player who became an International Grandmaster. His participation in major tournaments has brought him recognition in the chess community.
Zhang Zhong's achievements in chess have inspired many young players in China.
Read more
燕子飞得快。
Yànzi fēi de kuài.
The swallow flies fast.
燕子 means swallow, emphasizing its speed.
燕子是春天的信使。
Yànzi shì chūntiān de xìnshǐ.
Swallows are the messengers of spring.
燕子 symbolizes the arrival of spring.
燕子在屋檐下筑巢。
Yànzi zài wūyán xià zhù cháo.
Swallows build nests under the eaves.
燕子 highlights their nesting habit.
燕子象征着生命的循环。
Yànzi xiàngzhēng zhe shēngmìng de xúnhuán.
Swallows symbolize the cycle of life.
燕子 is used metaphorically to express life's cycles.
Comparing with 和
A 和 B 一样 + adjective
This pattern is used to compare two things as being the same in some quality.
Use it to compare the similarity in quality between two nouns.
燕子和麻雀一样小。
Yànzi hé máquè yíyàng xiǎo.
Swallows and sparrows are equally small.
这个城市和那个城市一样美。
Zhège chéngshì hé nàgè chéngshì yíyàng měi.
This city and that city are equally beautiful.
苹果和橙子一样重。
Píngguǒ hé chéngzi yíyàng zhòng.
The apple and the orange weigh the same.
What does 燕 mean?
How is 燕 pronounced?
How do you write "swallow" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
屋檐下有一个___巢。(Under the eaves, there is a ___ nest.)
燕子回来了 — What does this sentence mean?
In Chinese culture, what do swallows symbolize?
Arrange into a correct sentence
What is Fan Zhongyan known for during the Song Dynasty?
What field is Zhang Zhong recognized in?
Frequently asked questions about the word 燕
燕 can also refer to the ancient vassal state of Yan and is used as a surname.
Yes, it is often used in poetry and literary contexts, but not commonly in everyday conversation.
燕 is pronounced as 'yān' with a high level tone.
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Today's Mandarin word: 燕 (yān) — lovebird, swallow.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉