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Mo Li Hua

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Mo Li Hua is a famous Chinese folk song.

Jasminum sambac04
Jasminum sambac04

It is a type of song called xiaodiao, or "short tune." This music comes from the Jiangnan region. This area is south of the lower Yangtze river. It includes places like Suzhou, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. People love this song because it is a cultural icon. It is a symbol of pride for many in China.

Tunisia jasmine
Tunisia jasmine

The song uses a five-note scale. This is called a pentatonic scale. It is very common in Chinese music. People play the tune on many different instruments. Some use ancient metal bells called bianzhong. Others use modern jade chimes. The song can have different lyrics and melodies. One version describes the custom of giving jasmine flowers. Another longer version tells of the fear of plucking a flower.

Historians have different ideas about when the song began. Many believe it is from the 18th century. This was the time of the Qianlong Emperor. This emperor ruled during the Qing dynasty. However, some experts say it is older. They believe the lyrics appeared during the Ming dynasty. Specifically, they point to the Wanli period from 1563 to 1620. This shows the song has a very long history.

This melody traveled far from China. A British diplomat named John Barrow copied the tune in 1793. He published it in Europe in 1804. He said it was one of the most popular songs in China. The song even served as a temporary national anthem. This happened in Europe around 1896. It was used by Qing officials before 1911. The song is now on a UNESCO list of recommended songs.

Many famous artists have used this music. The composer Giacomo Puccini used it in his 1926 opera, Turandot.

Turandot (Met)
Turandot (Met)

He used the tune to represent the splendor of a princess. The song has also been played at the Olympic Games. It was heard at the 2004 Athens games and the 2008 Beijing games. Even pop bands and solo singers use the melody today. It connects ancient traditions to the modern world.

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🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:Jasmine barrow.svg
Jasmine barrow.svg
File:Tunisia jasmine.jpg
Tunisia jasmine.jpg
File:HK WC Wan Chai 灣仔道 Wan Chai Road shop flowers white 茉莉花 July 2022 Px3 02.jpg
HK WC Wan Chai 灣仔道 Wan Chai Road shop...
File:Jasminum sambac04.jpg
Jasminum sambac04.jpg
File:MaiNessun.jpg
MaiNessun.jpg
File:Turandot (Met).jpg
Turandot (Met).jpg
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