紫霞 (Zǐxiá)

「紫气东来，祥瑞西至」

Purple mist arrives from the east; auspicious signs descend from the west

— Chinese Traditional Blessing

The purple mist from the east symbolizes the arrival of good fortune — 'purple mist from the east' is the most auspicious of omens.

「日照香炉生紫烟，遥看瀑布挂前川」

Sunlight on the Incense Burner Peak gives rise to violet mist; from afar, the waterfall hangs like a silk stream before the cliff

— Li Bai, 'Viewing the Waterfall at Mount Lu'

Sunlight strikes Incense Burner Peak and violet mists rise; in the distance, the waterfall hangs like a white sash draped across the mountain.

「落霞与孤鹜齐飞，秋水共长天一色」

The sunset glow and a lone wild duck fly together; the autumn waters and the vast sky merge into one hue

— Wang Bo, 'Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng'

The evening glow and a solitary duck soar side by side; the autumn river and the endless sky blend into a single color — an immortal masterpiece.

「云霞出海曙，梅柳渡江春」

Clouds and rosy dawn rise from the sea; plum blossoms and willows cross the river bringing spring

— Du Shenyan, 'Replying to Vice-Prefect Lu of Jinling on an Early Spring Outing'

Dawn clouds and rosy light rise from the sea; plum blossoms and willows cross the river, announcing the arrival of spring.