The Book of Odes is a collection of the oldest Chinese poems discovered written between the 7th and 10th centuries B.C. It is considered one of the Five Classics ; five classical Chinese books.
The Book of Odes, cherished as a Confucian classic from the Han Dynasty onward, has captivated generations of Chinese scholars who diligently studied and committed its verses to memory. Despite the seemingly straightforward themes of these poetic songs—often touching on humble, everyday topics—they have historically carried intricate allegorical significance. Each line was heavily laden with moral or political connotations, meticulously interpreting even the tiniest details.
