Hua Mulan
Hua Mulan is a heroine from ancient Chinese folklore. Her story first appeared in the "Ballad of Mulan," a long poem from the Northern Dynasties period, which tells the tale of her legendary deeds of taking her father's place in the army and defending her country. Mulan's story is more than just a legend; it is rich in cultural and social significance. Her character represents the bravery and wisdom of women, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Mulan's filial piety and patriotism have become virtues admired by later generations, inspiring countless people.
The Story of Hua Mulan
In ancient China, nomadic tribes from the north constantly invaded the central plains. To resist these invaders, the emperor ordered a nationwide conscription, requiring each household to send one man to join the army. Mulan's father was the only male in her family, but he was elderly and frail. To protect her father, Mulan decided to disguise herself as a man and take his place in the army.
Mulan cut her long hair, donned her father's armor, bid farewell to her family, and set off to join the military. She trained and fought alongside her comrades, and through her wisdom and bravery, she achieved great feats on the battlefield. After more than a decade, the war finally ended. Mulan was honored for her service, but she declined high-ranking positions and wealth, wishing only to return home and reunite with her family.
Upon returning home, Mulan changed back into her women's clothes and revealed her identity to her fellow soldiers, who were all impressed by her courage and filial piety. Mulan's story has been passed down through the ages, becoming a legendary tale known throughout China, and she is seen as a symbol of female resilience and filial devotion.
South Coast Chinese Orchestra and "Hua Mulan"
The original musical "Mulan," launched by the South Coast Chinese Orchestra in 2019, consists of four chapters. In the first chapter, "War-torn State," set against the backdrop of that era, Mulan demonstrates outstanding filial piety. At home, she holds deep respect for her parents and adheres to family rules. When her elderly father, due to his aging and frail condition, is conscripted into the military, Mulan hesitates not and willingly takes his place, embodying selfless dedication to her family. This essence is further captured in the second chapter, "Fight in Father’s Honor." She forsakes her identity as a daughter, choosing to fulfill her father's duties with strength and wisdom. On the battlefield, she displays unwavering bravery, giving her all for the country and her family. Mulan's actions not only exemplify loyalty to her family but also represent the highest embodiment of traditional filial piety, as portrayed in the third and fourth chapters, "Battles Against the Huns at Yan Mountains" and "Grand Triumph." Through her resilience and selfless sacrifice, she epitomizes the true essence of filial piety, becoming a revered exemplar of a "filial daughter" in historical legends.
On October 12, 2024, the South Coast Chinese Orchestra will present the original musical "Legend," with "Hua Mulan" as part of this production. The South Coast Chinese Cultural Center cordially invites everyone to attend and watch the performance. Stay tuned for more details about the event.
圖片出處: 贏家財富網
花木蘭
花木蘭是中國古代民間傳說中的一位女英雄。她的故事最早見於《木蘭辭》，一首北朝時期的長詩，講述了她代父從軍、保家衛國的傳奇經歷。花木蘭的故事不僅僅是一個傳奇，更蘊含了豐富的文化和社會意義。她的形象代表了女性的勇敢和智慧，挑戰了傳統的性別角色和社會期望。花木蘭的孝順和愛國精神也成為後世推崇的美德，激勵了無數人。
花木蘭的故事
在古代中國，北方的遊牧民族不斷入侵中原。為了抵禦外敵，皇帝下令全國徵兵，每家每戶必須派出一名男子參軍。花木蘭的父親是家中唯一的男性，但他年事已高，體弱多病。為了保護父親，木蘭決定女扮男裝，代替父親參軍。
木蘭剪去長髮，穿上父親的盔甲，告別家人，踏上了從軍的道路。她在軍營中和戰友們一起訓練、作戰，並憑藉智慧和勇敢在戰場上立下了赫赫戰功。十多年後，戰爭終於結束，木蘭因功受封，但她拒絕了高官厚祿，只希望回到家鄉，與家人團聚。
回到家中，木蘭換回女裝，向戰友們揭示了自己的身份，大家都對她的勇敢和孝順表示欽佩。木蘭的故事流傳千古，成為中國家喻戶曉的傳奇，並被視為女性堅韌、孝順的象徵。
南海岸中華樂團與《花木蘭》
南海岸中華樂團於2019年推出的原創音樂劇《花木蘭》。這部原創音樂劇由四個樂章組成。在首樂章《戰國之亂》的時代背景下，木蘭展現了卓越的“孝”德。在家中，她敬重父母，順從家規。當父親因年邁體弱而被徵召入伍時，木蘭毫不猶豫地替代父親，體現了對家庭的無私奉獻。這也是第二樂章《孝女從征》的精華所在。她放棄了女兒的身份，選擇用堅強和智慧去履行父親的職責。在戰場上，她英勇無畏，為國家和家人拼盡全力。木蘭的行為不僅是對家庭的忠誠，更是對傳統“孝”的最高詮釋。這也是在第三與第四樂章《燕山胡騎》、《大軍凱旋》中所展現的內容。她通過自己的堅韌和無私的犧牲，彰顯了“孝”的真正內涵，成為歷史傳說中一個令人敬仰的“孝女”典範。
2024年10月12日，南海岸中華樂團將推出原創音樂劇《傳奇》，《花木蘭》將是《傳奇》中的一部分，南海岸中華文化中心誠邀大家前來捧場觀看，更多演出細節敬請期待。
圖片出處: KKNews