"Meng Jiangnu" is one of the representative pieces of the Han folk song minor genre. It is sung throughout the vast areas of the Han nationality across the country. In some areas, it is also called "Meng Jiangnu Cries over the Great Wall" or "Meng Jiangnu's Flower Name in December" .

The folk song uses the "December Style" to describe a migrant worker named Wan Qiliang (also known as Wan Xiliang and Fan Qiliang) who was arrested to build the Great Wall. His wife Meng Jiangnu missed her so much that she searched for her husband thousands of miles away. tragic story. Some also use the "Four Seasons Style", that is, the story is sung in four sections divided into spring, summer, autumn and winter.

This folk song has been circulated in various places. Wherever the theme is basically similar, the tune has not changed much. They are all variations of the same musical theme. Due to the graceful and smooth melody of this folk song and the strict logical relationship of its structure, it has been widely spread with many different lyrics since the 20th century.

At the same time, it has been quoted in some operas and folk art singing, and its influence is far-reaching. The whole song has four phrases, each of four measures, with a well-proportioned structure, a moderate range and a singing quality.

The four phrases constitute a typical "succession, transition, and union" relationship. The melodious narrative tone incorporates euphemistic and lyrical pentatonic progression. The reason why it is loved by so many people is also It's very natural.

The influence of "Meng Jiangnu" in later generations

The legend of Meng Jiangnu crying at the Great Wall is widely circulated among the people. Her husband Fan Xiliang was recruited by the King of Wei to build the Great Wall (now the border between Weihui and Huixian) The Great Wall of the Warring States Period) died of fatigue and hunger and was buried under the Great Wall.

Meng Jiangnu searched for her husband and cried to the Weihuichi Mountain section of the Great Wall. She moved heaven and earth and cried when the Great Wall collapsed, revealing her husband's bones. The story is still spread in Wainao Village, Weihuichishan Township. On the mountain, you can see the teardrop stone where Meng Jiangnu cried and collapsed the Great Wall. Xinxiang urban area has names such as Mengjiangnu River, Mengjiangnu Road, and Mengjiangnu Bridge.

The state attaches great importance to the protection of intangible cultural heritage. On May 20, 2006, the Legend of Meng Jiangnu was approved by the State Council to be included in the first batch of cultural relics. On July 16, 2014, the legend of Meng Jiangnu was officially included in the fourth batch of national intangible cultural heritage list. Meng Jiangnu’s hometown is Chayekou Town, Laiwu City, Shandong Province (Laiwu was called Yingmu in ancient times).

Reference for the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia-Meng Jiangnu