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Source-verified collection

Chinese Poems and Quotes About Commitment and Marriage

These lines range from private promises to traditional wedding blessings. The original wording and source remain visible so romantic use does not erase historical context.

I want to grow old with you A Chinese wedding blessing Love that lasts a lifetime

Original lines

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4 curated lines

✓ Verified sourceBilingual

愿得一心人，白头不相离。

Yuàn dé yī xīn rén, bái tóu bù xiāng lí.

Close English reading

May I find one true-hearted person and never part until our hair turns white.

Plain meaningI want a faithful love that lasts for life.

Source

Traditionally attributed to Zhuo Wenjun· Han dynasty · Baitou Yin (Song of White Hair)

New Songs from a Jade Terrace

Why it fitsA direct wish for one faithful partner and a lifetime without separation.

Original context and translation note

皑如山上雪，皎若云间月。闻君有两意，故来相决绝。愿得一心人，白头不相离。

The attribution to Zhuo Wenjun is traditional; the line is presented with the source used by the Chinese corpus.

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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✓ Verified sourceBilingual

两情若是久长时，又岂在朝朝暮暮。

Liǎng qíng ruò shì jiǔ cháng shí, yòu qǐ zài zhāo zhāo mù mù.

Close English reading

If two hearts are meant to last, why must they be together morning and evening?

Plain meaningTrue love can endure distance and time apart.

Source

Qin Guan· Northern Song dynasty · Immortal at the Magpie Bridge

Huaihai Ci

Why it fitsIt argues that lasting affection is not measured only by constant physical presence.

Original context and translation note

金风玉露一相逢，便胜却人间无数。两情若是久长时，又岂在朝朝暮暮。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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✓ Verified sourceBilingual

死生契阔，与子成说。执子之手，与子偕老。

Sǐ shēng qì kuò, yǔ zǐ chéng shuō. Zhí zǐ zhī shǒu, yǔ zǐ xié lǎo.

Close English reading

Through life and death, union and separation, I made this pledge with you: holding your hand, I will grow old with you.

Plain meaningI promise to stand with you through life and grow old together.

Source

Anonymous· Pre-Qin China · Ji Gu (Drums)

The Book of Songs

Why it fitsIts language of pledge, hand-holding, and growing old together makes it a powerful expression of enduring commitment.

Original context and translation note

死生契阔，与子成说。执子之手，与子偕老。

The poem's original setting is separation in military service, which gives the promise a more difficult context than a simple wedding slogan.

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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✓ Verified sourceBilingual

桃之夭夭，灼灼其华。之子于归，宜其室家。

Táo zhī yāo yāo, zhuó zhuó qí huá. Zhī zǐ yú guī, yí qí shì jiā.

Close English reading

The peach tree is young and lovely, its blossoms bright. This young woman goes to her marriage; may she bring harmony to her household.

Plain meaningMay the marriage be joyful and the new home flourish.

Source

Anonymous· Pre-Qin China · Tao Yao (The Peach Tree)

The Book of Songs

Why it fitsOne of the best-known traditional Chinese wedding blessings, joining bright blossoms with a harmonious household.

Original context and translation note

桃之夭夭，灼灼其华。之子于归，宜其室家。

English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.

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Translation note: These English readings are original explanations prepared for Gu Ren Said. The Chinese original and source are the authoritative objects being verified; literary translations can reasonably differ.

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