Many foreigners are interested in the various types of facial make-up used in Beijing Opera, as the make一up represents the personalities of different characters. But do you know the implications of some Chinese words and phrases related to the types of make-up in real life?
许多外国朋友对京剧脸谱非常感兴趣.因为它们代表了不同人物的性格你知道吗，汉语中的一些相关词语在实际生活中具有丰富的含义.
One Saturday evening, Jack London, a young American man who was studying Chinese in a Beijing university, went to a theater to see Huarong Path, a famous Beijing Opera, with his Chinese friend, Chen Liang. Before the show, Chen introduced the opera's plot to Jack.
The story was set in China's Three Kingdoms Period. Guan Yu, a valiant general of the State of Shu, fought a battle with Cao Cao, king
of the State of Wei. Guan finally captured Cao Cao. However, due to his respect for the king, Guan was not hard-hearted enough to kill Cao Cao, so he let him go. "I like the interesting story. The scene must be grand," said Jack.
The opera began. Jack saw two actors singing on the stage, one with a white face, holding a double-edged sword; the other,
red-faced, weaving a broadsword. Jade could not understand what
they were singing.
"Chen Liang, which one is Guan Yu?" Jade asked
'The red-faced one, of course!"
"Why?"
"Oh, I forgot to tell you the types of facial make-up of Beijing Opera represent the personalities of different characters. Generally,
red stands for loyalty and braveness; and white, treachery. Therefore, positive characters like Guan Yu are red faced . and negative characters. like Cao Cao. are white faced.
"Oh, I see. I understand Chinese people like the color of red. Are there any black-faced characters in Beijing Opera?"
"Yes, there are. One example is Bao Zheng, a well-known, upright official of the Song Dynasty’
"So red- and black-faced characters are heroes."
"You said it."
The opera ended. Although Jack had a hard time understanding it, he appreciated the wonderful music, dances and costumes.
Beijing Opera, he thought, was worthy of the praise of being "quintessential Chinese culture."
On their way home, Chen asked Jack, "Do you know the implications of the Chinese phrases’唱红脸(chang hongll}3nl'
and’唱白脸(chang bail石n1?' The former means to treat or persuade others with a mild attitude; the latter, to threaten others
with an unyielding attitude."
Said Jack, with a smile, "So, you are a 'red-faced' man, aren't you?"
"Of course I am!" Chen patted his friend on the shoulder.
