Ci in the Song Dynasty

The origin of ci was inseparable from the popularity of banquet music. Feast was the main occasion for ci performance, and to entertain and amuse the guests was an important function of ci. This context resulted in a sharp contrast between ci and traditional poetry in terms of content, style, and status. Traditionally, “poetry is solemn while ci is flamboyant”. Ci was better at expressing delicate emotions and presenting a subtle and refined style.