"Tian chang di jiu" literally means that heaven and earth have existed for an extremely long time, describing a duration of immense length. It comes from Chapter 7 of the Laozi: "Heaven and earth are long-lasting. The reason heaven and earth can be long-lasting is that they do not live for themselves, and therefore they can endure." Originally it meant that heaven and earth do not exist for their own sake, and thus can endure forever. Later it was mostly used to describe emotions, friendships, or enterprises that remain as eternal and unchanging as heaven and earth, and it is especially often used in vows of love or blessings for a happy marriage. Usage scenarios include wedding blessings, confessions between lovers, and descriptions of deep friendship or long-lasting careers. Its emotional tone is generally positive, carrying a sense of romance, solemnity, and beauty. In cultural background, heaven and earth in Chinese philosophy symbolize eternity and inclusiveness, so this idiom carries people's beautiful longing for enduring constancy.
📝 Example
1. They made a vow to love each other forever, determined to spend their lives together. (Describing everlasting love)
2. May our friendship last forever, no matter how far apart we are, we will always care for each other. (Describing enduring friendship)