小别胜新婚
释义 DEFINITION
字面含义：夫妻短暂分别后的重逢，比新婚时更甜蜜。
现代网络用法：现泛指任何亲密关系（包括朋友、同事、恋人）在短暂分离后，重逢时会产生新鲜感和愉悦感。
使用场景：常用于社交媒体中描述久别重逢的友情/爱情，或疫情期间异地恋人的见面场景。
DEFINITION
Literal meaning: 'A short separation surpasses the sweetness of a new marriage'
Modern interpretation: The joy of reunion after temporary separation in any close relationship (friends, colleagues, lovers).
Cultural note: Originally describing married couples in ancient China, now widely used for various relationships in digital age, especially popular during COVID lockdowns when people experienced prolonged separation.
ETYMOLOGY
This phrase originated from 13th century Chinese drama The Romance of West Chamber, initially depicting restrained marital love in feudal society. Its modern revival came through:
1. COVID-era Weibo post showing reunion hotpot with friends after 70-day lockdown, going viral with caption "newlywed-style friendship"
2. Bilibili vlog series Long-Distance Love Diaries where viewers spam this phrase during reunion scenes
3. 2022 Baidu Tieba trend of "separation literature" depicting coworkers' post-holiday returns or college students homecoming
Cultural shift: Now applies to various relationships beyond marriage, reflecting modern China's mobile population and digital communication habits. The phrase captures that bittersweet joy when video calls finally turn into real hugs.