Chinese idiom · 成语
普天同庆
Meaning
All under heaven rejoice together; universal celebration.
Character by character
Origin and story
Historical accountThe Sanguozhi (三國志), volume 26, records the expression in Guo Huai’s biography, with 溥 in place of 普. Guo Huai is sent to congratulate Cao Pi on becoming emperor, but illness delays his journey. Cao Pi challenges his late arrival when everyone under heaven is celebrating, invoking the old story of a ruler who executed a tardy lord.
Guo Huai answers diplomatically: the present reign resembles the virtuous age of the sage rulers, so he expects their humane treatment rather than such punishment. Cao Pi is pleased and promotes him. The phrase subsequently became a grand description of shared public celebration. Its sweeping language is ceremonial, not a literal assertion that every individual feels the same joy.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
看着各地迎接新年的直播，奶奶笑着说：今天真是普天同庆。
Watching live broadcasts of New Year celebrations around the world, Grandma smiled and said, 'Today really is a celebration everywhere.'
An expansive, festive expression, usually for major public occasions.