In the distant and mysterious ancient China, we live a group of unique and persistent figures - the watchmen. They wandered in the night, using the ingenious combination of ancient rituals and technology to present time, bringing a touch of peace of mind and comfort to the people of that era.
In that era of material scarcity, the work of watchmen was particularly important. They play the role of urban agitators, awakening the sleeping city through symbolic percussions. Their mission is not only to remind people of the change of time period, but also to provide the necessary elements for the basic functioning of society.
It's just that the years that fly from time to time have witnessed the development of science and technology and the changes of the years. The role of the former city timekeeper has gradually been replaced by modern clocks. Nowadays, it is rare to see them holding gongs and drums, shuttling through the night. However, those swaying years are still worth reminiscing and exploring.
Today, I will reveal to you how the ancient watchmen established the secret of time through precise methods. The mastery of this technology undoubtedly reflects their ingenuity and respect for time. Next, please follow in my footsteps and go back to that glorious time together, and explore how the watchman skillfully used the will of heaven and earth to accurately control time.
First of all, let's review the source of wisdom of the ancient watchmen - astronomical observations. At that time, the sky of the city was full of stars, and those watchmen who were familiar with the laws of the stars integrated the brilliance of the stars into their deep perception, so as to ** and store every moment of time flowing.
During the Tang Dynasty, there was a watchman named Li Chunfeng, who had an outstanding talent for astronomical observations. He was admired for his keen insight into the position and brightness of the stars, and for accurately predicting the timing of solar and lunar eclipses. For this reason, people affectionately refer to him as "Mr. Astronomy".
Secondly, the water leak is another veritable assistant to the watchman. This miraculous instrument is often placed next to the watchman to measure time. Water leaks reflect the time based on changes in the flow of water, and there is a timepiece next to the water leak for those who pay attention to the regular changes in the water level to know the progress of time.
Finally, the watchman also keenly perceives the changes in time from listening to sounds. They hold huge drumsticks and bell hammers in their hands, and they strike as frequently as if they were playing to the sky, and the number and force of the strikes vary depending on the time of day. During the Qing Dynasty, for example, the watchmen in Beijing would beat the drum once at the beginning of the night, twice at 8 o'clock, and three times at 9 o'clock. This way of changing the number and force of the strikes according to the different chirps allows the beater to perceive the moment with his or her ears.
It can be said that these methods ensured the accuracy and traceability of time to a certain extent, and provided the necessary guarantee for life and production at that time. However, as the wheel of history rolls forward, people's requirements for accuracy have become more and more stringent, so the traditional beating has gradually faded out of the people's sight, replaced by modern precision instruments.
Although this transformation and the progress of the times have brought convenience, have we forgotten the admiration and awe for time?No matter where we are, we should remember the professionalism and time-based outlook of the watchmen, and pass them on. Perhaps, that is our deepest affection and respect for time.