In the ancient Chinese cosmology, astronomy and human history were closely linked, forming a unique set of concepts of time and space. Among them, the measurement of time not only depends on the movement of the sun, moon and stars, but also contains profound cultural significance and symbolism. Nowhere is this more evident than in China's zodiac culture and calendar system.
After the Chinese New Year, people enter a new year, which means a new beginning and the germination of hope. In particular, on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, because the pronunciation of "eight" and "fat" is similar in Chinese, this day is endowed with the beautiful meaning of "fortune day", symbolizing the arrival of wealth and good luck.
In astronomy, the movement of the year star (i.e., Jupiter) is used to identify the year and the zodiac. The Chinese tradition combines the 12 zodiac signs with the sexagenary branches to form a 60-year cycle of Jiazi, which is used to chronicle the year. Jiachen year, specifically refers to the position of the year star in Chen, which is located in the southeast direction, corresponding to the dragon. This year is known as the Year of the Dragon, and the dragon symbolizes auspiciousness and power in Chinese culture.
The path of the star divides the sky into 12 segments, each corresponding to a zodiac, which reflects the ancient people's careful observation and understanding of time and space. The pointing of the bucket handle (i.e., the Big Dipper) further subdivides the time of year, pointing to different constellations (one of the twenty-eight nakshatras that divided the sky in ancient times) to identify the change of months and seasons.
Under such a system, each zodiac year is not only a mark of time, but also carries the observation and expectation of the growth and change of all things in heaven and earth. The arrival of the Year of the Dragon is seen as a symbol of strong vitality and unlimited potential, and people pay special attention to the behaviors and choices that are in line with the celestial phenomena during this year, in order to achieve the best results at the right time, in the right place, and in the right people.
Through the understanding of the laws of the movement of the stars, the ancients combined the macroscopic rhythm of the universe with the specific practice of human society, forming a unique set of time and cosmology, which has a far-reaching influence. In this system, astronomical observation is not only a scientific practice, but also an important part of cultural and philosophical thinking, reflecting the deep understanding and reverence of the ancients for nature and the universe.
Through their observation of the stars, they unlocked the secrets of time and connected them to the land and life. This unique cognition, through the pointing of the bucket handle, connects the fate of each month with the five elements, forming a subtle dialogue between heaven and earth.
The handle, the key that opens the door of time and space, is gently turned, and the dominant force of the month is determined. When it points to Yin, the vitality of Yinmu becomes the melody of that month; Turning to Mao, the warm sunlight of the wood illuminates the earth; And when it stays in Chen, the heaviness of Chentu holds up the footsteps of time. In this cycle, each point of the bucket handle is a whisper of cosmic order, telling people a new beginning.
The year of Jiachen has been endowed with the power of Chentu, and every month of the year is a new chapter. From the weight of the earth of Chenyue, to the enthusiasm of the fire of the moon, to the tenacity of the moon gold, the attributes of each month change in turn, just like a traveler shuttling between different stories, experiencing different customs and customs. And behind all this, it is the silent guardianship of the old man, leading the rhythm of the year.
Sui Jun, this invisible commander, is not only the master of time, but also the teller of good fortune and bad fortune. He gave different powers to each month according to the instructions of the bucket handle. Just like the moon and the moon, the lord of the year uses the power of the earth as the foundation to bring wealth and stability to all beings.
And under such a system, the ancients also learned to talk to nature. For example, in the month of Yin, they will choose a combination of white and earthy yellow to enhance their wealth, because they believe that the choice of color can correspond to the qi of heaven and earth, bringing good fortune and prosperity.
It is believed that everything in heaven and earth is connected to the five elements, and that color, as one of the most intuitive elements of daily life, is naturally endowed with a special meaning. Therefore, in the year of Jiachen, according to the ancient classics and the guidance of the ancestors, people combine the momentum of each month with the five elements, and reconcile their relationship with nature through the color of clothing, in order to prosper in wealth.
With the cycle of years, the first month ushered in the breath of the beginning of spring, and people put on white coats and stepped on earthy yellow shoes to welcome the beginning of the new year. In February, the spring breeze blows, and the white lining is matched with the earthy yellow foot ornaments, looking for the wealth of spring with the principle of native gold. In March, when everything recovers, the earth is full of life, and the black dress of the whole body represents the energy of water, implying that wealth is pouring like water.
In April, when the weather is getting warmer, the combination of black and white, like the alternation of night and day, symbolizes balance and harmony. In May, everything grows vigorously, and the turquoise clothes reflect the vitality of life, with white, implying that gold is born of water and wealth is rolling. On the summer solstice in June, blue clothes and black shoes are like pearls in the abyss, waiting for the brave to explore.
July is hot, red like the summer sun, warm and intense, and the combination of turquoise is like adding fuel to the fire, and wealth is prosperous. August is still the same, the combination of red and green, not less than that year. The autumn wind rises in September, and the earthy yellow clothes with black pants and shoes are like the fruits of the autumn harvest, waiting for the fruits of that season.
In October, when the autumn mood is getting stronger, the yellow clothes and red trousers and shoes are like the sunset reflecting the ripe fields. In November, white clothes and red shoes, like the first snow covering the maple leaves, heralded the last touch of warmth before the cold winter. In December, the combination of white and black is like the silence and anticipation in winter.
This color scheme is not only the pursuit of wealth, but also a philosophy of harmonious coexistence with nature. Although this practice may bring some other imbalances, in that era, people were more interested in being in harmony with heaven and earth, following the rhythm of nature, and finding their own way of wealth.
**From the Internet, if there is any infringement, contact to delete!