Abstract:
Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches is an ancient Chinese system used to record years, months, days, and hours. There are ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches, which are combined in order to form a 60-cycle period to represent time. "Yi Si Year, Bing Zi Month, Ding Wei Day" is a specific combination of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. Yi belongs to the wood element, and Si corresponds to the snake; Bing belongs to the fire element, and Zi corresponds to the rat; Ding belongs to the fire element, and Wei corresponds to the sheep. This combination reflects the characteristics of wood-fire and fire-earth mutual generation. In Chinese culture, this day has specific auspicious or inauspicious meanings. Yi wood and Bing fire symbolize growth and brightness, while Zi rat and Wei sheep represent wisdom and gentleness. It is considered an auspicious day for starting new projects, holding celebrations, and making important decisions. Its five elements properties also have an impact on personal fortune. Historically, this day has also held significant importance, being used as an auspicious day for coronations, grand weddings, and other major ceremonies. Some important historical figures were born or died on this day, making it even more special.
Basic Concepts of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches
Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches is a system used in ancient Chinese calendar to record years, months, days, and hours. There are ten Heavenly Stems, namely Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui; and twelve Earthly Branches, namely Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai. These stems and branches are combined in a certain order, forming a cycle of 60, used to represent time.
The Combination of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches on "Yi Si Year, Bing Zi Month, Ding Wei Day"
"Yi Si Year, Bing Zi Month, Ding Wei Day" is a specific day in the combination of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. Yi is the second in the Heavenly Stems, representing the wood element; Si is the sixth in the Earthly Branches, corresponding to the snake; Bing is the third in the Heavenly Stems, representing the fire element; Zi is the first in the Earthly Branches, corresponding to the rat; Ding is the fourth in the Heavenly Stems, representing the fire element; Wei is the eighth in the Earthly Branches, corresponding to the sheep. The combination of this day reflects the characteristics of wood-fire mutual generation and fire-earth mutual generation.
Cultural Significance of "Yi Si Year, Bing Zi Month, Ding Wei Day"
In Chinese culture, "Yi Si Year, Bing Zi Month, Ding Wei Day" is believed to have specific auspicious or inauspicious meanings. The combination of Yi wood and Bing fire symbolizes growth and brightness, while the combination of Zi rat and Wei sheep represents wisdom and gentleness. This day is considered an auspicious day for starting new projects, holding celebrations, and making important decisions. At the same time, according to Feng Shui, the five elements properties of this day also have some influence on personal fortune.
Status of "Yi Si Year, Bing Zi Month, Ding Wei Day" in History
"Yi Si Year, Bing Zi Month, Ding Wei Day" also played an important role in history. In some important events and changes in Chinese history, this day was regarded as an auspicious day and was used to hold coronations, grand weddings, and other major ceremonies. Additionally, some important historical figures chose this day to be born or pass away, making this day have a special status in history.
References from Ancient Texts on the Ding Wei Day:
The "San Ming Tong Hui" mentions about the Ding Wei day in the month of Zi:“People born on the Ding Wei day, regardless of gender, are generally steady, handle affairs with proper measures, and have a spirit of progress. However, they may also be self-centered and stubborn.”
"San Ming Tong Hui - The Breakdown of the Six Ding Days at the Ding Wei Hour":
“On the Ding Wei day and hour, the eight specialties are overly strong, early destroying parents, wife, and children, with average income and livelihood, suitable for becoming a monk or a Taoist. If the pillars are connected with metal, water, and wood, and there is a metal-water transport, then the income and livelihood will be stable, and great wealth will follow.”
"San Ming Tong Hui - On the Day Pillar":
“[Ding Wei]: A medium-level day pillar, with a difference in yin and yang, but possibly leading to disharmony between husband and wife. Ding Wei people stand on the bridge of painting, seated on the crown, with food god, sibling, and shadowy minister. With the wind of Xun accompanied by clouds and rain, the sun loses its luster, causing poverty and hardship. In the months of Si and Wu, it breaks the family's heritage, and one must build their own household. Ding Wei is strong, noble, and full of danger.”
"The Secret Techniques in the Chest Box":
“When the Star Ji meets Ding, carefully examine, and the fire of Si and Wu is the worst. Those with this in their birth chart often suffer misfortune, poverty, disasters, and short lives.” This is a saying about the Ding Wei day when born in the month of Yin.
"The Book of Wealth and Prosperity":
Although there is no direct commentary on the Ding Wei day, there are statements like “The shape of Ding fire is a single lamp, and when the sun appears, it steals the light. When it is timely, it can forge a thousand catties of iron, but when it is out of season, it cannot melt an inch of gold.” These descriptions help understand the characteristics of Ding fire in the Ding Wei day.
"The Poetry of Ding Fire":
“Song for the Ding Wei Day (Standing on the Bridge of Painting): Couples who are both strong will inevitably face punishment and separation, with severe conflicts and damage. A female sword is good to assist, fearing water and loving wood, revealing metal brings luck. When the food god is strong, it surpasses wealth and officials, crossing the river and bowing before the golden palace. With the wind of Xun accompanying clouds and rain, the sun steals the brilliance, leading to poverty and hardship.”
