Tianwen Xun (Treatise on Celestial Patterns)

掩茂之歲：歲小饑，有兵，蠶不登，麥不為，菽昌，民食七升，戌。在壬曰玄黓。

In a Yanmao year: a small famine and wars, silkworms do not yield, wheat does not mature, beans flourish, and the people's food is seven sheng. It corresponds to Xu. In terms of the stems, it is called Xuan Yi for Ren.

大淵獻之歲：歲有大兵，大饑，蠶開，菽、麥不為，禾蟲，民食三升。

In a Dayuanxian year: there are great wars and a great famine, silkworms open, beans and wheat do not mature, grain breeds insects, and the people's food is three sheng.

困敦之歲：歲大霧起，大水出，蠶、稻、菽、麥昌，民食三鬥，子。在癸曰昭陽。

In a Kundun year: a great fog rises and great floods come out, silkworms, rice, beans and wheat flourish, and the people's food is three dou. It corresponds to Zi. In terms of the stems, it is called Zhao Yang for Gui.

赤奮若之歲：歲有小兵，早水，蠶不出，稻疾，菽不為，麥昌，民食一升。

In a Chifenruo year: there are small wars, early flood, silkworms do not come out, rice has blight, beans do not mature, wheat flourishes, and the people's food is one sheng.

正朝夕，先樹一表東方，操一表卻去前表十步，以參望日始出北廉。日直入，又樹一表於東方，因西方之表以參望日，方入北廉則定東方。兩表之中，與西方之表，則東西之正也。日冬至，日出東南維，入西南維。至春、秋分，日出東中，入西中。夏至，出東北維，入西北維，至則正南。

To fix the east-west line, first set up a gnomon in the east, then take another gnomon and move it ten paces back from the first one, and use it to sight the northern edge of the sun when it has just risen. When the sun enters the line straight, set up another gnomon in the east, and sighting the sun with the gnomon in the west, when it enters the northern edge exactly, the east is fixed. The middle between the two gnomons and the gnomon in the west is the true east-west line. At the winter solstice the sun rises at the southeast corner and sets at the southwest corner. At the spring and autumn equinoxes the sun rises due east and sets due west. At the summer solstice it rises at the northeast corner and sets at the northwest corner, and when it reaches due south it is at its meridian.

欲知東西、南北廣袤之數者，立四表以為方一里韻，先春分若秋分十餘日，從韻北表參望日始出及旦，以候相應，相應則此與日直也。輒以南表參望之，以入前表數為法，除舉廣，除立表袤，以知從此東西之數也。假使視日出，入前表中一寸，是寸得一里也。一里積萬八千寸，得從此東萬八千里。視日方入，入前表半寸，則半寸得一里。半寸而除一里積寸，得三萬六千里，除則從此西里數也。並之東西里數也，則極徑也。未春分而直，已秋分而不直，此處南也。未秋分而直，已春分而不直，此處北也。分、至而直，此處南北中也。從中處欲知中南也，未秋分而不直，此處南北中也。從中處欲知南北極遠近，從西南表參望日，日夏至始出與北表參，則是東與東北表等也，正東萬八千里，則從中北亦萬八千里也。倍之，南北之裡數也。其不從中之數也，以出入前表之數益損之，表入一寸，寸減日近一里，表出一寸，寸益遠一里。

If you want to know the extent of east-west and north-south, set up four gnomons to make a square one li on a side, and for ten or so days before the spring or autumn equinox, sight the sun from the north gnomon of the square at the time of sunrise and dawn, and wait for correspondence; when they correspond, this point and the sun are in one straight line. Then sight with the south gnomon, take the amount it enters in front of the first gnomon, divide it by the width taken, divide it by the height of the gnomon set up, and thus know the figure from here toward east and west. If, for instance, looking at sunrise, it enters the front gnomon by one inch, then one inch gives one li. A li accumulates eighteen thousand inches, so you obtain eighteen thousand li eastward from here. Looking at the sun exactly as it sets, if it enters the front gnomon by half an inch, then half an inch gives one li. Dividing the accumulated inches of one li by half an inch, you obtain thirty-six thousand li, and what is obtained from the division is the li to the west from here. Adding them together gives the east-west distance in li, which is also the diameter of the pole. If it is straight before the spring equinox and still not straight after the autumn equinox has passed, this place is in the south. If it is straight before the autumn equinox and still not straight after the spring equinox has passed, this place is in the north. If it is straight at the equinoxes and solstices, this place is in the middle between north and south. If from the middle you want to know a southward offset, and it is not straight before the autumn equinox, this is also a situation of the same kind as being in the middle between north and south. If from the middle you wish to know the distance to the north and south poles, sight the sun from the southwest gnomon; when the sun at the summer solstice has just risen and lines up with the north gnomon, then east is equal to the northeast gnomon, with true east at eighteen thousand li, so from the middle going north is also eighteen thousand li. Doubling it gives the north-south distance in li. For those not at the middle, add or subtract according to the amount that enters or leaves the front gnomon: if the gnomon enters one inch, subtract one li for each inch nearer the sun; if the gnomon goes out one inch, add one li for each inch farther.

欲知天之高，樹表高一丈，正南北相去千里，同日度其陰，北表一尺，南表尺九寸，是南千里陰短寸，南二萬裡則無景，是直日下也。陰二尺而得高一丈者，南一而高五也，則置從此南至日下里數，因而五之，為十萬裡，則天高也。若使景與表等，則高與遠等也。

To know the height of Heaven, set up a gnomon one zhang high, with a distance of a thousand li due north and south between them, and measure its shadow on the same day. The north gnomon's shadow is one foot and the south gnomon's shadow is one foot nine inches. This means that for each thousand li to the south the shadow shortens by one inch; at twenty thousand li to the south there is no shadow, which is directly under the sun. If the shadow is two feet and the gnomon is one zhang, then the ratio is one to five south, so multiply the li from here southward to directly under the sun by five, giving one hundred thousand li, which is the height of Heaven. If the shadow equals the gnomon, then the height equals the distance.

孟春之月，招搖指寅，昏參中，旦尾中。其位東方，其日甲乙，盛德在木，其蟲鱗，其音角，律中太蔟，其數八，其味酸，其臭羶，其祀戶，祭先脾。東風解凍，蟄蟲始振蘇，魚上負冰，獺祭魚，候鴈北。天子衣青衣，乘蒼龍，服蒼玉，建青旗，食麥與羊，服八風水，爨萁燧火，東宮御女青色，衣青採，鼓琴瑟，其兵矛，其畜羊，朝於青陽左丟，以出春令。布德施惠，行慶賞，省徭賦。立春之日，天子親率三公九卿大夫以迎歲於東郊，修除祠位，幣禱鬼神，犧牲用牡。禁伐木，毋覆巢、殺胎夭，毋麛，毋卵，毋聚眾、置城郭，掩骼薶骴。孟春行夏令，則風雨不時，草木旱落，國乃有恐。行秋令，則其民大疫，飄風暴雨總至，黎莠蓬蒿並興。行冬令，則水潦為敗，雨霜大雹，首稼不入。正月官司空，其樹楊。

In the first month of spring, the Zhaoyao star points to Yin; at dusk the star Shen is at the meridian, and at dawn the star Wei is at the meridian. Its direction is east; its days are Jia and Yi; its flourishing virtue is in wood; its creatures are the scaly; its note is Jue; its pitch pipe corresponds to Taicou; its number is eight; its flavor is sour; its smell is goatish; it sacrifices to the household door, and in the sacrifice the spleen is used first. The east wind thaws the ice, hibernating insects begin to stir, fish rise toward the ice, otters offer fish, and wild geese go north. The Son of Heaven wears azure clothes, rides the azure dragon horse, wears azure jade, sets up the azure banner, eats wheat and mutton, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a millet-stalk fire-drill, the ladies of the eastern palace wear azure clothes in azure colors, the zither and lute are played, the weapon is the spear, the livestock is the sheep, and he holds court in the left side chamber of the Qingyang hall to proclaim the spring ordinances. He spreads virtue and grants kindness, holds celebrations and rewards, and reduces labor service and taxes. On the day of the beginning of spring, the Son of Heaven personally leads the Three Dukes, Nine Ministers and high officials to greet the year in the eastern suburbs, repairs and clears the shrine places, prays to the spirits with coins and silk, and uses male victims. Felling trees is forbidden; do not overturn nests, kill unborn or young creatures, take fawns, or take eggs; do not gather crowds or build city walls; bury the withered bones and rotting flesh. If in the first month of spring the summer ordinances are carried out, wind and rain will not come in season, plants and trees will fall from drought, and there will be fear in the state. If the autumn ordinances are carried out, the people will suffer a great plague, whirlwinds and violent rains will arrive together, and goosefoot, weeds and fleabane will rise together. If the winter ordinances are carried out, floods will cause disaster, rain, frost and large hail will come, and the first crops cannot enter the granaries. The official of the first month is the Minister of Works, and the tree is the poplar.

仲春之月，招搖指卯，昏弧中，旦建星中。其位東方，其日甲乙，其蟲鱗，其音角，律中夾鍾，其數八，其味酸，其臭羶，其祀戶，祭先脾。始雨水，桃李始華，蒼庚鳴，鷹化為鳩。天子衣青衣，乘蒼龍，服蒼玉，建青旗，食麥與羊，服八風水，爨萁燧火，東宮御女青色，衣青採，鼓琴瑟，其兵矛，其畜羊，朝於青陽太廟。命有司，省囹圄，去桎梏，毋笞掠，止獄訟，養幼小，存孤獨，以通句萌。擇元日，令民社。是月也，日夜分，雷始發聲，蟄蟲鹹動蘇。先雷三日，振鐸以令於兆民曰：「雷且發聲，有不戒其容止者，生子不備，必有兇災。」令官市，同度量，鈞衡石，角鬥稱，端權概。毋竭川澤，毋漉陂池，毋焚山林，毋作大事，以妨農功。祭不用犧牲，用圭璧，更皮幣。仲春行秋令，則其國大水，寒氣總至，寇戎來徵。行冬令，則陽氣不勝，麥乃不熟，民多相殘。行夏令，則其國大旱，颼氣早來，蟲螟為害。二月官倉，其樹杏。

In the second month of spring, Zhaoyao points to Mao; at dusk the star Hu is at the meridian, and at dawn the star Jian is at the meridian. Its direction is east; its days are Jia and Yi; its creatures are the scaly; its note is Jue; its pitch pipe corresponds to Jiazhong; its number is eight; its flavor is sour; its smell is goatish; it sacrifices to the household door, and in the sacrifice the spleen is used first. Rain begins to fall, peaches and plums begin to blossom, the oriole sings, and hawks turn into doves. The Son of Heaven wears azure clothes, rides the azure dragon horse, wears azure jade, sets up the azure banner, eats wheat and mutton, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a millet-stalk fire-drill, the ladies of the eastern palace wear azure clothes in azure colors, the zither and lute are played, the weapon is the spear, the livestock is the sheep, and he holds court in the Qingyang grand hall. He orders the officials to inspect the prisons, remove fetters and shackles, not to flog or whip, and to stop litigation; to nurture the young, and to inquire after the orphaned and solitary, so as to open the way for crooked sprouts. A chosen first day is set for the people to sacrifice at the altar of the soil. In this month day and night are equal, thunder begins to sound, and the hibernating insects all stir and revive. Three days before thunder, a wooden bell is rung to proclaim to the myriad people: "Thunder is about to sound; if anyone does not take care of his conduct, his child will be born imperfect and there will surely be disaster." He orders the market officials to standardize weights and measures, level the scales and weights, correct the dou and steelyards, and set the weights and levelers right. Do not let rivers and marshes run dry, do not drain the ponds, do not burn mountains and forests, and do not undertake great works, so as not to hinder farm work. In sacrifices victims are not used; use scepters and discs instead, and change to hides and coins. If in the second month of spring the autumn ordinances are carried out, there will be great floods in the state, cold air will arrive together, and invaders will come to attack. If the winter ordinances are carried out, yang qi will not prevail, wheat will not ripen, and the people will often harm one another. If the summer ordinances are carried out, there will be a great drought in the state, hot air will come early, and insects and borers will do harm. The official of the second month is the granary officer, and the tree is the apricot.

季春之月，招搖指辰，昏七星中，旦牽牛中。其位東方，其日甲乙，其蟲鱗，其音角，律中姑洗，其數八，其味酸，其臭羶，其祀戶，祭先脾。桐始華，田鼠化為鴽，虹始見，萍始生。天子衣青衣，乘蒼龍，服蒼玉，建青旗，食麥與羊，服八風水，爨萁燧火，東宮御女青色，衣青採，鼓琴瑟，其兵矛，其畜羊，朝於青陽右丟。舟牧覆舟，五覆五反，乃言具於天子。天子烏始乘舟，薦鮪於寢廟，乃為麥祈實。是月也，生氣方盛，陽氣發洩，句者畢出，萌者盡達，不可以內。天子命有司，發囷倉，助貧窮，振乏絕，開府庫，出幣帛，使諸侯，聘名士，禮賢者。命司空，時雨將降，下水上騰，循行國邑，周視原野，修利隄防，導通溝瀆，達路除道，從國始，至境止。田獵畢弋，罝罘羅𦉾，餧毒之藥，毋出九門。乃禁野虞，毋伐桑柘。鳴鳩奮其羽，戴鵀降於桑，具撲曲筥筐，后妃齋戒，東鄉親桑，省婦使，勸蠶事。命五庫，令百工審金鐵皮革、筋角箭榦、脂膠丹漆，無有不良。擇下旬吉日，大合樂，致歡欣。乃合㹎牛騰馬，遊牝於牧。令國儺，九門磔攘，以畢春氣。行是月令，甘雨至三旬。季春行冬令，則寒氣時發，草木皆肅，國有大恐。行夏令，則民多疾疫，時雨不降，山陵不登。行秋令，則天多沈陰，淫雨早降，兵革並起。三月官鄉，其樹李。

In the third month of spring, Zhaoyao points to Chen; at dusk the star Qixing is at the meridian, and at dawn Qianniu is at the meridian. Its direction is east; its days are Jia and Yi; its creatures are the scaly; its note is Jue; its pitch pipe corresponds to Guxian; its number is eight; its flavor is sour; its smell is goatish; it sacrifices to the household door, and in the sacrifice the spleen is used first. Paulownia begins to blossom, field mice turn into quails, rainbows begin to appear, and duckweed begins to grow. The Son of Heaven wears azure clothes, rides the azure dragon horse, wears azure jade, sets up the azure banner, eats wheat and mutton, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a millet-stalk fire-drill, the ladies of the eastern palace wear azure clothes in azure colors, the zither and lute are played, the weapon is the spear, the livestock is the sheep, and he holds court in the right side chamber of the Qingyang hall. The boat master inspects the boats, capsizing them five times and turning them over five times, and only then reports to the Son of Heaven that they are ready. The Son of Heaven then begins to ride in a boat and presents sturgeon at the ancestral temple, to pray for the wheat to bear grain. In this month the life force is at its height, yang qi flows out, everything bent comes fully out, and every sprout reaches through, and nothing may be gathered in. The Son of Heaven orders the officials to open the granaries to help the poor, relieve those in want, open the storehouses and take out coins and silk, send envoys to the feudal lords, call on famous scholars and treat the worthy with ritual. He orders the Minister of Works: "The seasonal rain is about to fall and the water below will rise; tour the state capitals, inspect the fields, repair the embankments, clear the ditches, open the roads and clear the paths, starting from the capital and ending at the borders." Hunting nets, shooting with tethered arrows, snares and traps, and poisoned bait shall not go out of the nine gates. Then the forest wardens are forbidden, and mulberry and cudrania trees are not to be cut. The turtledove raises its wings, the hoopoe alights on the mulberry; they prepare the thin curved baskets, and the queen and consorts fast and personally go east to pick mulberry leaves, inspect the women's work, and encourage the silkworm affairs. He orders the five storehouses to have the hundred artisans examine metal, iron, hide, leather, sinew, horn, arrow shafts, fat, glue, cinnabar and lacquer, so that none is defective. A good day in the last ten days is chosen for a grand assembly of music, to bring joy and delight. Then bulls and stallions are brought together, and the female animals are allowed to roam in the pastures. He orders the state to perform the exorcism, and at the nine gates animals are sacrificed and rites of dispelling are performed, to conclude the qi of spring. If the orders of this month are carried out, sweet rain will arrive for three decades. If in the third month of spring the winter ordinances are carried out, cold air will break out from time to time, plants and trees will all be withered, and there will be great fear in the state. If the summer ordinances are carried out, the people will have many illnesses and epidemics, seasonal rain will not fall, and the hills will have no harvest. If the autumn ordinances are carried out, the sky will be often overcast, excessive rain will fall early, and arms and armor will rise together. The official of the third month is the village chief, and the tree is the plum.

孟夏之月，招搖指巳，昏翼中，旦婺女中。其位南方，其日丙丁，盛德在火，其蟲羽，其音徵，律中仲呂，其數七，其味苦，其臭焦，其祀灶，祭先肺。螻蟈鳴，丘螾出，王瓜生，苦菜秀。天子衣赤衣，乘赤騮，服赤玉，建赤旗，食菽與雞，服八風水，爨柘燧火，南宮御女赤色，衣赤採，吹竽笙，其兵戟，其畜雞，朝於明堂左丟，以出夏令。立夏之日，天子親率三公九卿大夫以迎歲於南郊。還，乃賞賜，封諸侯，修禮樂，饗左右。命太尉，贊傑俊，選賢良，舉孝悌，行爵出祿，佐天長養。繼修增高，無有隳壞，毋興土功，毋伐大樹。令野虞，行田原，勸農事，驅獸畜，勿令害穀。天子以彘嘗麥，先薦寢廟。聚畜百藥，靡草死，麥秋至，決小罪，斷薄刑。孟夏行秋令，則苦雨數來，五穀不滋，四鄰入保。行冬令，則草木早枯，後乃大水，敗壞城郭。行春令，則螽蝗為敗，暴風來格，秀草不實。四月官田，其樹桃。

In the first month of summer, Zhaoyao points to Si; at dusk the star Yi is at the meridian, and at dawn Wunu is at the meridian. Its direction is south; its days are Bing and Ding; its flourishing virtue is in fire; its creatures are the feathered; its note is Zhi; its pitch pipe corresponds to Zhonglu; its number is seven; its flavor is bitter; its smell is scorched; it sacrifices to the stove, and in the sacrifice the lung is used first. Mole crickets sing, earthworms come out, Wang gourd grows, and bitter greens flower. The Son of Heaven wears red clothes, rides the red bay, wears red jade, sets up the red banner, eats beans and chicken, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a cudrania fire-drill, the ladies of the southern palace wear red clothes in red colors, the yu and sheng are blown, the weapon is the halberd, the livestock is the chicken, and he holds court in the left side chamber of the Mingtang to proclaim the summer ordinances. On the day of the beginning of summer, the Son of Heaven personally leads the Three Dukes, Nine Ministers and high officials to greet the year in the southern suburbs. On returning, he grants rewards, enfeoffs feudal lords, refines rites and music, and feasts those around him. He orders the Grand Commandant to commend the outstanding and talented, select the worthy and good, recommend the filial and brotherly, grant ranks and issue stipends, to assist Heaven's growing and nurturing. It continues to rise higher; there should be no destruction, no earthworks begun, and no great trees felled. He orders the field wardens to tour the plains and fields, encourage farming, and drive away beasts and livestock so that they do not harm the grain. The Son of Heaven tastes wheat with pork and presents it first at the ancestral temple. Hundreds of medicines are gathered, the soft grasses die, the wheat autumn arrives, small offenses are decided and light punishments are settled. If in the first month of summer the autumn ordinances are carried out, bitter rains will come repeatedly, the five grains will not grow, and the four neighbors will enter the fortresses. If the winter ordinances are carried out, plants and trees will wither early, and later there will be great floods destroying city walls. If the spring ordinances are carried out, locusts will cause harm, violent winds will come, and flowering plants will not set seed. The official of the fourth month is the field officer, and the tree is the peach.

仲夏之月，招搖指午，昏亢中，旦危中。其位南方，其日丙丁，其蟲羽，其音徵，律中蕤賓，其數七，其味苦，其臭焦，其祀灶，祭先肺。小暑至，螳蜋生，鵙始鳴，反舌無聲。天子衣赤衣，乘赤騮，服赤玉，載赤旗，食菽與雞，服八風水，爨柘燧火，南宮御女赤色，衣赤採，吹竽笙，其兵戟，其畜雞，朝於明堂太廟。命樂師，修鞀鼙琴瑟管簫，調竽篪，飾鐘磬，執干鏚戈羽。命有司，為民祈祀山川百源，大雩帝，用盛樂。天子以雉嘗黍，羞以含桃，先薦寢廟。禁民無刈藍以染，毋燒灰，毋暴布，門閭無閉，關市無索，挺重囚，益其食，存鰥寡，振死事，遊牝別其群，執騰駒，班馬政。日長至，陰陽爭，死生分，君子齋戒，慎身無躁，節聲色，薄滋味，百官靜，事無徑，以定晏陰之所成。鹿角解，蟬始鳴，半夏生，木堇榮。禁民無發火，可以居高明，遠眺望，登丘陵，處臺榭。仲夏行冬令，則雹霰傷穀，道路不通，暴兵來至。行春令，則五穀不孰，百螣時起，其國乃饑。行秋令，則草木零落，果實蚤成，民殃於疫。五月官相，其樹榆。

In the second month of summer, Zhaoyao points to Wu; at dusk the star Kang is at the meridian, and at dawn the star Wei is at the meridian. Its direction is south; its days are Bing and Ding; its creatures are the feathered; its note is Zhi; its pitch pipe corresponds to Ruibin; its number is seven; its flavor is bitter; its smell is scorched; it sacrifices to the stove, and in the sacrifice the lung is used first. Minor Heat arrives, mantises are born, shrikes begin to sing, and the mockingbird is silent. The Son of Heaven wears red clothes, rides the red bay, wears red jade, carries the red banner, eats beans and chicken, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a cudrania fire-drill, the ladies of the southern palace wear red clothes in red colors, the yu and sheng are blown, the weapon is the halberd, the livestock is the chicken, and he holds court in the grand hall of the Mingtang. He orders the music master to repair the small drums, large drums, zithers, lutes, pipes and flutes, to harmonize the yu and chi, to decorate the bells and chimes, and to hold shields, axes, spears and feathers. He orders the officials to pray and sacrifice to the mountains, rivers and hundred sources on behalf of the people, and to hold the great rain sacrifice for rain from the Lord on High, with grand music. The Son of Heaven tastes millet with pheasant and presents cherries, presenting them first at the ancestral temple. The people are forbidden to cut indigo for dyeing, to burn ashes, or to sun cloth; village gates are not to be closed, no levies are made at passes and markets, heavy prisoners are treated leniently and their food increased, widowers and widows are inquired after, those who died in public service are relieved, the breeding mares in the pastures should be separated from their herds, the prancing colts tethered, and horse regulations issued. The days reach their longest, yin and yang contend, death and life divide, the noble man fasts, is careful not to be restless, moderates sound and color, keeps flavors plain, the hundred officials are quiet, and in doing things one must not act hastily and directly, so as to settle what the yin of dusk has brought about. Deer antlers fall off, cicadas begin to sing, half-summer plants grow, and hibiscus blooms. The people are forbidden to start fires; one may live in a high bright place, look far into the distance, climb the hills, and dwell in terraces and pavilions. If in the second month of summer the winter ordinances are carried out, hail and sleet will damage the grain, roads will be blocked, and violent troops will arrive. If the spring ordinances are carried out, the five grains will not ripen, hundreds of locusts will rise from time to time, and the state will go hungry. If the autumn ordinances are carried out, plants and trees will wither and fall, the fruit will ripen early, and the people will suffer in epidemics. The official of the fifth month is the minister, and the tree is the elm.

季夏之月，招搖指未，昏心中，旦奎中。其位中央，其日戊己，盛德在土，其蟲蠃，其音宮，律中百鐘，其數五，其味甘，其臭香，其祀中霤，祭先心。涼風始至，蟋蟀居奧，鷹乃學習，腐草化為蚈。天子衣黃衣，乘黃騮，服黃玉，建黃旗，食稷與牛，服八風水，爨柘燧火，中宮御女黃色，衣黃採，其兵劍，其畜牛，朝於中宮。乃命漁人，伐蛟取鼉，登龜取黿。令滂人，入材葦。命四監大夫，令百縣之秩芻以養犧牲，以供皇天上帝、名山大川、四方之神、宗廟社稷，為民祈福行惠。令弔死問疾，存視長老，行稃鬻，厚席蓐，以送萬物歸也。命婦官染採，黼黻文章，青黃白黑，莫不質良，以給宗廟之服，必宣以明。是月也，樹木方盛，勿敢斬伐；不可以合諸侯，起土功，動眾興兵，必有天殃。土潤溽暑，大雨時行，利以殺草糞田疇，以肥土疆。季夏行春令，則穀實解落，多風欬，民乃遷徙。行秋令，則丘隰水潦，稼牆不孰，乃多女災。行冬令，則風寒不時，鷹隼蚤摯，四鄙入保。六月官少內，其樹梓。

In the third month of summer, Zhaoyao points to Wei; at dusk the star Xin is at the meridian, and at dawn the star Kui is at the meridian. Its direction is the center; its days are Wu and Ji; its flourishing virtue is in earth; its creatures are the naked; its note is Gong; its pitch pipe corresponds to Baizhong; its number is five; its flavor is sweet; its smell is fragrant; it sacrifices to the central courtyard, and in the sacrifice the heart is used first. The cool wind begins to arrive, crickets dwell in the southwest corner of the room, hawks begin to learn to strike, and rotting grass turns into fireflies. The Son of Heaven wears yellow clothes, rides the yellow bay, wears yellow jade, sets up the yellow banner, eats millet and beef, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a cudrania fire-drill, the ladies of the central palace wear yellow clothes in yellow colors, the weapon is the sword, the livestock is the ox, and he holds court in the central palace. He then orders the fishermen to hunt river dragons and take alligators, and to climb up to take tortoises and soft-shelled turtles. He orders the marsh keepers to gather timber and reeds. He orders the four supervising high officials to have the hundred counties deliver fodder grass by rank, to feed the sacrificial animals, to supply Heaven and the Lord on High, famous mountains and great rivers, the spirits of the four directions, and the ancestral temples and altars of soil and grain, and to pray for blessings and carry out kindness for the people. He orders condolences for the dead and inquiries about the sick, checks on the elderly, gives out gruel, and thickens mats and bedding, to see off the departure of the myriad things. He orders the women's officials to dye colors, with embroidered patterns and designs, azure, yellow, white and black, none that is not of good quality, to supply the garments of the ancestral temple, which must be bright and clear. In this month trees are in full vigor and are not to be felled; one may not assemble the feudal lords, begin earthworks, or move crowds and raise troops, for there will surely be Heaven's calamity. The earth is moist and the heat is humid, and heavy rains fall in season, which are favorable for killing grass and enriching the fields, to fertilize the soil. If in the third month of summer the spring ordinances are carried out, grain kernels will drop off, there will be many wind-borne coughs, and the people will migrate. If the autumn ordinances are carried out, the hills and low-lying places will flood, crops and walls will not ripen, and there will be many calamities for women. If the winter ordinances are carried out, wind and cold will not come in season, hawks and falcons will strike early, and the four borderlands will enter the fortresses. The official of the sixth month is the minor treasurer, and the tree is the catalpa.

孟秋之月，招搖指申，昏鬥中，旦畢中。其位西方，其日庚辛，盛德在金，其蟲毛，其音商，律中夷則，其數九，其味辛，其臭腥，其祀門，祭先肝。涼風至，白露降，寒蟬鳴，鷹乃祭鳥，用始行戮。天子衣白衣，乘白駱，服白玉，建白旗，食麻與犬，服八風水，爨柘燧火，西宮御女白色，衣白採，撞白鐘，其兵戈，其畜狗，朝於總章左丟，以出秋令。求不孝不悌、戮暴傲悍而罰之，以助損氣。立秋之日，天子親率三公九卿大夫以迎秋於西郊。還，乃賞軍率武人於朝。命將率，選卒厲兵，簡練桀俊，專任有功，以徵不義，詰誅暴慢，順彼四方。命有司，修法制，繕囹圄，禁姦塞邪，審決獄，平詞訟。天地始肅，不可以贏。是月農始升穀，天子嘗新，先薦寢廟。命百官，始收斂，完隄防，謹障塞，以備水潦，修城郭，繕宮室，毋以封侯，立大官，行重幣，出大使。行是月令，涼風至三旬。孟秋行冬令，則陰氣大勝，介蟲敗穀，戎兵乃來。行春令，則其國乃旱，陽氣復還，五穀無實。行夏令，則冬多火災，寒暑不節，民多瘧疾。七月官庫，其樹楝。

In the first month of autumn, Zhaoyao points to Shen; at dusk the star Dou is at the meridian, and at dawn the star Bi is at the meridian. Its direction is west; its days are Geng and Xin; its flourishing virtue is in metal; its creatures are the furred; its note is Shang; its pitch pipe corresponds to Yize; its number is nine; its flavor is pungent; its smell is fishy; it sacrifices to the gate, and in the sacrifice the liver is used first. The cool wind arrives, white dew descends, cold cicadas sing, hawks begin to offer birds, and executions and punishments begin to be carried out. The Son of Heaven wears white clothes, rides the white black-maned horse, wears white jade, sets up the white banner, eats hemp seed and dog, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a cudrania fire-drill, the ladies of the western palace wear white clothes in white colors, white bells are struck, the weapon is the dagger-axe, the livestock is the dog, and he holds court in the left side chamber of the Zongzhang hall to proclaim the autumn ordinances. He seeks out those who are unfilial and unbrotherly, and those who are violent, arrogant and fierce, and punishes them, to help bring about the diminishing qi. On the day of the beginning of autumn, the Son of Heaven personally leads the Three Dukes, Nine Ministers and high officials to greet autumn in the western suburbs. On returning, he rewards the military commanders and warriors at court. He orders the generals to select soldiers and sharpen weapons, choose outstanding men, entrust only those with merit to campaign against the unrighteous, rebuke and execute the violent and arrogant, and make the four quarters obedient. He orders the officials to revise laws and regulations, repair prisons, prohibit treachery and block evil, examine and decide cases, and settle lawsuits. Heaven and Earth begin to turn severe and withering, and one must not be full to the brim. In this month farmers begin to present grain, the Son of Heaven tastes the new harvest and presents it first at the ancestral temple. He orders the hundred officials to begin gathering in, to make the embankments firm, to guard the barriers carefully against floods, to repair city walls and mend palaces; none of this should be used for enfeoffing marquises, setting up high offices, giving heavy coins or sending out great envoys. If the orders of this month are carried out, the cool wind will arrive for three decades. If in the first month of autumn the winter ordinances are carried out, yin qi will greatly prevail, armored insects will ruin the grain, and armies of the Rong will come. If the spring ordinances are carried out, there will be drought in the state, yang qi will return again, and the five grains will not bear fruit. If the summer ordinances are carried out, there will be many fires in winter, cold and heat will be unregulated, and the people will have much malaria. The official of the seventh month is the storehouse officer, and the tree is the chinaberry.

仲秋之月，招搖指酉，昏牽牛中，旦觜嶲中。其位西方，其日庚辛，其蟲毛，其音商，律中南呂，其數九，其味辛，其臭腥，其祀門，祭先肝。涼風至，候鴈來，玄鳥歸，群鳥翔。天子衣白衣，乘白駱，服白玉，建白旗，食麻與犬，服八風水，爨柘燧火，西宮御女白色，衣白採，撞白鐘，其兵戈，其畜犬，朝於總章太廟。命有司，申嚴百刑，斬殺必當，無或枉撓。決獄不當，反受其殃。是月也，養長老，授几杖，行稃鬻飲食。乃命宰祝，行犧牲，案芻豢，視肥臞全粹，察物色，課比類，量小大，視少長，莫不中度。天子乃儺，以御秋氣。以犬嘗麻，先薦寢廟。是月可以築城郭，建都邑，穿竇窖，修囷倉。乃命有司，趣民收斂畜採，多積聚，勸種宿麥，若或失時，行罪無疑。是月也，雷乃始收，蟄蟲培戶，殺氣浸盛，陽氣日衰，水始涸，日夜分。一度量，平權衡，正鈞石角鬥稱，理關市，來商旅，入貨財，以便民事。四方來集，遠方皆至，財物不匱，上無乏用，百事乃遂。仲秋行春令，則秋雨不降，草木生榮，國有大恐。行夏令，則其國乃旱，蟄蟲不藏，五穀皆復生。行冬令，則風災數起，收雷先行，草木蚤死。八月官尉，其樹柘。

In the second month of autumn, Zhaoyao points to You; at dusk Qianniu is at the meridian, and at dawn Zixi is at the meridian. Its direction is west; its days are Geng and Xin; its creatures are the furred; its note is Shang; its pitch pipe corresponds to Nanlu; its number is nine; its flavor is pungent; its smell is fishy; it sacrifices to the gate, and in the sacrifice the liver is used first. The cool wind arrives, migrating wild geese come, swallows depart, and flocks of birds fly. The Son of Heaven wears white clothes, rides the white black-maned horse, wears white jade, sets up the white banner, eats hemp seed and dog, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a cudrania fire-drill, the ladies of the western palace wear white clothes in white colors, white bells are struck, the weapon is the dagger-axe, the livestock is the dog, and he holds court in the grand hall of the Zongzhang. He orders the officials to strictly reaffirm the hundred penalties; executions must be fitting, with no wrongful twisting; if cases are decided improperly, one suffers calamity oneself instead. In this month the aged are supported, given arm rests and staffs, and gruel and food and drink are provided. He then orders the steward and invocator to inspect the sacrificial animals, examine the fodder-fed and grain-fed, see whether they are fat or lean, whole and pure, check their color, compare their types, measure their size, look at their age, so that none fails to meet the standard. The Son of Heaven then performs the exorcism to ward off the qi of autumn. He tastes hemp seed with dog and presents it first at the ancestral temple. In this month city walls may be built, capitals and towns founded, cellars dug and granaries repaired. He then orders the officials to urge the people to gather in livestock and produce, to store up much, and to encourage planting of winter wheat; if one misses the time, the crime is settled without doubt. In this month thunder begins to withdraw, hibernating insects thicken the entrances to their burrows, killing qi gradually grows, yang qi declines day by day, water begins to dry up, and day and night are equal. Weights and measures are standardized, scales leveled, the jun and shi weights and the dou and steelyards corrected, passes and markets are managed, merchants and travelers are invited, goods and wealth are collected in, to benefit the people's affairs. The four quarters gather, those from afar all arrive, goods and wealth are not scarce, those above are not lacking in resources, and the hundred matters can then be accomplished. If in the second month of autumn the spring ordinances are carried out, autumn rains will not fall, plants and trees will bloom, and there will be great fear in the state. If the summer ordinances are carried out, there will be drought in the state, hibernating insects will not hide, and the five grains will all grow again. If the winter ordinances are carried out, wind calamities will rise repeatedly, thunder will withdraw too early, and plants and trees will die early. The official of the eighth month is the commandant, and the tree is the cudrania.

季秋之月，招搖指戌，昏虛中，旦柳中。其位西方，其日庚辛，其蟲毛，其音商，律中無射，其數九，其味辛，其臭腥，其祀門，祭先肝。候鴈來，賓雀入大水為蛤，菊有黃華，豺乃祭獸戮禽。天子衣白衣，乘白駱，服白玉，建白旗，食麻與犬，服八風水，爨柘燧火，西宮御女白色，衣白採，撞白鐘，其兵戈，其畜犬，朝於總章右丟。命有司，申嚴號令，百官貴賤，無不務入，以會天地之藏，無有宣出。乃命冢宰，農事備收，舉五穀之要，藏帝籍之收於神倉。是月也，霜始降，百工休。乃命有司曰：寒氣總至，民力不堪，其皆入室。上丁入學習吹，大饗帝，嘗犧牲，合諸侯，制百縣，為來歲受朔日，與諸侯所稅於民，輕重之法，貢歲之數，以遠近土地所宜為度。乃教於田獵，以習五戎。命太僕及七騶，鹹駕戴荏，授車以級，皆正設於屏外。司徒搢樸，北嚮以贊之。天子乃厲服廣飾，執弓操矢以獵。命主祠，祭禽四方。是月草木黃落，乃伐薪為炭，蟄蟲鹹俛，乃趨獄刑，毋留有罪，收祿秩之不當，供養之不宜者。通路除道，從境始，至國而後已。是月，天子乃以犬嘗麻，先薦寢廟。季秋行夏令，則其國大水，冬藏殃敗，民多鼽窒。行冬令，則國多盜賊，邊竟不寧，土地分裂。行春令，則颼風來至，民氣解隋，師旅並興。九月官候，其樹槐。

In the third month of autumn, Zhaoyao points to Xu; at dusk the star Xu is at the meridian, and at dawn the star Liu is at the meridian. Its direction is west; its days are Geng and Xin; its creatures are the furred; its note is Shang; its pitch pipe corresponds to Wuyi; its number is nine; its flavor is pungent; its smell is fishy; it sacrifices to the gate, and in the sacrifice the liver is used first. Migrating wild geese come, guest sparrows enter the great water and turn into clams, chrysanthemums have yellow flowers, and jackals begin to offer animals and slaughter birds. The Son of Heaven wears white clothes, rides the white black-maned horse, wears white jade, sets up the white banner, eats hemp seed and dog, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a cudrania fire-drill, the ladies of the western palace wear white clothes in white colors, white bells are struck, the weapon is the dagger-axe, the livestock is the dog, and he holds court in the right side chamber of the Zongzhang hall. He orders the officials to strictly reaffirm commands, so that the hundred officials, noble and humble, all attend to bringing in the harvest, to join with the closing and storing of Heaven and Earth, and let nothing be released. He then orders the Grand Steward that when the farm work is completed and prepared, to raise the account of the five grains and store the harvest of the Emperor's field in the sacred granary. In this month frost begins to fall and the hundred artisans rest. He then orders the officials: "Cold air arrives all together and the people's strength cannot bear it; let them all go indoors." On the first Ding day he enters the school to practice blowing, makes a great offering to the Lord, tastes the sacrificial animals, assembles the feudal lords, regulates the hundred counties, issues the calendar for the next year, and the rules for the lightness or heaviness of tax the feudal lords levy on the people and the number of yearly tribute, taking the suitability of distant and near land as the standard. He then teaches hunting to practice the five weapons. He orders the Grand Coachman and the seven grooms to all harness the carriages and wear mugwort, to grant carriages by rank, all set up properly outside the screen. The Minister of Education, holding the plain staff, stands facing north to assist the ritual. The Son of Heaven then wears the fierce attire, elaborately adorned, and takes bow and arrows to hunt. He orders the sacrificial master to offer captured birds to the four directions. In this month plants and trees turn yellow and fall, firewood is then cut to make charcoal, hibernating insects all lie prostrate, and so prison punishments are expedited, leaving no guilty persons, and unfitting stipends and inappropriate provisions are withdrawn. Roads are opened and paths cleared, starting from the borders and ending at the capital. In this month the Son of Heaven tastes hemp seed with dog and presents it first at the ancestral temple. If in the third month of autumn the summer ordinances are carried out, there will be great floods in the state, winter storage will suffer ruin, and the people will have many blocked noses. If the winter ordinances are carried out, there will be many robbers in the state, the borders will be uneasy, and the land will split. If the spring ordinances are carried out, the cool wind will arrive, the people's spirits will be slack, and armies will rise together. The official of the ninth month is the scout, and the tree is the locust.

孟冬之月，招搖指亥，昏危中，旦七星中。其位北方，其日壬癸，盛德在水，其蟲介，其音羽，律中應鐘，其數六，其味鹹，其臭腐，其祀井，祭先腎。水始冰，地始凍，雉入大水為蜃，虹藏不見。天子衣黑衣，乘玄驪，服玄玉，建玄旗，食黍與彘，服八風水，爨松燧火，北宮御女黑色，衣黑採，擊磬石，其兵鎩，其畜彘，朝於玄堂左丟，以出冬令。命有司，修群禁，禁外徙，閉門閭，大鶉客，斷罰刑，殺當罪，阿上亂法者誅。立冬之日，天子親率三公九卿大夫以迎歲於北郊。還，乃賞死事，存孤寡。是月，命太祝禱祀神位，占龜策，審卦兆，以察吉凶。於是天子始裘，命百官謹蓋藏，命司徒行積聚，修城郭，警門閭，修楗閉，慎管籥，固封璽，修邊境，完要塞，絕蹊徑，飭喪紀，審棺槨衣衾之薄厚，營丘壟之小大高痺，使貴賤卑尊各有等級。是月也，工師效功，陳祭器，案度程，堅致為上。工事苦慢，作為淫巧，必行其罪。是月也，大飲蒸，天子祈來年於天宗，大禱祭於公社，畢，饗先祖。勞農夫，以休息之。命將率講武，肄射御，角力勁。乃命水虞漁師，收水泉池澤之賦，毋或侵牟。孟冬行春令，則凍閉不密，地氣發洩，民多流亡。行夏令，則多暴風，方冬不寒，蟄蟲復出。行秋令，則雪霜不時，小兵時起，土地侵削。十月官司馬，其樹檀。

In the first month of winter, Zhaoyao points to Hai; at dusk the star Wei is at the meridian, and at dawn Qixing is at the meridian. Its direction is north; its days are Ren and Gui; its flourishing virtue is in water; its creatures are the shelled; its note is Yu; its pitch pipe corresponds to Yingzhong; its number is six; its flavor is salty; its smell is rotten; it sacrifices to the well, and in the sacrifice the kidney is used first. Water begins to freeze, the ground begins to harden, pheasants enter the great water and turn into clams, and rainbows hide and are not seen. The Son of Heaven wears black clothes, rides the black dark horse, wears black jade, sets up the black banner, eats millet and pork, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a pine fire-drill, the ladies of the northern palace wear black clothes in black colors, stone chimes are struck, the weapon is the long lance, the livestock is the pig, and he holds court in the left side chamber of the Xuantang hall to proclaim the winter ordinances. He orders the officials to repair the various prohibitions, to forbid migration outward, to close the village gates, to search thoroughly for outside guests (the base text has a wrong character here, which should read 'search'), to decide punishments, to execute those who deserve it, and to execute those who flatter superiors and disturb the law. On the day of the beginning of winter, the Son of Heaven personally leads the Three Dukes, Nine Ministers and high officials to greet the year in the northern suburbs. On returning, he rewards those who died in public service and inquires after the orphaned and widowed. In this month he orders the Grand Invocator to pray and sacrifice to the spirit tablets, consult the tortoise and milfoil, and examine the hexagrams and omens to judge good and ill fortune. The Son of Heaven then begins to wear fur and orders the hundred officials to guard carefully the covering and storing, orders the Minister of Education to tour the stores, repair city walls, be vigilant at village gates, repair bolts and locks, be careful of keys, make seals firm, repair the borders, complete the fortresses, cut off byways, and regulate funeral rites, examining the thickness of coffins, outer coffins, clothes and quilts, and the size, height and lowness of burial mounds, so that noble and humble, honored and lowly each have their grades. In this month the master craftsmen present their results, display the sacrificial vessels, and follow the standards, with solidity above all. Where the work is crude and poor, or made with excessive cleverness, the offenders are punished. In this month there is a great drinking and offering, the Son of Heaven prays for the coming year to Heaven's ancestor, offers a great prayer at the public altar, and when it is finished feasts the ancestors. He consoles the farmers and lets them rest. He orders the generals to discuss military matters, practice archery and charioteering, and compare strength. Then he orders the water wardens and fishing masters to collect the levies of springs, ponds and marshes, and not to encroach. If in the first month of winter the spring ordinances are carried out, freezing and closing will not be tight, earth qi will escape, and the people will mostly flee. If the summer ordinances are carried out, there will be many violent winds, it will not be cold in the midst of winter, and hibernating insects will come out again. If the autumn ordinances are carried out, snow and frost will not come in season, small wars will rise from time to time, and land will be encroached on and cut away. The official of the tenth month is the Minister of War, and the tree is the sandalwood.

仲冬之月，招搖指子，昏壁中，旦軫中。其位北方，其日壬癸，其蟲介，其音羽，律中黃鐘，其數六，其味鹹，其臭腐，其祀井，祭先腎。冰益壯，地始坼，鳱鴠不鳴，虎始交。天子衣黑衣，乘鐵驪，服玄玉，建玄旗，食黍與彘，服八風水，爨松燧火，北宮御女黑色，衣黑採，擊磬石，其兵鎩，其畜彘，朝於玄堂太廟。命有司曰：土事無作，無發室居，及起大眾，是謂發天地之藏，諸蟄則死，民必疾疫，有隨以喪。急捕盜賊，誅淫泆詐偽之人，命曰騮月。命奄尹，申宮令，審門閭，謹房室，必重閉，省婦事。乃命大酋，秫稻必齊，麴蘗必時，湛竪必潔，水泉必香，陶器必良，火齊必得，無有差忒。天子乃命有司，祀四海大川名澤。是月也，農有不收藏積聚、牛馬畜獸有放失者，取之不詰。山林藪澤，有能取疏食、田獵禽獸者，野虞教導之。其有相侵奪，罪之不赦。是月也，日短至，陰陽爭，君子齋戒，處必掩，身欲靜，去聲色，禁嗜慾，寧身體，安形性。是月也，荔挺出，芸始生，丘螾結，麋角解。水泉動則伐樹木，取竹箭，罷官之無事、器之無用者，塗闕庭門閭，築囹圄，所以助天地之閉。仲冬行夏令，則其國乃旱，氛霧冥冥，雷乃發聲。行秋令，則其時雨水，瓜瓠不成，國有大兵。行春令，則蟲螟為敗，水泉鹹竭，民多疾癘。十一月官都尉，其樹棗。

In the second month of winter, Zhaoyao points to Zi; at dusk the star Bi is at the meridian, and at dawn the star Zhen is at the meridian. Its direction is north; its days are Ren and Gui; its creatures are the shelled; its note is Yu; its pitch pipe corresponds to Huangzhong; its number is six; its flavor is salty; its smell is rotten; it sacrifices to the well, and in the sacrifice the kidney is used first. Ice grows thicker, the ground begins to crack, the dawn bird does not sing, and tigers begin to mate. The Son of Heaven wears black clothes, rides the iron-black horse, wears black jade, sets up the black banner, eats millet and pork, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a pine fire-drill, the ladies of the northern palace wear black clothes in black colors, stone chimes are struck, the weapon is the long lance, the livestock is the pig, and he holds court in the grand hall of the Xuantang. He orders the officials, saying: "Earthworks are not to be done, living quarters are not to be dug out, and crowds are not to be mobilized; this is called digging out the storehouse of Heaven and Earth, and the hibernating creatures will die, the people will surely suffer epidemics, and mourning will follow." Seize robbers and thieves with urgency, and execute the licentious and the deceitful; this month is called the Month of Release. He orders the chief of the palace eunuchs to reaffirm the palace orders, inspect the gates and village doors, be careful about rooms and chambers, which must be closed layer upon layer, and reduce women's work. He then orders the Grand Brewer: "Glutinous millet and rice must be uniform, yeast must be of the right time, soaking must be clean, spring water must be fragrant, pottery must be good, and heat must be right, without any error." The Son of Heaven then orders the officials to sacrifice to the four seas, great rivers and famous marshes. In this month, if any farmers have not stored and gathered grain, or if horses, oxen and livestock have strayed off, whoever takes them is not questioned. In mountain forests and marshes, those who can take vegetables and food, and hunt birds and beasts, are taught by the field wardens. If there is mutual seizing, the crime is punished without pardon. In this month the days are shortest, yin and yang contend, the noble man fasts, his dwelling must be sheltered, his body quiet, he sets aside sound and color, forbids cravings and desires, settles his body, and rests his form and nature. In this month the lizhi plant comes up, rue begins to grow, earthworms coil up, and elk antlers fall off. As soon as the springs stir, trees are felled, bamboo for arrows is taken, offices with nothing to do and useless vessels are abolished, the palace gates and village doors are plastered, and prisons are repaired, to help complete the closing and storing of Heaven and Earth. If in the second month of winter the summer ordinances are carried out, there will be drought in the state, dense fog and murk, and thunder will sound. If the autumn ordinances are carried out, it will rain at that time, melons and gourds will not ripen, and the state will have great wars. If the spring ordinances are carried out, insects and borers will do harm, springs will all dry up, and the people will have many plagues. The official of the eleventh month is the chief commandant, and the tree is the jujube.

季冬之月，招搖指醜，昏婁中，旦氐中。其位北方，其日壬癸，其蟲介，其音羽，律中大呂，其數六，其味鹹，其臭腐，其祀井，祭先腎。鴈北鄉，鵲加巢，雉雊，雞呼卵。天子衣黑衣，乘鐵驪，服玄玉，建玄旗，食麥與彘，服八風水，爨松燧火，北宮御女黑色，衣黑採，擊磬石，其兵鎩，其畜彘，朝於玄堂右丟。命有司，大儺旁磔，出土牛。命漁師始漁，天子親往射漁，先薦寢廟。令民出五種，令農計耦耕事，修耒耜，具田器。命樂師大合吹而罷。乃命四監，收秩薪，以供寢廟及百祀之薪燎。是月也，日窮於次，月窮於紀，星周於天，歲將更始，令靜農民，無有所使。天子乃與公卿大夫飾國典，論時令，以待嗣歲之宜。乃命太史，次諸侯之列，賦之犧牲，以供皇天上帝社稷之芻享。乃命同姓之國，供寢廟之芻豢；卿士大夫至於庶民，供山林名川之祀。季冬行秋令，則白露早降，介蟲為䄏，四鄙入保。行春令，則胎夭傷，國多痼疾，命之曰逆。行夏令，則水潦敗國，時雪不降，冰凍消釋。十二月官獄，其樹櫟。

In the third month of winter, Zhaoyao points to Chou; at dusk the star Lou is at the meridian, and at dawn the star Di is at the meridian. Its direction is north; its days are Ren and Gui; its creatures are the shelled; its note is Yu; its pitch pipe corresponds to Dalu; its number is six; its flavor is salty; its smell is rotten; it sacrifices to the well, and in the sacrifice the kidney is used first. Wild geese go north, magpies build nests, pheasants call, and chickens call to their eggs. The Son of Heaven wears black clothes, rides the iron-black horse, wears black jade, sets up the black banner, eats wheat and pork, takes the water of the eight winds, takes fire with a pine fire-drill, the ladies of the northern palace wear black clothes in black colors, stone chimes are struck, the weapon is the long lance, the livestock is the pig, and he holds court in the right side chamber of the Xuantang hall. He orders the officials to hold the great exorcism and also the sacrifice of dismembering animals at the sides, and to bring out the clay ox. He orders the fishing masters to begin fishing, and the Son of Heaven personally goes to shoot fish, presenting them first at the ancestral temple. He has the people bring out the seeds of the five grains, has the farmers plan the work of plowing in pairs, repair plows and spades, and prepare all field tools. He orders the music master to hold a grand assembly of blowing and then stop. He then orders the four supervisors to collect firewood by rank, to supply the firewood for the ancestral temples and the hundred sacrifices. In this month the sun exhausts its station, the moon exhausts its cycle, the stars have gone round the heavens, and the year is about to begin again; the farmers are ordered to be quiet and not to be put to any use. The Son of Heaven then, together with the dukes, ministers and high officials, puts in order the state statutes and discusses the seasonal ordinances, to await what is suitable for the coming year. He then orders the Grand Historian to arrange the ranks of the feudal lords and assign sacrificial animals, to supply the fodder offerings for Heaven, the Lord on High, and the altars of soil and grain. He then orders the states of the same surname to supply fodder animals for the ancestral temples; from ministers and high officials down to the common people, they supply the sacrifices to the mountains, forests and famous rivers. If in the third month of winter the autumn ordinances are carried out, white dew will fall early, armored insects will become a plague, and the four borderlands will enter the fortresses. If the spring ordinances are carried out, unborn and young creatures will be harmed, the state will have many chronic illnesses, and this is called perversity. If the summer ordinances are carried out, floods will ruin the state, seasonal snow will not fall, and ice will thaw. The official of the twelfth month is the prison officer, and the tree is the oak.