Spring Ox Diagram in Tung Shing - Forecast the General Weather of the Lunar Year

In Tung Shing, there is a spring ox diagram in the beginning section which used to predict the corresponding lunar new year’s weather and used as a guidance for the former based on Chinese traditional culture. By using the information, the farmers could have an overall idea of the weather and take correspondingly preparation and action on their farms.

The Spring Ox Diagram mainly consists of a spring ox and a cowherd.

The Spring OX

The spring ox is four feet tall symbolized the four seasons of the year. The length of the ox is 8 feet long which symbolized the 8 main Chinese solar terms of agriculture which are vernal equinox, summer solstice, autumnal equinox, winter solstice, spring commences, summer commences, autumn commences and winter commences. The ox’s tail is 1 feet and 2 inches long which symbolized the 12 months of the year.

The cowherd

The cowherd is three feet and six inches tall which symbolized the 360 days of the lunar year. His whip on his hand is 2 feet and 4 inches long which symbolized the 24 solar terms of the year.

Meaning within the Spring Ox Diagram

Phenomenon	Meaning
The cowherd roll up his trouser legs and barefoot	The year has lots of rain
The cowherd’s both feet have shoes	The year is drought
The cowherd has only 1 shoe	The year has appropriate amount of rainfall
The cowherd has hat on	The year’s temperature is generally cool
The cowherd has no hat	The year’s temperature is generally hot
The cowherd stands next to the ox’s head	Spring Commences of the year is 5 days before the New Year’s Day
The cowherd stands next to the ox’s body	Spring Commences of the year between the 5 days before the New Year’s Day and 5 days after the New Year’s Day
The cowherd stands next to the ox’s bottom	Spring Commences of the year is 5 days after the New Year’s Day

There are 2 set of verses by each side of the spring ox diagram with seven-character sentences, the meaning is a prediction of the corresponding lunar year’s weather and the agriculture.

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Tung Shing 2023 Year of The Rabbit 兔年通勝 2023

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