The Frost's Descent and the Reversed Woman: An Inquiry into the Ritual, Heavenly Way, and Moderation of Pre-Qin Marriage Regulations
This article deeply interprets the twelve characters, 'The Frost's Descent and the Reversed Woman, Ice Thaws and Killing Ceases, One Coitus in Ten Days,' tracing their origins in Pre-Qin classics like the *Rites of Zhou* and the *Book of Rites*. It analyzes the underlying principles concerning temporal restrictions on marriage, Yin-Yang philosophy, agricultural governance considerations, and sexual moderation, aiming to reconstruct the core of Pre-Qin ritualistic thought.
Chapter 10: Marriage and Population in the Guanzi
Section 1: Guanzi on Marriage Governance
The Guanzi discusses state policies for matchmaking (méi zhèng 媒政), specifically pairing bachelors and widows, aiming explicitly to increase the population—a core state goal. While this suggests flexibility for these specific groups, it doesn't explicitly contradict the main seasonal rule for formal marriages.
Section 2: Population and National Strength in Guanzi
The Guanzi clearly links population to military strength and national security. The establishment of rites (including marriage seasons) is seen as dependent on material well-being: "When granaries are full, people know propriety." This implies that strict adherence to rites is feasible when the state is prosperous.
Section 3: Harmony with Seasons in Guanzi
The Guanzi explicitly states that all human activities must harmonize with the seasons to produce fortune. Marriage, as a form of "Virtue," must accord with the season to avoid disaster. Autumn and winter, being seasons of contraction and storage, suit the inward nature of marriage.
Section 4: Winter Concealment in Guanzi
The Guanzi mandates that people remain indoors during winter ("prohibit people from entering or leaving"). This policy of mandatory indoor dwelling perfectly complements the marriage season, creating a time conducive to family life, cohabitation, and conception.