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 15: Interpretations by Han Dynasty Commentators
Section 1: Han Debates on Marriage Season
Han commentators debated whether marriage should strictly occur in spring (as implied by the Mid-Spring assembly) or winter (as implied by the "before ice thaws" verse). This likely reflects a distinction between preparatory rites (which might extend into spring) and the final ceremony.
Section 2: Zheng Xuan's Interpretation
Zheng Xuan attempted to reconcile these views, suggesting different stages of the Six Rites occurred at different times, allowing for preparatory rites in autumn/winter and the final welcome in mid-spring.