An Analysis of the Structure, Ethics, and Ontology of the 'Jia Ren' Hexagram in the Zhou Yi

Section 5: Mythological Imagery of the Family and the Jia Ren Hexagram

In ancient Chinese family myths—such as those concerning the clans of the Yellow Emperor, Yan Emperor, and Shao Hao—the theme of "using fire as the home" is evident.

The Yan Emperor (Shennong Shi) is directly associated with "Yan" ($\text{炎}$, Blaze/Fire). Although the Bai Hu Tong Yi dates later, its records have Pre-Qin origins:

"The Yan Emperor is the sun."

The Yan Emperor's clan ruled by Fire Virtue; fire was their totem. Furthermore, Yan Emperor's other title, Shennong (Divine Farmer), is directly related to agriculture—which means settled life and the material basis of the family. The combination of Fire (warmth, brightness) and Agriculture (food, settlement) forms the two pillars upon which the "family" is established.

Even more suggestive is that ancient myths about the invention of fire often connect with the establishment of the "home." We mentioned Suiren Shi "drilling wood to obtain fire." There is another legend more directly linked to the "family": the transition from "not having cooked food" to "utilizing the advantages of fire" (Li Ji, Li Yun). This transition marked a huge leap for humanity—and one of its most far-reaching impacts was the birth of the "family"—only with fire did humans have a fixed center for gathering; with a fixed center, the "family" emerged.

The Jia Ren hexagram's structure, with Fire (Li) inside and Wind (Xun) outside—Fire symbolizing the warm core of the home, Wind symbolizing the educational extension of the home—perfectly captures this ancient memory: Fire created the family.