Traditional culture in plain words
Fire
Fire stands for warmth and brightness, like the summer sun; its direction is south, its colours red and purple.
At a glance
Feeding and restraining
Fire feeds Earth and restrains Metal.
- Wood · East · Southeast · Green, teal · Spring
- Fire · South · Red, purple · Summer · Now
- Earth · Northeast · Southwest · Beige, ochre · The turn of the seasons
- Metal · West · Northwest · Gold, white · Autumn
- Water · North · Blue, black · Winter
Show as a table
| Item | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | East · Southeast | Green, teal · Spring |
| Fire | South | Red, purple · Summer · Now |
| Earth | Northeast · Southwest | Beige, ochre · The turn of the seasons |
| Metal | West · Northwest | Gold, white · Autumn |
| Water | North | Blue, black · Winter |
Solid arrows show the feeding cycle; dashed arrows show the restraining cycle.
Nature and season
The nature of Fire is to rise and to warm: flames climb upward, giving light and heat. Tradition also places summer, midday and lamplight in the Fire family.
Fire pairs with summer. Around the summer solstice the days are longest and the light is at its height — traditionally the season when Fire is at its fullest.
Traditional associations
Traditional culture links Fire with the heart and the tongue, and holds that a calm mood serves you well in summer. This is a cultural association, not medical advice.
Red for happy occasions, lanterns and candles for their glow — these are familiar traditions; keeping the south of the home bright is another common saying.
Connect elements and four pillars with daily cultural tips. Open My Day
See also Glossary: the five elements, feeding and restraining
The five elements belong to traditional culture and are shared here for cultural interest; the links with the body are traditional sayings, not medical advice.