Traditional culture in plain words
Metal
Metal stands for order and discipline, like the autumn harvest; its directions are west and northwest, its colours gold and white.
At a glance
Feeding and restraining
Metal feeds Water and restrains Wood.
- Wood · East · Southeast · Green, teal · Spring
- Fire · South · Red, purple · Summer
- Earth · Northeast · Southwest · Beige, ochre · The turn of the seasons
- Metal · West · Northwest · Gold, white · Autumn · Now
- Water · North · Blue, black · Winter
Show as a table
| Item | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | East · Southeast | Green, teal · Spring |
| Fire | South | Red, purple · Summer |
| Earth | Northeast · Southwest | Beige, ochre · The turn of the seasons |
| Metal | West · Northwest | Gold, white · Autumn · Now |
| Water | North | Blue, black · Winter |
Solid arrows show the feeding cycle; dashed arrows show the restraining cycle.
Nature and season
The nature of Metal is to gather in: metal can be cast into shape, with a clear ring and a quiet shine. Tradition also places autumn, the harvest and institutions in the Metal family.
Metal pairs with autumn. After the autumn equinox the air turns cool, the leaves draw in and the crops come home — traditionally the season when Metal is at its fullest.
Traditional associations
Traditional culture links Metal with the lungs and the skin, and holds that autumn is a fine time for fresh air and early nights. This is a cultural association, not medical advice.
Gold and white ornaments and fine metalware traditionally carry Metal's polish; keeping the west side of a desk tidy is done for a sense of order.
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.