7. Its sacrifice is that at the furnace[1]; and of
the parts of the victim the lungs have the foremost
place.
8. The green frogs croak. Earth-worms come forth. The royal melons grow[2]. The sow-thistle is in seed.
9. The son of Heaven occupies the apartment on the left of the Ming Thang (Grand Fane); rides in the vermilion carriage, drawn by the red horses with black tails, and bearing the red flag. He is dressed in the red robes, and wears the carnation jade. He eats beans and fowls. The vessels which he uses are tall, (to resemble) the large growth (of things).
10. In this month there takes place the inauguration of summer. Three days before this ceremony, the Grand recorder informs the son of Heaven, saying, "On such-and-such a day is the inauguration of summer. The energies of the season are most fully seen in fire." On this the son of Heaven devotes himself to self-purification; and on the day, at the head of the three ducal ministers, the nine high ministers, and his Great officers, he proceeds to meet the summer in the southern suburbs. On their return, rewards are distributed. He grants to the feudal princes (an increase of) territory. Congratulations and gifts proceed, and all are joyful and pleased.
11. Orders are also given to the chief master of
- ↑ It was natural that they should sacrifice here in the summer. "The lungs" is the fourth of the five viscera, and "metal" the fourth of the five elements; but "fire subdues metal." This is supposed to account for the prominence given to the lungs in this sacrifice.
- ↑ According to Williams this is the "common cucumber."
