What is Lục Hại and its origin?
Lục Hại (六害) is a concept in the can chi system of Eastern culture, referring to six pairs of Earthly Branches that have latent conflicting relationships. The six pairs are: Rat Goat, Ox Horse, Tiger Snake, Rabbit Dragon, Monkey Pig, Rooster Dog. This concept originates from the theory of yin yang and five elements and the interaction between Earthly Branches, recorded in ancient books on calendar and Eastern divination.
The six pairs of Lục Hại and characteristics
Each pair of Lục Hại manifests a different type of conflict:
- Rat Goat: latent conflict in time and space, prone to disagreements in relationships.
- Ox Horse: disagreements due to personality differences, difficult to harmonize in business and marriage.
- Tiger Snake: conflicts, restraining each other, rooted in fundamental differences.
- Rabbit Dragon: hidden losses, hard to see but persistent, due to Rabbit's subtlety and caution differing from Dragon.
- Monkey Pig: latent conflict, can cause mental and material harm if combined long-term.
- Rooster Dog: latent conflict, difficult to harmonize in relationships.
According to traditional beliefs, Lục Hại does not mean absolutely bad, but points out issues to note for adjusting behavior and interaction.
Practical usage
In folk culture, Lục Hại is often consulted when considering marriage ages, business cooperation, choosing partners, or fortune. People believe that if two people belong to a Lục Hại pair, the relationship may face latent troubles, not obvious but simmering. However, cultural researchers say this is only part of a complex theoretical system, needing combination with other factors like five elements, heavenly stems, earthly branches, and specific circumstances.
Distinguishing from easily confused terms
Lục Hại differs from Lục Xung (six pairs of directly opposing Earthly Branches like Rat Horse, Ox Goat, Tiger Monkey, Rabbit Rooster, Dragon Dog, Snake Pig) and Lục Hợp (six pairs of harmonious Earthly Branches like Rat Ox, Tiger Pig, Rabbit Dog, Dragon Rooster, Snake Monkey, Horse Goat). If Lục Xung is clear conflict, Lục Hợp is support, then Lục Hại is latent, hidden conflict, hard to recognize. Additionally, there are Tam Hình, Tứ Hình, but Lục Hại only includes six fixed pairs.
Notes for reference
This is traditional knowledge for reference, not scientifically verified. Readers should approach with an open mind but not consider it a decisive factor in important life decisions.