Analysis of Ecological Ethics in Monthly Ordinances of the Book of Rites

The "Book of Rites" is a compilation of Confucian ritual texts from the Pre-Qin to Wes n44tern Han periods, documenting the institutional and ceremonial systems before the Qin and Han dynasties, primarily centered around the Zhou Dynasty. It is an essential document for studying ancient Chinese ritual culture. The "Monthly Ordinances" follows a fixed format, structured around the four seasons and months. Under each month, it first describes the celestial phenomena and seasonal changes, then records the political orders that the Son of Heaven should issue under these conditions, and points out that failing to comply with the "time" will inevitably lead to disaster. The "Monthly Ordinances" is a scientific summary and philosophical generalization of various natural sciences, agricultural, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishing practices since the Shang and Zhou dynasties, as well as state management experiences. It contains rich ecological ethical ideas, allowing us to explore early Chinese norms on environmental protection and trace their practical significance.