What do the eight characters in ancient Chinese mean?

The word "eight characters" has many meanings in ancient times, among which the most common refers to the year, month, day and hour of a person's birth, which is called "eight-character numerology". Because in the traditional culture of China, a person's life is related to eight basic elements, namely, gold, wood, water, fire, earth, sun, moon and star. It is said that these elements are closely related to the eight-character numerology and can predict a person's life fate and personality characteristics. Therefore, many people will use the eight-character numerology to predict the fate of themselves or others.

In addition to expressing a person's numerology, there is also a name called "eight characters" in ancient times, which has a very wide meaning. It refers to a simple eight-word motto, and each word represents a guiding moral code. Such "eight characters" can be used to guide people's thoughts and behaviors, which is helpful to further improve moral quality and self-cultivation and achieve higher life goals.

In ancient literature, the meaning of "eight characters" has another metaphorical meaning, which often represents the spiritual connotation of being short and capable and criticizing the shortcomings of the times. For example, some idioms often use words like "eight-character alley" and "eight-character eyebrow", which all express such rich connotations and interests. This layer of figurative meaning is particularly common in ancient literature and art, and it is still preserved and carried forward in many literary works.