In the hexagram 65 of the "Yijing" (Book of Changes), the hexagram line is described as "yellow robe, auspicious beginning." The hexagram symbolizes "culture in the midst." This is the most auspicious hexagram line in the hexagram of Kun, representing the great wisdom of being humble and modest in a position of honor while keeping one's virtue hidden within. This wisdom perfectly aligns with the mindset and skills of those who knit handmade pet sweaters.
The metaphor of the yellow robe, the heart of the handmade workers
"Huang" is the central and upright color, representing centrality, moderation, and kindness, as stable as the earth. "Chang" refers to the lower garment, which is humble and does not flaunt itself, adhering to gentleness and not transgressing boundaries. For us:
Yellow is the fundamental color for hand knitters: when choosing threads and colors, they eschew exaggeration, preferring warm and harmonious tones; when starting and stitching, they maintain a balanced approach, adhering to a central and upright method.
- Clothing embodies the posture of the knitter: we hold the needle and thread in our hands, yet never show off our skills; upon completion of the work, we do not claim credit or become arrogant. Every stitch and thread silently bears and patiently upholds, just like the earth nourishes all things.
- Yuanji is the blessing of the hand knitter: when the inner heart is upright and the outer demeanor is humble, the knitted dog sweater will have warmth and character. The wearer will feel at ease, and the observer will feel comfortable. This is the most perfect auspiciousness.
A Brief Historical Story: The "Huangshang" Principle of Duke Zhou
In the early years of the Western Zhou Dynasty, King Wu passed away prematurely, leaving King Cheng as a young and inexperienced ruler, with the country in a state of instability. Zhou Gongdan, as the respected imperial uncle, took on the role of regent and assistant to the throne, reaching the pinnacle of his political career. However, he always adhered to the virtue of "yellow robe," symbolizing humility and modesty.
He was not arrogant or boastful, and despite holding great power, he remained humble like a "robe". He devoted himself to assisting the king and stabilizing the world. Faced with brotherly jealousy and widespread rumors, he remained calm, without arguing or contending, only convincing others with his benevolence and achievements. Eventually, he put down the rebellion, established rituals and music, and achieved the legendary saying, "Duke Zhou spits out his food, and the world returns to his heart".
Zhou Gongzheng, embodying the wisdom of the hexagram 65 of the hexagram series "Kun", adhered to the principle of "being moderate and upright, maintaining a proper position and posture", remained humble yet flexible, and did not seek personal glory after achieving success, ultimately attaining "auspiciousness".
Enlightenment for Knitters: Knitting Clothes, Weaving Hearts
1. Keeping the middle way without deviation, knitting stability
The greatest taboo in knitting is being impulsive and restless, and having slanted stitches. If we adhere to the "middle" principle of the hexagram Kun 65, when we knit clothes, our hearts must be centered and our hands steady, ensuring that every stitch falls in its proper place. Without being hasty or perfunctory, the clothes we knit will be smooth, durable, and heartwarming.
2. Keep virtue within, do not show off one's cleverness
True craftsmanship never shows off in front of others. We knit dog sweaters to bring warmth to others and convey our heartfelt wishes, rather than to flaunt our knitting skills. As the saying goes, "the art is in the doing," we hide our ingenuity in the stitches and knit tenderness into the wool, and the work speaks for itself.
3. Underlying support, strength within softness
We are knitters, "carriers", not "masters". With the wool in our hands, we follow its texture and characteristics, without forcibly twisting it, embracing the softness to endure the hardness. This is precisely the embodiment of the Kun Dao's "Virtue Supports All Things" - gentle yet possessing the strength to uphold all things.
4. After achieving success, one should not take credit for it, and the benefits will last for a long time
A pet sweater knitted for family and friends, we only say "as long as you like it", never claiming credit. This humility is precisely the essence of "Huang Chang". Not craving praise, not obsessed with achievements, but simply enjoying the process of knitting. This state of mind is the most enduring auspiciousness.
"Kun Liu Wu" or "Huang Chang Yuan Ji" embodies not only the wisdom of social interaction but also the philosophy of knitting. When we knit dog sweaters, we are not just creating clothing; we are also cultivating a heart of righteousness, a virtue of humility, and a strength of gentleness. May we all, with the heart of "Huang Chang", weave warmth, stability, and our own "Yuan Ji" life.
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Post time: Apr-21-2026