Literal meaning: earthworms curl up, elk unwind their antlers, spring water flows and is warm.
These three sentences describe the three characteristics of "Winter Solstice", one of the twenty-four solar terms.
The solar terms divided by the Pingqi method divide the winter solstice into three periods: "The first period is when earthworms knot; the second period is when elk horns are untied; the third period is when water springs move."
Interpretation: Legend has it that earthworms are For creatures with yin curve and yang extension, although the yang energy has grown at this time, the yin energy is still very strong, and the earthworms in the soil are still curled up. Elk and deer are in the same family, but their yin and yang are different. The ancients believed that the horns of elk are facing backward, so they are called Yin, while Yang is born during the winter solstice, the elk feels the Yin Qi gradually receding and unwinding; because Yang Qi is newly born, the spring water in the mountain can flow and be warm at this time.
Extended information
Solar Proverbs
A refreshing winter solstice brings a sloppy year, and a sloppy winter solstice brings a refreshing year. (Gan)
If it is sunny on the winter solstice, it will rain on the first month; if it rains on the winter solstice, it will be clear on the first month. (Zhejiang)
It will be sunny on the winter solstice, rainy on the New Year, and rainy on the Mid-Autumn Festival and clear on the winter solstice. (Black)
If it is sunny on the winter solstice, it will rain on the new year; if it rains on the winter solstice, it will be clear on the new year. (Shandong and Hunan)
The winter solstice is cold and the Spring Festival is warm; the winter solstice is warm and the Spring Festival is cold. (Hunan and Guangdong)
The winter solstice is not cold and the summer solstice is not hot. (Hunan)
The winter solstice is warm, but the cold is until mid-March; the winter solstice is cold, and the spring is warm early. (Gui)
The winter solstice is warm, and the fire is warm until it is full. (Gui)
The northwest wind blows during the winter solstice and brings a dry spring next year. (Jin)
Baidu Encyclopedia-Winter Solstice