歸妹guimei

The Correct Meaning states: 'The Marrying Maiden' (gui mei) is the hexagram name. ' However, the Yijing uses the name gui mei with different meanings.

The six in the fifth of the Tai hexagram says 'Di Yi marries off his younger sister' — there it refers to an elder brother giving his sister in marriage. This hexagram named gui mei refers to a younger sister going as a secondary bride (di) accompanying the elder sister in marriage.

' Above, the Xian hexagram illuminates the mutual attraction of two youngest; the Heng hexagram illuminates the mutual support of two eldest.

Now this hexagram has the youngest serving the eldest — they are not equal matches — clearly showing that a younger sister follows her elder sister in marriage, hence the name gui mei.

In ancient times, feudal lords took nine women in one marriage: the primary consort along with the left and right accompanying brides all brought nieces and younger sisters as secondary brides, hence this hexagram corresponds to that practice.

It does not say 'marrying the niece' because the female secondary brides are of the sisters' generation, and naming the higher rank encompasses the lower. 'To advance brings misfortune, nothing is of benefit' — this is the warning of the Marrying Maiden.

'Advance' (zheng) means to go forward purposefully. The younger sister goes as a secondary bride in marriage and is fundamentally not the primary match; she must keep to modesty and deference, serving the principal consort.

If she recklessly advances seeking favor, there will be the calamity and blame of rivaling the queen. '