Installing the Mortar and Mill (Ān Duì Wéi)
Install the stone mortar for pounding rice and the stone mill for grinding flour.
Ān Duì Wéi refers to the installation of the stone mortar and stone mill used for grain processing, a vital part of traditional farm life. In old times, people believed that installing or moving these tools on an auspicious day ensured their smooth operation, producing fine rice and flour, and safe usage. Choosing a propitious day for this task reflects a cautious attitude toward a family's diet and daily livelihood. Modern times have largely replaced them with electric machines, but these old taboos and customs are still recorded in traditional almanacs.