In the traditional Almanac, "Hiring Workers" (雇庸 - Gu Yong) usually refers to the act of employing, recruiting, or seeking workers, servants, helpers, etc. This concept primarily appeared in ancient society, where in the agricultural and handicraft societies of the time, the relationship between employers and employees was one of the most important economic activities.
In ancient Chinese society, the employment relationship reflected a relatively primitive and direct mode of labor exchange. For example, the Rites of Zhou (Zhou Li) records the system of "Yong" (庸), which was a form of compensation given when the government requisitioned civilian labor for official matters. In later generations, with the development of the commodity economy, "Gu Yong" gradually evolved into a clearer monetary transaction relationship—employers paid a certain remuneration to workers in exchange for their labor services.
When choosing the timing for employment, the ancients would consult the Almanac to decide which day was suitable for carrying out such activities. This is because the ancients believed that choosing an auspicious day and time for hiring could bring good luck and smooth work progress. For example:
Although the term "Gu Yong" is not commonly used in today's daily life, the employment relationship it entails is an indispensable part of the modern socio-economic system. Whether it is a formal labor contract or a short-term labor agreement, it reflects the process of people reaching a cooperation intention through negotiation. And the selection of auspicious days for "Gu Yong" in the Almanac can be seen as a connection between traditional culture and modern management concepts—even if not strictly followed, understanding its cultural background helps deepen the understanding of traditional Chinese culture.
In conclusion, as a term in the Almanac, "Gu Yong" not only reflects the characteristics of economic activities in ancient Chinese society but also provides us with a historical perspective to understand the operating mechanisms of today's labor market. In practical application, although there is no need to strictly follow the Almanac's guidance for modern business decisions, a proper understanding of these traditional cultural elements still helps enhance cross-cultural communication and the perception of the profound heritage of Chinese civilization.
