Why did the ancient execution of prisoners take place in autumn?

In ancient times, the execution of death penalty was usually in autumn and winter, which was related to the ancient concept of natural theocracy, that is, obedience to God's will. Spring and summer are the seasons when everything grows, and autumn and winter are the seasons when trees wither, symbolizing cold. People's behavior, including political activities, must conform to the weather, or they will be punished by the gods. The emperor is the son of heaven, and he must obey God's will and act according to heaven. The same is true of the execution of prisoners. The practice of execution in autumn and winter began in the Western Zhou Dynasty and became a system in the Han Dynasty. Except for major crimes such as treason, they can be executed immediately. Generally speaking, prisoners on death row cannot be executed after the first frost in autumn and before the winter solstice.

In ancient times, the death penalty was taboo. In the Tang and Song Dynasties, the first month, May and September were designated as the slaughter month, and the 10th day of each month was the no-killing day (the first day, the eighth day, the 14th day, the 15th day, the 18th day, the 23rd day, the 24th day, the 28th day and the 29th day). Even if you commit a felony, you won't be executed these days. The Ming dynasty also stipulated that the execution was forbidden for ten days of fasting, otherwise it would be forty. It is also prohibited for the state to carry out large-scale sacrificial activities. The specific execution time is specified between 1 5 pm. Out of date will have to wait until the next day.