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 should obey God's will and act on time, as well as execute prisoners.

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 Out of date will have to wait until the next day.

The development of execution system of "interrogation after autumn" in past dynasties;

Before the Tang Dynasty, the execution time of death penalty prisoners was basically arranged in autumn and winter. The earliest record of interrogation in autumn and winter in history appeared in Zuo Zhuan Xiang Gong, and the punishment was autumn and winter. There was no clear stipulation on the execution time of death penalty prisoners in Qin Dynasty. According to the Legalist theory, the "four-hour execution" system is implemented. In other words, it can be implemented at any time of the year. Han dynasty perfected the execution system before Qin dynasty, and began to appear the provisions of "execution in autumn and winter".

In the Eastern Han Dynasty, the time was changed to October every year. During the Wei and Jin Dynasties, the death penalty system was further improved, and the system of the former dynasty was followed in the autumn. Although the Wei and Jin Dynasties were always divided, there was room for the development of law in this period, which laid a good foundation for the penalty system in the Tang and Song Dynasties. Tang Law, a classic criminal law in the Tang Dynasty, stipulates: "Those sentenced to death after Zhu Lichun and before the autumnal equinox will only be sentenced to one year."

It means that during the period from beginning of spring to the autumnal equinox, he can't kill prisoners, and those who don't obey the rules will be sentenced to one year's imprisonment. The criminal law in Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties is not much different from that in Tang and Song Dynasties, but it is more perfect than previous dynasties.

The above content can refer to Baidu Encyclopedia-Ask after Autumn.