The concept of six emotions first appeared in Zuo’s Commentary on The Spring and Autumn Annals. According to the book, Zitaishu (?-507 BC) proposed the six emotions when discussing the differences in etiquette and rituals. People’s six emotions are love, hate, delight, anger, sadness, and joy. Zitaishu believed that the six emotions are created by heaven and earth, and therefore contain an inherent order that is connected to heaven and earth. People should follow this inherent order and regulate and settle their six emotions.

The general population experiences emotions of love, hate, delight, anger, sadness, and joy. These six emotions originate from the influences of six types of qi, namely yin, yang, wind, rain, darkness, and brightness. Therefore, it is important to conscientiously adhere to suitable principles and classifications in order to regulate these six emotions. (Zuo’s Commentary on The Spring and Autumn Annals)