Why is the threshold of ancient houses so high? What is the point of crossing the threshold?

Threshold is of great significance in ancient geomantic omen. In traditional buildings in China, there is always a threshold at the entrance of the gate. Its role in geomantic omen is to prevent external unfavorable factors from entering the home and preventing brain drain.

In ancient thought, the threshold was not allowed to be trampled. The threshold of the temple is even more sacred, because the threshold of Buddhism symbolizes Sakyamuni's shoulder and cannot be trampled on. The custom of not stepping on the threshold continued until the Republic of China, and even in the early days of liberation, some people believed in it.

Extended data:

From the perspective of modern architecture, the threshold is definitely an obstacle, especially in the modern society that advocates "accessibility". If there are no special requirements (such as absolute sealing and thermal insulation of buildings), as a barrier-free house, no threshold should be set.

The methodical Germans made a DIN standard 18040, which stipulated that if the threshold could not be abandoned due to technical reasons, the height of the threshold should not exceed 2 cm.

For houses that have not reached a "barrier-free agreement", they are not bound by this clause, but the maximum height of the threshold should not exceed 25 cm as far as possible. This measure not only has specific provisions, but also has room for flexible implementation, which is very feasible.

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