In traditional practices, which seasonal character is typically associated with the metal element?

The metal element in traditional practices, particularly in the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its elemental theory, is associated with autumn. This association is rooted in the characteristics attributed to the elements and the seasons within TCM. Autumn is seen as a time of transition, reflection, and gathering, closely aligning with the qualities of the metal element, which symbolizes structure, clarity, and the ability to let go of what is no longer needed, much like the process of trees shedding their leaves.

The metal element is also linked to the lungs and the skin in TCM, reflecting its function of controlling boundaries and protecting the body, mirroring how autumn marks a transition from the warmth of summer to the cooler months ahead. Furthermore, autumn is a time for harvesting the fruits of labor, synonymous with the metal element's attributes of receptivity and organization.

While the other seasons have their own unique associations, they do not align with the metal element as directly as autumn does. For example, winter is connected to the water element, representing stillness and introspection, while spring is associated with wood, which symbolizes growth and renewal. Summer relates to fire and is characterized by warmth and exuberance. Hence, autumn's connection to the metal element is distinctly