In ancient China, there was a sage ruler named Tang Yao. Historical records describe him as exceptionally tall, with eyebrows shaped like the character "eight," and so worn down by his tireless governance that he was as thin as a strip of dried meat. He ruled with diligence, frugality, and compassion, appointing only the worthy, which brought perfect order and peace to the realm. People left their doors unlocked at night without fear, and lost items on the road were never taken. The elderly spent their days in joyful leisure, playing a game called "striking the ground" while singing, "At sunrise we work, at sunset we rest; we dig wells to drink, and till fields to eat." It was a time of pure contentment.
According to writings by Zhuangzi's disciples, in primitive society, people lived carefree and leisurely lives. "They ate while playing, and roamed with full bellies," meaning people were very happy then, eating while playing, and wandering aimlessly all day after meals.
The idiom "Striking the Ground and Drumming the Belly" means: the people have no worries about food and drink, live leisurely, and can play and roam freely. It is a metaphor for a peaceful world where the people live and work in contentment.
Source: *Collection of Yuefu Poems*, "Miscellaneous Ballads and Folk Songs" and *Zhuangzi*, "Horses' Hooves"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "击壤鼓腹" came to describe the people have no worries about food and drink, live leisurely, and can play and roam freely. It is a metaphor for a peaceful world where the people live and work in contentment.