The word 婚姻 (hūnyīn), meaning "marriage", is formed by combining two ancient characters, each representing a core facet of the institution. The first, 婚 (hūn), originally depicted the ceremonial aspect, incorporating the idea of "dusk" (夕), as ancient weddings were traditionally held at evening, and the component for "woman" (女), signifying the union. The second, 姻 (yīn), conveys the relational and contractual bond, built from the component for "cause" or "relationship" (因) alongside "woman" (女), emphasizing the familial connection and interdependence established. Together, they create a single concept that encapsulates both the ceremonial event and the enduring social bond it creates.