旃

zhān

丹 + 方 + 𠂉

Definitions

zhān felt; silken banner

Etymology

Depicts a type of ancient flag (㫃) that was colored red (丹) and had a bent pole.

Semantic: 方 Phonetic: 丹

About

The character 旃 is formed from the flag radical 㫃 and the phonetic 丹 (red), depicting a type of ancient flag with a bent pole and a red color. It came to designate a specific banner, often crimson or unfringed, used in military and ceremonial functions. Additionally, it served as a phonetic loan for 毡, meaning felt or woolen fabrics, in certain classical texts.