About
旒 (liú) is a phono-semantic compound: the left component 㫃 (yǎn, flag/banner) gives the meaning of textiles and hanging ornaments, while the right component 㐬 (liú) provides the sound. The character primarily denotes the hanging tassels or strings of pearls suspended from the front and back of ceremonial crowns worn by emperors and royalty in ancient state rituals. It also refers to the trailing streamers on a military or ceremonial flag, both types of dangling ornaments symbolizing high status and formal authority.
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