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The character 绖, traditionally written as 絰, is a phono-semantic compound with the semantic thread radical 纟 on the left and the phonetic element 至 on the right. Its origins and historical use are closely tied to traditional Chinese mourning rituals, specifically denoting the coarse hempen cloth band worn on the head or waist by mourners. Textual records show this garment was essential for demonstrating filial piety during mourning periods for close relatives. The character’s meaning remained highly specialized, referring solely to this ritual garment rather than general textiles, and its usage declined as strict mourning dress codes faded.