About
The character 褵 (lí) is a phono-semantic compound. Its left side features the clothing radical 衤 (yī), which anchors its meaning in the domain of textiles and apparel. The right side provides the phonetic element 离 (lí). Etymologically, 褵 was coined to denote a ceremonial sash, ribbon, or bridal veil. This item was traditionally tied onto a woman’s garments by her mother during her wedding, symbolizing her transition to married life. As this specific garment was integral to an ancient wedding ritual known as "jie li" (tying the sash), the character's use has remained closely tied to matrimonial contexts and classical literature, serving as a historical term for traditional bridal attire.