鬯

chàng

匕 + 𠚍

Definitions

chàng a kind of sacrificial wine used in ancient times

Etymology

Pictograph of a kind of vessel used for holding wine with the small dots in it representing the wine contained in the vessel.

About

Originally, the character 鬯 referred to a fragrant sacrificial wine infused with aromatic herbs, heavily used in ancient ceremonial rituals, offerings to ancestors, and formal state banquets. Serving as an independent radical, its form is a straightforward pictograph: the outer shape suggests a vessel for holding wine, and the small dots inside represent the wine contained within. In addition to this primary meaning, 鬯 developed an extended sense of flourishing and vigorous growth, a meaning often applied to lush, unhindered vegetation. Given its ritual purity and ceremonial importance, the character appears most frequently in classical historical texts documenting religious practices and royal ceremonies.