straw raincoat
蓑 centers on a traditional straw raincoat, a protective garment woven from plant material to shed rain.
蓑 combines 艹 (plant) with 衰, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of something draped or hanging, as a raincoat hangs from the shoulders.
The plant top 艹 over 衰 suggests a garment made of woven grass or straw. Picture a farmer wearing a thick, shaggy straw coat that sheds rain like a thatched roof.
For サ, imagine a straw raincoat so well-made that it makes you say 'Ah!' in satisfaction: 'Ah' -> サ, and the coat keeps you dry.
cover (e.g. for illegal activity); front; guise
straw raincoat
bagworm; bagworm moth
red lionfish (Pterois volitans)
straw skirt; grass skirt; traditionally worn by hunters and fishermen
helping and protecting in all ways; acting as a raincoat (protecting from rain) and acting as a hat (protecting from sun)
old turtle with seaweed growing on its back
minohiki chicken (Japanese long-tailed breed)
sedge hat and straw rain cape
luna lionfish (Pterois lunulata)
Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica)