鬯
fragrant herbs, spiced liqueur, grow, spread
Readings
On'yomi
- チョウ
Kun'yomi
- かおりぐさ
Meaning
鬯 centers on a fragrant herbal infusion used in ritual offerings, extended to the idea of spreading or growing like an aroma. The meanings 'fragrant herbs', 'spiced liqueur', 'grow', and 'spread' all connect to this core image of a scented liquid that permeates.
Study
Etymology
鬯 is an ancient pictograph of a ritual vessel containing fragrant herbs or spiced liquor. The modern form retains the container shape with the 匕 component at the bottom, but the exact historical development of the upper strokes is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
Picture a ceremonial bowl (the upper enclosure) filled with aromatic herbs, with a ladle (匕) at the bottom for serving the spiced liqueur. The fragrance spreads and grows, filling the space.
Reading mnemonic
For チョウ, imagine a long-serving chief named Chou pouring the spiced liqueur from the vessel: Chou -> チョウ, and the aroma spreads through the hall.