Learn one Chinese Character a day - 朱

From the meaning of 朱 and its shape, we might not realise that 朱 was created from 木 as well.

As we have learnt 本 and 末, we have these two Chinese characters created with indicators drawn upon root or treetop of a tree. 朱 is created with an indicator drawn upon the trunk of a tree.

Let us examine its evolution history to confirm: (image get from http://www.vividict.com)

Learn one Chinese Character a day - 朱

It is very obvious that Oracle Script of 朱 - is to draw a upon the trunk of a tree . So original meaning of 朱 is trunk of a tree.

Wood were used as the majority construction material for all Chinese buildings, furniture. And wood with natural red colour is the favourite one. Below is the image of such kind of wood. For more information on Chinese Red Wood furniture can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_furniture

Red Wood

And a typical red wood furniture as shown below:

Typical Chinese Red Wood Furniture

朱 is thus eventually used to referring to the red color represented by the red wood. Chinese ancestors then created a new character 株 to mean trunk of a tree.

朱 is now also a family name. Maybe ancestors of 朱 family lived nearby a forest of red wood.

Let us enjoy a Chinese calligraphy with 朱 inside to end our lesson today:

朱门酒肉臭 路有冻死骨