Learn one Chinese Character a day - 联 | 聯

Today we study another Chinese character related to 耳 - 联, whose Traditional version is 聯. 

From its Simplified version - 联, it is composed of 耳 and 关. What does it possibly mean here, close ears to stop hearing?

And looking at its Traditional version - 聯, there is another possible comprehension. Here, which we have studied while learning 關, presents the meaning of "using rope to tie up 门闩". So 聯 might have the meaning of "tie up ears"?

As usual, Let us check its evolution history to get some help in reasoning its meanings. Image taken from: http://www.vividict.com

Evolution history of 联 | 聯

Looking at its Oracle Script , it is composed of (耳) and . If we recall the Oracle Script of 丝 (), we can see that does represent a meaning of "ear connected with silk" or "ear is tied up together as those cocoons does".

Recalling how 取 was created, 聯 did follow the same concept. Soldier tied up ears of enemies using ropes so that he could claim his military reward after a war.

Seal Script of 聯 - used  (丝) itself directly to emphasise the meaning of "tied up" with silk rope.

Starting from its Clerical Script ， it used the , a part of 關, to present the meaning of "tie up".

We now know that 联 | 聯 does not mean "close up ears to stop hearing".

联 | 聯 means to link, to connect, to combine, or to joint as verb. For example: 联盟, 联手

And 联 | 聯 also means together or continuously as adv. For example: 联欢

That's all for today. It is time to enjoy a Chinese calligraphy with 联 | 聯 inside:

珠联璧合