Understanding Chinese Characters: 豐

By Zou Xinsheng

There is much truth in the assertion that inspiration is a butterfly; the more closely man chases after it, the farther a butterfly will fly. Life can be a garden where man is encouraged to escape from hustle and bustle sensibly—stop to smell the flowers and perceive eternal truth.

It is the same story in crosscultural communications.For disciples embarking on the journey of appreciating Chinese characters, a sharp insight into their nature is of paramount importance to steer advancements in an intelligent direction. Only if the Rosetta Stone of cultural ideology is grasped, will illumination of Chinese characters manifest itself.

In retrospect, the Chinese character豐 (pronounced“fēng”) has been served as an auspicious emblem in the mindsets of the Chinese.China, a nation endowed with abundant resources, has been an influential agricultural country for thousands of years—during which, Chinese ancestors'wisdom and perceptions were sublimated when struggling against the elements. A famous idiom, 瑞雪兆豐年 (ruìxuě zhào fēngnián, “a timely snow promises a good harvest”), aptly illustrates this sense. There has long been a superstition among the Chinese that favorable snow is a fortunate omen. Further,getting down to the character 豐,people will discern how profound culture shapes a great nation.

As recorded in the oracle inscriptions 甲骨文 (jiágǔwén),the cradle of Chinese culture, the character豐 is believed to be a bean-like vessel full of treasures(jade), which is fully justified by Shuo Wen Jie Zi (《說文解字》, the Origins of Chinese Characters), the first Chinese Dictionary known in history, i.e.豐，豆之豐滿者也, as well as its traditional Chinese character form, i.e. 豐. It is easy to deduce from those findings that the most original and prevalent meaning of 豐 is “abundant, plentiful.”Many cases support this, such as 豐潤 (fēngrùn, plump and tender) and 故禮豐不足以效愛，而誠可以懷遠 (gù lǐ fēng bú zúyǐ xiào ài, ér chéng kěyǐ huái yuǎn, “affections defy availability with substantial gifts only while love goes as far as sincerity can take”)quoted from《淮南子》 (The Huainanzi).

As a renowned philosopher once pointed out, Chinese culture is different in almost every respect from that of Western culture—as different as the giant panda is from the bald eagle. What distinguishes the Chinese characters from other writing systems is the ever-innovating mentality towards them.

Subsequently, illumination of the character豐radiates from its foundations and flourishes in the literary arena with its impressive intimation.According to dictionary,豐 refers to 豐茂 (fēngmào,luxuriant). 在彼豐草 (zài bǐ fēng cǎo, “thither remains luxuriant grass”) in 《詩經》(The Book of Songs) interprets the meaning.Also, it is denoted 盛大(shèngdà, splendid or grand).For example, 豐碑 (fēngbēi,monument).

Without insightful cultural understanding, our global community would survive,but fail to thrive. Reserving an inner equilibrium is one avenue to cultural prosperity. Even though all that glitters is not gold—what if we find “gold”?