The Origin and Etymology of "生"
The character “生” (saang1/shēng) is an ideogram, depicting the growth of a plant from the soil, symbolizing the beginning of a new life cycle. While its form has evolved since its origin from over 3,000 years ago, its meaning has remained. In its Oracle Bone Script form, it portrays a sprouting plant with a horizontal stroke below, symbolizing the ground, and diagonal strokes representing its branches and leaves.
In its Bronze Script form, it maintains the form of plants sprouting from the earth. Its meaning also extends to symbolizing concepts such as being born, giving birth or growing; leading to usage such as “眾生”, meaning all living beings.
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