[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Plants # 兰 lán orchid; elegant; fragance ## Components [[丷 (bǎ)]] [[三 sān]] ## Meaning Today, the character "兰" (lán) primarily refers to: 1. **Orchid**: Referring to the orchid flower or plant. However, it also carries the following extended meanings: 2. **Elegant/Noble**: Used metaphorically to describe something or someone elegant, noble, or refined. - 兰馨 (lán xīn): elegant fragrance - 兰心蕙质 (lán xīn huì zhì): pure-hearted and noble 3. **Fragrance**: It can also refer to a pleasant fragrance or scent, often used in poetic or literary contexts. - 兰花香 (lán huā xiāng): orchid fragrance Overall, "兰" (lán) is a versatile character used to convey the idea of orchids, elegance, nobility, or fragrance in various contexts in modern Chinese. ## History The character "兰" (lán) is a compound ideogram consisting of the radicals "艸" (cǎo), representing plants, and "闌" (lán), representing the sound. It originally referred to a type of fragrant herb. Orchids grow in secluded valleys by the water, exuding a delicate and elegant fragrance. Along with plum blossoms, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, orchids are known as the "Four Gentlemen" of flowers. They symbolize the nobility and purity of a gentleman, who remains virtuous and unassuming. Ancient people believed that orchids possessed four qualities: clear fragrance, clear color, clear spirit, and clear charm. Orchids were highly regarded and often referred to as the "number one fragrance under heaven" or the "ancestor of fragrances". In ancient times, there was a saying, "金兰结义" (jīn lán jié yì), which means friends with hearts as close as gold and orchids, implying a bond as strong as metal and a fragrance as refreshing as orchids. The character "兰" (lán) originally meant orchid, a fragrant plant. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ![[兰 seal.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[兰 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[兰 reg.svg]]