[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Time-and-Space # 夏 xià summer; ancient name of China ## Components [[夂 (zhǐ)]] [[一 (yī)]] [[一 yī]] [[自 (zì)]] [[自 zì]] ## Meaning In modern usage, "夏" refers to the summer season, the second of the four seasons. ## History Originally representing a complete human figure, including the head, torso, and limbs, the character "夏" now refers to the second season of the four seasons. It originally meant "person" and is a compound ideogram. In ancient times, its character form was quite complex, resembling a human figure with the head at the top, torso in the middle, hands on both sides, and feet at the bottom. Later, "夏" was borrowed to represent the summer season. It also referred to the people of China, and China was known as "华夏" (Huáxià). The character later extended its meaning to indicate things that are flourishing and prosperous. Additionally, "夏" was used to describe tall and large buildings, which was later written as "厦." ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[夏 ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[夏bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[夏seal.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[夏cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[夏reg.svg]]