[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Time-and-Space # 旦 dàn dawn; morning ## Components [[日 (rì)]] [[日 rì]] [[一 (yī)]] [[一 yī]] ## Meaning Today, the character 旦 (dàn) primarily signifies the concept of "morning" or "dawn" in modern Chinese. It refers to the early hours of the day when the sun rises and daylight begins. Additionally, it can still convey the idea of daily occurrences or "every day" in certain contexts. ## History The character 旦 (dàn) symbolizes the sunrise, marking the beginning of a new day. The original meaning of "旦" is dawn or morning, contrasting with "暮" meaning dusk, a distinction reflected in its earliest forms. The character consists of the sun at the top and the ground below, depicting the moment when the sun emerges just above the horizon, vividly capturing the image of sunrise. In the "Ballad of Mulan," the phrase "旦辞爷娘去，暮宿黄河边" poetically portrays Mulan's swift departure for the military campaign. Later on, "旦" extended to represent daily occurrences or "every day." In its composition, the sun appears above, while below, it resembles a reflection in water, indicating the breaking of dawn. In seal, clerical, and regular scripts, the character depicts the sun rising from the ground. Its original meaning remains as morning or daybreak. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[旦 dàn - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[旦 dàn - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[旦 dàn - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[旦 dàn - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[旦 dàn - reg.svg]]