[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Sequence # 申 shēn statement, explanation ## Components [[田 (tián)]] [[田 tián]] [[日 (rì)]] [[日 rì]] [[丨 (gǔn)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "申" commonly signifies "statement" or "explanation," often used in phrases like "申明" (clarification) or "申诉" (petition). It also represents the ninth Earthly Branch in the Chinese zodiac system, associated with the monkey. Additionally, "申" serves as an alternative name for Shanghai and is used as a surname. Its original meaning of lightning has transitioned into more abstract concepts related to communication and time divisions. ## History The character "申" originated as a pictograph representing lightning in ancient scripts like oracle bone and bronze inscriptions. Its shape resembled the appearance of lightning in the sky. In later script forms like seal script, clerical script, and regular script, it depicted the meeting of positive and negative charges resulting in a flash of lightning. Originally, "申" meant lightning. In modern usage, "申" has several meanings: 1. It can signify "statement" or "explanation," as in "一明三令五申" (clearly stated and repeatedly emphasized). 2. It represents the ninth of the twelve Earthly Branches in the Chinese zodiac system, associated with the monkey. "申时" refers to the period from three to five in the afternoon. 3. It is also used as an alternative name for Shanghai. 4. Lastly, "申" can serve as a surname. The character's original association with lightning has evolved, and it now often conveys the idea of "clarification" or "petition," reflecting its ancient connection to divine manifestations through thunder and lightning. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[申 shēn - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[申 shēn - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[申 shēn - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[申 shēn - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[申 shēn - reg.svg]]