[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Colors # 紫 zǐ purple, violet ## Components [[此 cǐ]] [[糸 (mì)]] ## Meaning Today, the character “紫” (zǐ) primarily means **purple**. It is used to describe the color itself and can be found in various contexts, such as: - **紫色** (zǐsè), meaning "purple color." - **紫菜** (zǐcài), referring to "purple seaweed." While the character still carries cultural connotations related to nobility and auspiciousness, its main usage today is simply as a descriptor for the color purple. ## History The character “紫” (zǐ) originally refers to the color **purple**, which is a blend of blue and red. In ancient Chinese clothing culture, nobility and high officials often wore garments in red and purple hues. As a result, the term “朱紫” (zhūzǐ) became a metaphor for high-ranking officials. For example, in the Song Dynasty, poet Wang Zhu wrote, “满朝朱紫贵，尽是读书人,” meaning "the court is filled with high officials, all of whom are learned individuals." Additionally, “紫气” (zǐqì) refers to **purple clouds**. In ancient times, purple clouds were seen as auspicious signs, symbolizing the appearance of emperors or sages, and were thought to predict good fortune. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ![[紫 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[紫 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[紫 reg.svg]]