[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Plants # 芝 zhī magic fungus ## Components [[艹 (cǎo)]] [[之 zhī]] ## Meaning Today, the character "芝 (zhī)" is less commonly used in everyday language compared to more frequently encountered characters. When encountered, it often retains its traditional meanings, referring to the divine fungus or occasionally to Angelica, an aromatic herb. In modern usage, it may appear in specialized contexts such as botanical discussions or cultural references to traditional beliefs about the divine properties of certain plants. ## History The character "芝 (zhī)" is a compound ideogram. In the small seal script, it consists of "州 (zhōu)" and the phonetic element "之 (zhī)." In clerical script, it evolved into "芝" in regular script. In the "说文 • 艸部 (shuōwén • cǎo bù)," it explains: "芝 refers to the divine land. It consists of '州 (zhōu)' and '之 (zhī).'" Originally, "芝" referred to a type of fungus that grows at the roots of dead trees, characterized by long stalks and kidney-shaped caps, often in red or purple colors. Ancient people believed it to be auspicious, capable of granting immortality, hence it was also called "灵芝 (língzhī)." "芝" also refers to the aromatic herb Angelica, commonly used as a metaphor for noble and beautiful things. For instance, in "世说新语 (shì shuō xīn yǔ)," it says: "As noble as the fragrant Angelica and as beautiful as jade trees." Here, "芝兰 (zhī lán)" metaphorically represents outstanding individuals. In its structure, it conveys the idea of plants, depicted in the seal script resembling grass. The phonetic component "之 (zhī)" implies a sense of direction, as "灵芝 (língzhī)" was traditionally considered the "elixir of immortality," growing in remote and hidden places, requiring a journey to seek out. Its original meaning is the divine fungus. It also refers to another type of aromatic herb, namely Angelica. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ![[芝 zhī - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[芝 zhī - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[芝 zhī - reg.svg]]