祼 (guàn) - Libation — a ritual pouring of a liquid & in ancient Chinese ceremonies, the act of pouring

祼Tone 4

guàn ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

祼 · guàn

Libation — a ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering to a deity or spirit;

in ancient Chinese ceremonies, the act of pouring wine as sacrifice.

Libation — a ritual pouring of a liquidin ancient Chinese ceremonies, the act of pouring

Usage highlights

Libation ritualLibation ceremonyLibation wineLibation vesselRoyal libationAncestral libation

Synonyms

  • 祭— sacrifice; worship
  • 献— offer; present

Antonyms

  • 饮— drink (as opposed to pour out as offering)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The priest performed the libation ritual (祼礼).
  • Ancient ceremonies included wine libations (祼酒).
  • The libation ceremony was an important royal rite (祼祭).

Collocations

  • Libation ritual(祼礼)
  • Libation ceremony(祼祭)
  • Libation wine(祼酒)
  • Libation vessel(祼器)
  • Royal libation(王祼)
  • Ancestral libation(宗祼)

Idioms

  • Perform the libation ceremony(行祼礼)
  • Libation to ancestors(祼于祖)
  • Libation with fragrant wine(祼鬯)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originated from ancient Chinese sacrificial rituals, particularly in Zhou dynasty ceremonies.
  • The character contains the 示 (altar/religious) radical, indicating its religious significance.
  • Was an important part of royal ancestral worship ceremonies.
  • The ritual involved pouring wine as an offering to spirits or ancestors.

FAQ