The story of 改

change, correct

改 is composed of the variant of 巳 (sixth earthly branch) and 攵 (tap, knock). 巳 is the picture of a fetus, means infant or young child, 攵 depicts a hand holding a stick, so 改 is the picture of hitting a child with a stick. According to Chinese tradition, to correct a person's bad behavior, corporal punishment should be used from childhood.