The story of 笑

laugh, smile

笑 is composed of the BuShou of 竹(bamboo) and 夭(the picture of a man dancing with joy). When people are happy, they cannot help dancing like bamboo swaying in the wind. Another explanation, bamboo is a common material of musical instruments, music makes people happy. Laughter is the common human reaction of joy, so笑 means laughter.