The story of 盟

league, oath

盟 is composed of 明(brightness) and 皿(a dish-like container). In ancient China, when vassals make a pledge in order to form an alliance, they need blood to show seriousness, so a container is needed. On the other hand, pledge is built upon faith, the hearts of both sides need to be bright as the sun and the moon.

Vocabulary of 盟

  • 結盟 (to ally)
  • 盟誓 (to make a pledge)

Classification

Related Characters: