Chinese Characters Are Not Just Pictures

Chinese characters are often described as pictographs — pictures turned into writing. But according to traditional Chinese understanding, they are much more than that.

In this video, Dr. He explains the legend of Cāng Jié, the semi-divine figure said to have created Chinese characters, and why Chinese writing is not merely pictographic, but a three-unity system: form, sound, and meaning.

The video also explores the legend of “grain rain” falling from Heaven after the creation of writing, the connection between Chinese characters and civilization, and why Grain Rain is linked to UN Chinese Language Day.

Through this story, Chinese characters are presented not only as a writing system, but as a bridge between Heaven, humanity, culture, and the Dao.

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