Today, the character we are going to explore is "Tian", a seemingly simple but charming polyphonic character.
It's not just about the gorgeous headdress, it's also about the food that people eat in their daily lives.
When it appears in the word "钿ruler", its pronunciation is not "tiān" or "tiǎn" as we often mistakenly think, but has its own unique pronunciation and meaning.
First of all, let's solve the mystery of the pronunciation of "钿". In "钿ruler", the correct pronunciation of "钿" is [diàn].
The word here refers to an object inlaid with metal or precious stones, usually for measurement or decoration.
The term "ruler", on the other hand, refers to a fine ruler, often inlaid with metal or gemstones, which is not only practical, but also a work of art.
When we read the poem "The lotus flower is the green finch, the treasure is a golden insect", it is not difficult to imagine the beautiful picture: the lotus flower is waiting to be released, the green finch rests lightly on the petals, and each petal is like a ruler inlaid with precious stones, delicately depicting the rhythm of nature.
The "Tian" here is like adding a touch of artificial delicacy and gorgeousness to the beauty of nature.
In addition to the pronunciation of "diàn", "钿" also has a pronunciation of [tián].
In this pronunciation, "tin" is often associated with food and refers to a type of metal sequins that adorn dim sum and is commonly found on traditional Chinese dim sum.
This kind of metal sequins not only adds to the ornamental nature of the pastry, but also makes people feel a visual pleasure while tasting the food.
Imagine sitting in an antique courtyard on a hazy moonlit night, tasting a piece of mooncake decorated with exquisite "Tian" slices, isn't that picture picturesque?
This tradition of combining food and art is a unique aesthetic taste in Chinese culture.
Although the word "Tian" is only a small Chinese character, it contains rich cultural connotations. It can be both a beautiful measuring tool and a work of art to garnish your food.
These two completely different application scenarios have found a perfect embodiment in the word "Tian".
This can't help but make us sigh at the breadth and profundity of Chinese characters!
Interestingly, although the two pronunciations of the word "钿" are completely different, they complement each other to some extent. On the one hand, the pronunciation of "Tian" as a headdress makes us feel the gentleness and luxury of ancient women;
On the other hand, the pronunciation of "钿" as a food decoration shows the Chinese's exquisite skills and aesthetic taste for food. These two seemingly unrelated fields have found a wonderful intersection in the word "Tian".