Wu Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Spirit (shì) Character: Dao Kangxi Stroke Count: 19 Page 847, Entry 16 Ancient script forms. Pronounced dao (falling-rising tone). According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to announce a matter and seek blessings. In the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Spring Offices, the Great Invoker creates six types of pronouncements to connect those above and below, relatives and distant kin; the fifth is prayer. The commentary states: As when Zhao Wenzi completed his residence, Zhang Lao said, Singing here, weeping here, and gathering the state and clan here; the gentleman calls this a good eulogy and a good prayer. Also, pronounced dao (falling tone). The meaning is the same. Also rhymes with dou (falling-rising tone). In the Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes, it says: On a lucky day, the day wu, they performed the sacrifice and the prayer. Here it rhymes with the character fu and chou; wu is read as mu. Also, in the Forest of Changes (Yilin), it says: White cogon grass and sweet wine, the shaman bows and prays.