Chen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Tree (mù). 8 strokes. Page 513, Entry 12. Pronounced dong. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it signifies movement. It is the movement of yang energy, which in terms of the seasons corresponds to spring. Book of Documents (Shangshu), Canon of Yao: Order the eastern working. Kong's commentary states that the year begins in the east, which is when the plowing starts. Huainanzi (Huainanzi), Treatise on Astronomy: The east is wood; its deity is Taihao. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Treatise on the Calendar: The sun rises in the east, and the moon rises in the west. Zheng Qiao, Comprehensive Treatise (Tongzhi): When the sun is among the trees, it is called dong; when it is above the trees, it is called gao; when it is below the trees, it is called yao. The tree referred to is the ruo tree, where the sun rises and sets. Book of Odes (Shijing), Greater Odes: In the east there is the morning star. Erya, Explanation of Places: The east extends to Taiyuan. A surname. Sage and Worthy Group Assistance Record (Shengxian Qunfu Lu): A friend of Shun named Dong Buzi. Also rhymes with ding. Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes: Thinking of our land and homes, we were born in an inauspicious time. Encountering Heaven's great anger, moving from the west to the east. Also rhymes with dang. Yang Quan, Rhapsody on Sericulture (Canfu): Summoning the servants to build a house to the side. What is that side? It is to the east of the courtyard. Note: In the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), east forms its own radical, but it is here merged into the tree radical.