Shen Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Grass (cǎo) Fen Kangxi strokes: 10 Page 1020, Entry 13 Pronounced fen When grass first begins to grow, its fragrance spreads outward. Also, according to the Erya (Boya), fen-fen means fragrant. As stated in the Book of Odes (Shijing), Xiaoya section: fragrant and aromatic sacrifices. In the Daya section: the rich scent of roasted and grilled meat. Also, according to the Fangyan (a dictionary of regionalisms by Yang Xiong): it means harmonious. Also, according to the Jizhong Zhoushu (Chronicles of the Zhou Dynasty found in the tomb of the King of Wei): do not be confused or muddled, or endure disgrace with a thick skin. The commentary notes that min-fen means chaotic. Also, according to the Guanzi, Earth Personnel chapter: as loose as ashes. The commentary notes that fen-ran refers to soil that is puffy and light. Also, according to the Book of Han (Qianhan), Records of Rites and Music: vast and abundant, as far as the eye can see. The commentary by Yan Shigu notes that fen refers to a great multitude. Also, according to the Erya (Boya): it refers to cogon grass. Also, a surname. According to the Strategies of the Warring States (Zhanguoce), there was a high official in the State of Jin named Fen Zhi. Also, in the rhyme compendiums: pronounced fu (level tone). In Yang Fang’s Hehuan Shi (Poem on Joyful Union): there are branches that collect dew, with purple and white flowers blooming together, exhaling fragrance. The branches and leaves grow lushly, hanging down with an elegant posture, stretching out and standing tall, fragrant and vivid. According to the Shuowen Jiezi, the original form was written as the character composed of grass and the fen element. It is sometimes written with the grass radical. According to the Liushu Lue, it is also written in other variants. Editorial note: In the references to the Jiyun, Yunhui, and Zhengyun, the text originally read as grass first growing and spreading. Based on the original text, the word fragrance has been added. Regarding the surname: according to the original text of the Guangyun, the name Fen Zhi has been corrected from the erroneous Fen Zhi in the text.