Shen Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Grass (cǎo) Jian Kangxi strokes: 18 Page 1057, Entry 35 Tang Rhymes (Tangyun): Pronounced xian. Book of Odes (Shijing), Zheng Airs: Men and women hold jian. Commentary: Jian is orchid. Wing of the Erya (Eryayi): The jian herb is mostly like marsh orchid. Jingzhou Record (Jingzhouji) by Sheng Hongzhi: Duliang County has a mountain, beneath which is clear water. Orchid herbs grow within it, known as Duliang fragrance, named after the mountain. The substance can kill insects and remove evil spirits. Therefore, the people of Zheng, in the third month of spring, go to the banks of the Zhen and Wei rivers, where men and women hold jian to perform purification rituals. Rhyme Collection (Yunhui): According to the Han Poetry (Han Shi) traditions, it is the lotus. Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People (Qimin Yaoshu): The jian vine grows along trees; its fruit is like a pear, red like a cockscomb, with seeds like fish scales; it is harvested and eaten raw. Also a surname. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of King Li of Huainan: The commandant was Jian Ji. Detailed Commentary (Suoyin): Jian is a surname. Book of Han (Hanshu), Shigu Commentary: Surname Jian, given name Ji. This is the original character. Sometimes written as a variant form, but that is incorrect. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Pronounced xian. Name of an herb.