Mao Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Square (fāng) Kangxi Strokes: 9 Page 482, Entry 07 Pronounced you. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it is written as a variant form (yóu). It refers to the dangling ornaments that flutter on a banner. According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), the term refers to the part hanging down from the end of a banner. Sometimes written in a variant form (yóu). According to the Broad Etymological Dictionary (Boya), the banners used by the Son of Heaven have twelve streamers that drag along the ground; those used by feudal lords have nine, reaching the bottom of the carriage box; those used by high officials have seven, reaching the ends of the axles; those used by the literati have three, reaching the level of the shoulders. Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Office of Spring, Carriage Master: The vertical Great Banner (Dachang) has twelve streamers. Commentary: The Great Banner is the one among the nine types of banners that depicts the sun and moon. The main fabric of the banner is called the shan, and the streamers are attached to it. Also, Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Office of Heaven, Grand Administrator: Using nine types of tributes to attract the wealth of the various feudal states, the eighth type is called the streamer tribute (yougong). Commentary: Zheng Sinong stated: The streamer tribute refers to feathers. Zheng Kangcheng believed: The term is pronounced like the you in roaming (you). The streamer tribute refers to the presentation of pearls, jade, and precious stones for amusement and entertainment. Also the same as the character (yóu). History of the Former Han (Qianhan), Treatise on Rites and Music: Describing a grand and numerous appearance, following along while roaming high above. Also, pronounced liu. The same as the character (liú). Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Office of Summer, Cap Master: The colorful silk strings used to string jade ornaments on the ceremonial caps of feudal lords consist of nine strands. Commentary: Each strand consists of nine jade sections, which constitutes the nine hanging streamers.