Hai Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Bird (niǎo). Kangxi stroke count: 23. Page 1501, Entry 03. Pronounced lu (falling tone). According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it is the egret. Li Shizhen says: It is a water bird. It nests in forests and feeds in water, flying in flocks in an orderly fashion. It is as pure white as snow, and has over ten long hairs on its head, hanging down like silk. When it wishes to catch fish, it lowers them; it is known as the silk bird. Another name is shu yu, and another is chong chu. In the Progressive Dictionary of Bird Names (Erya: Shi Niao), the egret is called chong chu. The commentary notes that the egret has long feathers on its head, wings, and back. People in the Jiangdong region take these to make decorative fringes, naming them white egret tassels. The Bird Classic (Qin Jing) states: When the kestrel flies, there is frost; when the egret flies, there is dew; it derives its name from this. It walks in shallow water, often bobbing up and down, appearing as if pounding grain or hoeing, hence the name chong chu. Also, there is the red egret. The Commentary to the Progressive Dictionary of Bird Names (Erya: Shi Niao Shu) states: During the time of King Wei of Chu, red egrets flew in great numbers and danced. Thus there are also red ones; the old musical piece Zhu Lu (Red Egret) is based on this. However, the bird is generally called the white egret, and red ones are rare. The History of Jin (Jin Shu: Yue Zhi) records that among the Han dynasty music for short flutes and percussion, there is the piece Zhu Lu. Also, egret feathers were held by dancers to indicate movements, whether sitting or crouching. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), it says: Holding its egret feathers. Also, in the Odes of Lu (Lu Song), it says: The egrets are numerous. Also, white egret is a title for an official. The History of Wei (Wei Shu: Guan Shi Zhi) notes that officials tasked with surveillance were called white egrets, taking the meaning from the bird stretching its neck to look into the distance. Pronounced lü (falling tone). According to the Character Forest (Zilin), it is a type of bird. Pronounced lu (level tone). It is a water bird.
