You Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Star (chén) Kangxi Strokes: 13 Page 1252, Entry 24 Ancient forms: nong, chen. Pronounced nong. Shuowen Jiezi (Explanation of Writing and Analysis of Characters): To plow, to sow. Book of Documents (Shangshu): Agriculture utilizes the eight administrative policies. Note: Agriculture is the means by which the people's lives are made prosperous. Rites of Zhou (Zhouli): Utilizing the nine vocational duties to appoint the myriad people. The first is the three agricultural categories producing the nine types of grain. Note: The three agricultural categories are mountain agriculture, marsh agriculture, and plain agriculture. Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan): Their common people exert their strength in farming and harvesting. Note: Sowing is called agriculture (nong), gathering is called harvesting (se). Also, Shennong, the title of the ancient Flame Emperor. History of the Former Han (Hanshu): Opening up land and planting grain is called agriculture. The Flame Emperor taught the people to plant grain, hence he was titled Shennong, meaning he made their agriculture divine. Also, the Wanshan clan had a son called Nong, who was able to plant the hundred grains; later generations used this to name farmers as nong. Also, Minister of Agriculture, a title of an official. History of the Former Han (Hanshu): In the Qin dynasty, it was called the Superintendent of Grain; in the Han dynasty, Emperor Jing changed the name to Great Minister of Agriculture. Also, Hongnong, the name of a commandery. History of the Former Han (Hanshu): Established in the fourth year of the Yuanding reign period of Emperor Wu. Also, a surname. Customs and Traditions (Fengsutong): Descendants of the Shennong clan. Also, rhyming with dang, pronounced nang. Pan Yue: Reflecting on the joy of the royal capital, plucking its fragrances. The great ruler arrives, and speaks of personally tilling the soil. Also, rhyming with dao, pronounced nao. Shu Xi: Only the appointment of officials within a hundred leagues, each categorized and distinct. Examining the governance of the people in their duties, nothing is more beautiful or abundant than happy farming.