Shen Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Grass (cǎo) 莎 Kangxi Stroke Count: 13 Page 1033, Entry 32 Pronounced suo. The name of a type of grass. According to the Analytical Dictionary of Chinese Characters (Shuowen), it is called hao hou. Another name for it is hou suo. According to the Expanded Interpretations of the Erya (Eryayi), its stems and leaves resemble those of the three-cornered grass (Scirpus), and its roots are surrounded by fine hairs; it is referred to as xiangfu zi. Another name is que tou xiang. According to the Guangya, di mao is another term for this grass. It is also the name of a tree. According to the Guangyun, it resembles the sugar palm (guanglang) and can produce flour. Also, in the Biography of Feng Fengshi in the History of the Former Han (Qian Han Shu), there is mention of the King of Shache named Wannian. The commentary notes that Shache is the name of a country. It is also the name of a pavilion. According to the Commentary on the Classic of Waterways (Shuijing Zhu), the Suo Spring flows southward, and there is a Suo Spring Pavilion by the water. Pronounced sha. The name of a type of insect. According to the Book of Odes (Shijing), in the sixth month, the grasshopper (suoji) vibrates its wings. Pronounced sui. The term ruo suo refers to rubbing or massaging with the hands. According to the Book of Rites (Liji), one should not rub the hands while eating together. The commentary explains that ze refers to this act of rubbing. Furthermore, by rubbing and massaging it, one can extract its fragrant juices. Additionally, according to the Yunbu, the character for the grass suo is pronounced sui when used in certain poetic contexts. According to Ma Rong’s Eulogy of Guangcheng (Guangcheng Song), jade terraces are used to guard it, golden embankments are used to enclose it, willow trees are planted, and it is covered with green grass (suo).