Xu Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Rain (yǔ) 霄 Kangxi stroke count: 15 Page 1374, Entry 11 Pronounced xiao. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to rain that becomes sleet or snow. It is formed by the radical for rain and the phonetic component xiao. This is a term from the state of Qi. According to the Erya (Er ya, Explaining Heaven), rain that becomes sleet or snow is called xiao. The commentary on the Book of Odes (Shijing) says: Like that falling snow, first gathering is sleet. Sleet is when ice and snow fall together; this is called xiao-snow. The sub-commentary explains that xiao means to dissolve. The Rhyme Compilation (Yunhui) notes that xiao-snow is what people today call wet snow, which dissolves upon touching objects. Also, according to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it refers to cloud vapors. The Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun) describes it as being close to the sky. In the Ganquan Rhapsody (Ganquan fu) by Yang Xiong, it is written: Soaring through the clear xiao, surpassing floating light. The commentator Yan Shigu says xiao refers to the vapor surrounding the sun. Also, it is the name of a flower, the Chinese trumpet vine. According to the Wing of the Erya (Erya yi), the tiao plant, also called lingtiao, is now known as the Chinese trumpet vine. Also, it is the name of Benxiao, one of the Eight Fine Steeds of King Mu, as seen in the Records of Omissions (Shiyi ji). Also, it is the name of a place. In the Zuo Tradition (Zuo zhuan), in the fourteenth year of Duke Ding, it is recorded: Fortified Jufu and Xiao. Also, it is the name of a country. According to the Records of Omissions (Shiyi ji), in the west there is the country of Yinxiao, whose people are all skilled at whistling. Also, it is a surname. The Correct Meaning (Zhengzitong) notes that Han Feizi mentions Xiao Lue. Also, a personal name. In the Spring and Autumn Annals (Chunqiu), in the eleventh year of Duke Xiang, it is recorded: The Chu people captured the Zheng envoy Liang Xiao. The Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), in the Hereditary House of Chu, refers to him as Xiao Ao. Also, pronounced xiao (fourth tone). Same as xiao. In the Eulogy for Chancellor Lu by Lu Yun: Exhausting transformations to approach the divine, exploring the mysteries of the masses. Startled by the dusty atmosphere, clarifying the echoing clear xiao. Here, xiao rhymes with xiao (fourth tone). Also, rhymes with sha. In the Daoist Canon Songs (Daozang ge): Playing zithers on the northern cold terrace, the seven spirits shine on the purple xiao. The gathered immortals rise up, scattered in the dusty net. Also, rhymes with sou. In the poems of Lu Ji: Vast is the heavenly net, letting the flying and the sinking be gathered. Receiving this humble official, soaring in the light of the clear xiao. Note: In the Erya (Er ya, Explaining Heaven), the text says rain is xiao. In accordance with the original text, the character for snow has been added after xiao.