Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Needle Kangxi stroke count: 10 Page 1296, Entry 01 Broad Rhymes (Guangyun): Pronounced zhen. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun): Pronounced zhen. Xu Commentary to the Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen Xuzhu): A common variant form for the character for needle. A tool used for sewing. Commentary to the Book of Changes (Yijing), Hexagram Qian: Just as a magnet attracts a needle, amber attracts mustard seeds. Records of Events in the Tianbao Period (Tianbaoyishi): In the Tang dynasty imperial palace, colorful towers were built on the evening of the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, where melons, fruits, wine, and food were arranged to offer sacrifices to the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. The consorts and palace maids each took needles with nine eyes and five-colored threads, facing the moon to thread them; those who succeeded were considered to have begged for skillful arts. Also a surname. During the Longqing era of the Ming dynasty, there was a provincial graduate named Zhen Hui. Medical Texts (Fangshu): Acupuncture therapy. See the detailed explanation under the entry for needle provided later. Also a name for an insect. Ancient and Modern Records (Gujinzhu): Tadpoles are also known as needles. Also related to calligraphy. There is the hanging-dew style and the hanging-needle style. Xie Zhaowang Qi by Yu Xin: Hanging dews and hanging needles are not enough to express gratitude in writing. Pronounced zhen (falling tone). Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Sewing. Also, acupuncture.