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Cultural Significance of Moon’s Alternative Names -A Study on the “蟾(chɑ́n)+ X” Terms-

Cho, Yuna 1 Han, Yong Su 1

1동국대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

In traditional Chinese culture, the moon has long been revered as a sacred and poetic symbol. Ancient literati frequently bestowed unique epithets upon the moon in literature, art, and daily life, with terms based on the character “蟾”(toad)being particularly noteworthy. These epithets, integrating “蟾” with other moon-related elements, not only unveil a myriad of sentiments and perspectives towards the moon but also paint a rich tapestry of cultural nuances. Building upon previous research, this study further develops a morphological model of “蟾 + X”. Utilizing this model, the paper examines the morphological features related to the moon’s essence from both syntactic and semantic perspectives, specifically through “蟾 + moon shape”, “蟾 + moon hue”, and “蟾 + moonlight”. Moreover, we delve into the cultural characteristics of these terms from aspects such as “蟾 + mythology” and “蟾 + locations”. This exploration not only showcases the profound emotions and unique insights ancient literati held for the moon but also underscores the distinctive charm of Chinese linguistic creativity and cultural heritage. A deep investigation into the naming and descriptions of the moon in ancient Chinese not only holds substantial morphological research value but also presents a rich, detailed, and multilayered viewpoint about the moon at the semantic, cultural, and historical levels. This highlights the indispensable role of linguistics in observing and interpreting natural phenomena within cultural and historical contexts.

Citation status

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