封

封 is a compound ideogram originally representing planting a tree on a mound of earth to mark a boundary or territory.

Oracle bone script (甲骨文): shared the same form as 丰 (fēng) — depicting a mound of earth with growth, symbolizing prosperity or a boundary.

Bronze inscriptions (金文 jinwen): show a tree planted on top of earth 土, indicating a boundary marker or enclosure.

The meaning extended to “to divide or designate land”, then to “to bestow territory” (as in 封侯, to enfeoff nobles).

Later, a hand radical 又 (yòu) was added to emphasize the act of covering or pressing by hand, turning the meaning toward “to close or seal.”

Thus, the modern form 封 retains both ancient and practical senses — to mark boundaries (封地) and to seal shut (密封).

封鎖 (봉쇄) — to blockade, to seal off

密封 (밀봉) — to seal tightly, to close securely

封建 (봉건) — feudal system; granting of fiefs

封印 (봉인) — to stamp or seal; a seal mark

封侯 (봉후) — to enfeoff as a marquis; confer a noble title

信封 (신봉) — envelope (lit. “letter-seal”)

In ancient China, 封 described the act of enfeoffment — the ruler granting fiefs (封地) to nobles as rewards for loyalty or service.

This became the foundation of the 封建 system, literally “seal-and-establish,” where political power was distributed through land grants.

「封侯拜相」 — to be enfeoffed as marquis and appointed as minister — became an idiom for reaching the highest honor.

In Daoist and Buddhist contexts, 封 often appears in words such as 封印 (seal / spiritual seal) — referring to mystical seals or ritual closures.

It can signify containment of energy, closure of an altar, or the sealing of a vow.

“封神榜” (Investiture of the Gods) — an epic where “sealing” means divine appointment.

봉하다 (to seal) metaphorically means to put an end to or restrain expression, as in 封口 (to seal one’s mouth → “to silence”).

It also symbolizes stability, finality, and sanctity — once sealed, a matter is closed.