桑

桑 is a pictographic-derived character representing a mulberry tree with branches and leaves.

The upper part originally depicted branches with leaves, while the lower part 木 (tree) indicates that the character refers to a plant or tree. Thus the character literally represents a mulberry tree.
Semantic development: - mulberry tree; - mulberry leaves used for feeding silkworms; - symbol of traditional sericulture and agriculture.

상엽 (桑葉) — mulberry leaf

상잠 (桑蠶) — silkworms raised on mulberry leaves

상전 (桑田) — mulberry field

Mulberry trees were essential for traditional silk production, since silkworms feed mainly on mulberry leaves. Because of this, 桑 often symbolizes rural life, agriculture, and sericulture in classical East Asian literature.
Related characters: 木 — tree; wood

葉 — leaf

蠶 — silkworm

絲 — silk