盛

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

皿 (그릇 명) — semantic component, representing a container or vessel.

成 (이룰 성) — phonetic component, providing the sound seong and the sense of completion or fullness.

Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字):

「盛，器滿也。从皿，成聲。」

“盛 means a vessel that is full. Composed of 皿 (bowl) and the sound 成.”

Originally, 盛 described a container filled to the brim, symbolizing abundance and completion.

From this physical image arose extended meanings such as prosperity, grandeur, intensity, and vigorous flourishing.

Thus, 盛 embodies the visual and conceptual image of fullness reaching its peak — the moment of maturity or culmination.

盛大 (성대) — grand, magnificent

繁盛 (번성) — flourishing, prosperous

昌盛 (창성) — prosperous, thriving

旺盛 (왕성) — vigorous, full of energy

興盛 (흥성) — flourishing, in full bloom

盛況 (성황) — splendid scene, prosperity

盛氣 (성기) — high spirit, arrogance

盛名 (성명) — great fame, illustrious name

盛事 (성사) — grand event, great occasion

盛器 (성기) — vessel, container

盛滿 (성만) — filled up, brimming

盛 (담을) (to contain) — as in 盛飯 (“to serve rice into a bowl”)

Originally describing a full vessel (皿), 盛 developed along two main semantic lines:

Concrete sense (physical) - “to fill, to contain, to hold.”

Abstract sense (figurative) - “to be full of vitality, grandeur, or prosperity.”

These two meanings coexist harmoniously because fullness—in both literal and symbolic form—implies abundance, richness, and vigor.

In classical texts, 盛 frequently appears in contrast to 衰 (쇠), forming the binary 盛衰 (성쇠) — “rise and decline,” symbolizing the natural cycles of prosperity and decay.

「天下盛而後衰。」 (Zuo Zhuan)

“When things under Heaven reach their height, decline follows.”

Thus, 盛 embodies the peak of flourishing, but also implies that such fullness inevitably precedes transformation or decline — a central idea in both Confucian and Daoist worldviews.

In Confucian thought, 盛 represents ethical and civil prosperity — the flourishing of virtue, order, and culture.

In Daoist writings, it often appears as a symbol of balance and transience, reminding that what is full (盛) will naturally become empty (虛).

「盛者必衰。」 (Laozi, ch. 58)

“What is full must decline.”

In Buddhist texts, 盛 may signify the fullness of merit or wisdom, but also serves as a caution against attachment to abundance, as all states are impermanent.

「盛而不驕，衰而不憂。」

“Be prosperous without arrogance, and decline without sorrow.”

Symbolic interpretation:

盛 visually conveys a vessel (皿) filled to completion (成) — the ideal state of fullness, achievement, and abundance.

It symbolizes the zenith of growth, the culmination of virtue or fortune, yet also carries the implicit awareness that fullness precedes decline — a peak that cannot remain eternal.

「盛極則衰，盈滿之道。」

“When prosperity reaches its peak, decline begins — such is the law of fullness.”

In calligraphy and poetry, 盛 often evokes aesthetic fullness — flourishing life, vigorous expression, or the majesty of nature at its height.