Direction

Today, I introduce the origin of some kanji characters that stands for directions.

東 east

It is speculated that the origin of this character is a pouch for hunting.
In ancient times, people used to get up and go hunting with a leather pouch at sunrise.
The direction of sunrise is east.

西 west

There are two different theories for this character.
According to a researcher, the origin of this character is the shape of a birds' nest.
Birds go west to get back to their nest around the time of sunset.
So the shape of a nest come to mean "west".

There is another theory, which says it is the shape of a bamboo basket.

南 south

According to one theory, it's a bronze gong brought from southern countries.
The shape of the gong has come to mean "south".

Another researcher says it is the shape of a house and a cabin.

北 north

Two people stand back to back.
Another meaning of this character is "back".
In the daytime the direction of the sun is south in China.
People like sunshine, and they face to south.
And their back is "north".