On the Wine Culture in Ancient China——Research of Characters with Radical ‘You' in Shuowen Jiezi

The original meaning of character 'You' is wine vessel.Therefore it is a mistake of the interpretation of the classical and seal form of this character in Shuowen Jiezi.The original meanings of the characters with radical 'You' are alcohol-related,reflecting many elements of Chinese wine culture in ancient times.For example,wine production in China is closely related with agricultural development.The process of wine making is complex and so much varieties of wine had been made,such as sake,liquor,strong drink and light wine,etc.Many kinds of bronze vessels fashioned during the Shang and Zhou dynasties are important material cultures.The diversity of wine colors and tastes reflects the superb art of wine making in ancient times.Wine used in worship ritual,feast or other similar occasions are of profound religious and cultural connotation.Some old drinking customs even spread so far.