Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 五 (wǔ) meaning 'five' has an ancient origin dating back to oracle bone script. Originally, it was depicted as two crossed lines or an 'X' shape, representing the intersection of heaven and earth or the four directions with the center. Over time, the character evolved through bronze script and seal script, with horizontal strokes added at the top and bottom, eventually stabilizing into the modern form during the clerical script period. In Chinese philosophy, five represents the fundamental elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) and embodies the concept of balance and cosmic order. Arrived in Japan: The character 五 arrived in Japan around the 5th century AD, during the period when Chinese writing system and Buddhism were introduced to Japan through Korean peninsula. It became part of the Japanese writing system and is read as 'go' in Sino-Japanese readings (on'yomi) and 'itsu' in native Japanese readings (kun'yomi).