南(nán)
The original form of the character “南” (south) resembles a musical instrument. Some people argue that this instrument was extremely popular in southern China and was thus need to represent “south”. Others argue that this character came to be used to denote “south” because the ancient Chinese people faced south when they listened to music. One of the four great inventions of ancient China is the compass, known in Chinese as “指南针zhǐ nán zhēn” (south-pointing neelde).

According to legend, the Yellow Emperor invented the “south-pointing chariot” (指南车zhǐ nán chē), also known as the “south-pointing carriage”. On this carriage, there was a small wooden figurine, whose hands always pointed to the south. The “sinan”(司南sī nán ), i.e., the ancient Chinese compass was invented some 2,200 years ago. It was made of a magnet and was spoon-like in shape. Mo matter how it was placed, the spoon’s handle would always point to the south. Later, the “sinan” evolved to become the modern-day compass.

Southern China has a very hot climate. Therefore, the south represents “火(huǒ)—fire”. Since flames are red, red is the color that represents the south. Emperor Yan (炎帝yán dì )is one of the ancestors of the Chinese people. “炎” means “firelight”. According to legend, Emperor Yan once controlled southern China. Today, the tomb of Emperor Yan can still be found in southern China.