Mnemonic
A bright flame blazes above a ceremonial dish filled with the mingled blood of two warlords. Each sliced a palm and let crimson drops fall into the dish. As the bright fire roars higher, they lock eyes and swear a sacred alliance that no mortal force can break.
Additional thoughts
Picture the radical stack: bright (sun+moon) on top, dish on bottom. Ancient blood-oath rituals used a shared vessel (dish) under torchlight (bright) to formalize binding pacts. The visceral image of blood pooling in a glowing dish locks the meaning.Quick recall
A bright flame over a blood-filled dish seals a sworn alliance.Details
The keyword for 盟 is alliance. This kanji refers to a formal pact, oath, or covenant made between parties who pledge mutual loyalty and cooperation. In ancient times, such alliances were often sealed through solemn rituals involving blood oaths or sworn pledges before the gods. It conveys the sense of a binding agreement or league formed for a shared purpose, whether political, military, or otherwise.
- On'yomi
- めい