Mnemonic
The village elders throw a solemn party at the foot of the imperial burial hill. Hidden in the shadows, a ninja guards the mausoleum day and night. If anyone tries to breach the tomb, the ninja strikes—ensuring the emperor's rest is never disturbed.
Additional thoughts
Picture a torchlit village festival at the base of a massive earthen mound. The party is respectful, ceremonial. A lone ninja perches atop the mausoleum like a gargoyle, vigilant. Radicals stack left to right: village hill on the left, party and ninja energy on the right.Quick recall
A village party honors the dead while a ninja silently guards the mausoleum.Details
The keyword for 陵 is mausoleum. This kanji refers to a large, stately tomb or burial site, particularly one built for emperors, royalty, or other persons of great importance. It can also refer to a large hill or elevated ground, which connects to the ancient practice of constructing grand burial mounds for rulers. In Japanese history and culture, this character is closely associated with the imperial tombs that dot the landscape of places like Nara and Osaka.
- On'yomi
- りょう
- Kun'yomi
- みささぎ