banquet, mat

筵 is composed of the radical 竹 (bamboo) and 延 (prolong). 延 means to lengthen or expand, and extends to the meaning of spreading out or laying down. Therefore, the original meaning of 筵 is a woven bamboo object laid on the ground, that is, a mat. In ancient times, when holding a banquet, the host would lay out bamboo mats as seating for the guests. Therefore, 筵 also means a feast or banquet.