sacrificial flesh

胙 is composed of the radical 肉 (flesh) and 乍 (suddenly). 乍 depicts a sharp tool splitting open wood, conveying the concept of beginning or fresh creation. Thus, 胙 can be understood as freshly prepared meat. Out of respect and reverence, the meat offered in sacrifices to the gods and ancestors must always be freshly prepared; hence, 胙 came to denote sacrificial meat or the act of bestowing blessings and rewards through sacrificial offerings.