south, barbarian

蠻 is composed of 䜌 (connection) and 虫 (insect). Since 䜌 conveys the idea of silk threads linked and intertwined, extending to denote chaotic numbers and abundance, and 虫 is a pictogram of a snake, 蠻 combines these concepts to represent a land teeming with snakes and insects. Because the southern regions were warm and humid with abundant reptiles, ancient people viewed these areas as uncivilized; thus, 蠻 came to denote the south, as well as implying wild, unrefined, or uncultured behavior.