cluster, thicket

業 is composed of a variant of 丵 (thicket) and 木 (wood). 丵 depicts a dense cluster of vegetation, making 業 associationally represent a wooden frame adorned with floral or leafy decorations at the top, originally used for ceremonial guard-of-honor displays or for hanging musical instruments. In ancient times, only the emperor or feudal lords had the privilege to construct and use these massive wooden stands known as 業. Consequently, 業 became a symbol of majesty and grand achievement, which later extended to mean accomplishments, occupations and property.