morning, towards

朝 is composed of two 屮 (grass), 日 (sun), and 月 (moon). It conveys the idea that the sun has just risen and is still near the grass by the horizon, while the waning moon remains in the sky, indicating early morning. In ancient times, the Son of Heaven held court in the early morning, and when officials had an audience with the emperor, they necessarily faced him. Therefore, 朝 also carries the meaning of facing toward.