good fortune, official salary

祿 is composed of the radical of 示 (reveal) and 彔 (carve wood). 示 is a pictograph of an altar, representing the gods, while 彔 depicts a water-drawing device set up over a well, signifying a continuous flow of clean water. Therefore, 祿 conveys the idea of blessings bestowed by heaven. Additionally, the ancients regarded the ruler as the Son of Heaven, and serving under him was like serving the gods, so the official salary one received was called 祿.