ancestor, clan, sect

宗 is composed of 宀 (roof) and 示 (reveal). 宀 is a pictograph of a roof and indicates the interior of a house, while 示 is a pictograph of an altar. Therefore, 宗 conveys the idea of setting up sacrifices inside the home to pay respects to the ancestors. Its original meaning is ancestor, and it extends to the meanings of respect or family members.