The kanji 巳 represents the sixth of the twelve Earthly Branches (十二支, じゅうにし). It is associated with the snake (蛇, へび) and the hours of the morning. Primarily, it symbolizes the time period from 9 AM to 11 AM.

⚫︎ On-yomi (音読み): シ (shi) ⚫︎ Kun-yomi (訓読み): み (mi)

⚫︎ 巳年 Translation: The Year of the Snake. ⚫︎ 巳の刻 Translation: The hour of the snake (9-11 AM). ⚫︎ 十二支, 巳 Translation: The sixth of the twelve Earthly Branches, associated with the snake.

The kanji 巳 is an old pictograph. It depicts the shape of a snake. Over time, the character has become more stylized, but its origin remains a visual representation of the animal. This association with the snake is the foundation for its usage in the Earthly Branch system. The character's form has evolved from its earliest depictions, simplifying its strokes.