The kanji 丑 generally represents the second of the twelve Earthly Branches in the traditional Chinese zodiac. It corresponds to the hour of 1 AM to 3 AM and also signifies the ox or cow. It can also imply the time of darkness or a period of dormancy, much like when an ox is resting.

・On-yomi (音読み): チュウ (chū) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): うし (ushi) - ox, cow

⚫︎ 丑年 Translation: The Year of the Ox ⚫︎ 丑三つ時 Translation: The hour of the ox (around 2 AM) ⚫︎ 十二支 Translation: The twelve Earthly Branches (zodiac signs)

The kanji 丑 is an ancient pictograph. It depicts a hand grasping a loop or a twisted object. The exact origin is debated, but it is generally thought to be a depiction of the second branch or possibly a seed growing in the ground. Over time, the form of the character evolved from a more representational image to its current, more stylized form.