Oracle-bone forms of 香 combine a grain plant, usually identified as millet, with a mouth-like or container-like shape below. The graph is often connected with the pleasing smell or taste of prepared grain, possibly including fermented offerings, but the exact ancient scene is uncertain. This sketch therefore shows the well-attested grain above an open vessel without claiming one single ritual story.
A piece of culture
A fragrant harbour 香 describes a pleasant smell and can also praise food as appetising. It is the first character in 香港, Hong Kong: Xiānggǎng in Mandarin and Hoeng1 Gong2 in Cantonese, literally “Fragrant Harbour”. The historical origin of that place name is debated, with explanations involving incense, fragrant wood or sweet water, so the literal meaning is safer than any one origin tale.