Name: Shion Uzuki

Japanese Name: シオン　ウヅキ

Romanization: Ｓｈｉｏｎ　Ｕｄｕｋｉ

Origin: Shion (紫苑/しおん) is the Japanese word for the Tatarian aster, a flowering plant from the Asteraceae (daisy) family. The Tatarian aster is a rather large plant, growing up to 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) tall. The flowers range from lavender to violet. The Tatarian aster is native to far eastern and central Asia, although it has been introduced to other parts of the world. It is also known as the Jindai, after its common cultivar.

Significance: Most of the female characters in Xenosaga are named after flowers, and Shion is no exception. The Aster is often regarded as a symbol of patience, love, and charm. It was once believed that the scent of burning asters could drive away serpents. This may be referenced by the fact that Shion helps break the eternal recurrence (as well as the UMN), which is symbolized by the Ouroboros, the serpent that devours its own tail.

The English word “Aster” derives from the Greek word “astron”, meaning “star”, and the Latin word “astrum”, which means the same thing. It refers to the shape of the flower. As the story is primarily set in space, this could have significance, though it’s probably a coincidence.

Significance (2): The word “Zion” is written the same way as “Shion” in katakana.

Zion, from the Greek “Seon”, from the Hebrew “Tsiyon”, is a word that refers to Israel, and its capital Jerusalem. The word dates back nearly 3,000 years, and commonly refers to a specific mountain near Jerusalem (Mount Zion). A Canaanite fortress of the same name stood on the mountain, and was conquered by David. The City of David and the Temple Mount are situated here.

Given the nature of the story and character, it’s very possible this is a deliberate reference.

Surname Origin: Uzuki (卯月/うづき) is the obsolete Japanese word for the fourth month of the lunar calendar (April). It derives from either 卯の花/うのはな (u no hana), “the flower of deutzia” or 卯/う (u), “rabbit” and 月/つき (tsuki), “month”.

Deutzia is a genus of small flowering shrubs in the Hydrangeaceae family, native to central and eastern Asia, Central America, and Europe. There are about 60 species.

The rabbit is the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac, following the rat, ox, and tiger.

Surname Significance: Shion’s last name is a reference to Citan Uzuki, a character from Xenogears. It may also refer to her fondness for Bunnie.

Additional: Shion’s brother Jin may also be a reference to the Jindai cultivar.

Cosmos, the flower KOS-MOS is named after, is also in the Asteraceae family.

Article by Mattoid