observance, offer, present, dedicate
奉 centers on the act of respectfully giving or carrying out something for a higher purpose: offering, presenting, dedicating, or observing a duty.
奉 originally depicted two hands holding up an object, conveying the idea of offering or presenting respectfully. The modern form retains the hand-like lower part and the object above.
The top part looks like three strokes held up, and the bottom resembles two hands (大 with extra strokes) lifting something. Picture hands offering a gift upward with care.
For ホウ, imagine a respectful offering made with a formal bow: bow -> ホウ, as you present a gift with a deep bow.
service; ministry; attendance; church work
dedication; offering; presentation; oblation
belief; faith; adherence; espousal
live-in domestic service; live-in apprenticeship
magistrate; shogunate administrator
to offer; to present
restoration of imperial rule
servant; employee
to present; to dedicate
dedication; presentation; consecration; offer (to a shrine)
apprenticeship; indentureship; indenture; indentured servitude
being in the service of; serving at; holding office
(Edo-period) town magistrate
free service after one has finished one's apprenticeship
bargain price
magistrate in charge of finding out and converting hidden Christians (during the Edo period)
apprenticeship
the five commissioners; administrative organ of feudal Japan established by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
to serve; to build as commanded
to look up