Myth has it that these served both as road signs and as a means for passersby to leave messages, emerging as early as the time of Yao and Shun in the primitive society. Back then, people would set up a wooden pillar along major thoroughfares to identify the road and serve as a marker. Later, post stations and relay stations also used it for identification purposes. It was known as either "Huanmu" or "Biaomu," and later, it was universally referred to as "Huanmu." Since the ancient character "Huan" sounds similar to "Hua," it was gradually pronounced as "Hua," leading to the term "Huating" (ornamental pillar). On this wooden pillar, passersby could carve their opinions, hence the alternate name "Bao Mu" or "Fen Mu" (gossip wood). The term "fen" in ancient times meant to discuss right and wrong, akin to modern-day feedback. Thus, it also served a function similar to today's "suggestion box." According to historical records, during Yao's time, the "fen mu" was made by crossing a horizontal beam with the pillar.