Revealing the reason why Qing Dynasty men wear braids!
The reason why Qing dynasty men wear braids is mainly related to the beliefs, traditional concepts and living habits of the Manchus.
First of all, after the Manchus entered the Central Plains, in order to maintain their customs and traditions, they forced the Han people to also wear braids. This order was initially given at the time of entry, but was temporarily withdrawn due to strong resistance from the people. However, by June of the second year of Shunzhi, the Qing Dynasty had reissued a strict shaving order, stipulating that all hair should be shaved within a deadline. For those who do not shave, they will be regarded as colluding with the anti-Qing forces, are rebels, and must be punished by serious crimes.
Secondly, the Manchus were influenced by shamanistic beliefs, believing that hair braids were born on the top of the human body, were closest to the heavenly dome, and were the place where the soul of people was, so hair braids were cherished by them. They believe that hair is given by parents and cannot be destroyed, so keeping braids is a manifestation of the concept of filial piety for parents.
In addition, in the process of hunting and fishing for a living, the Manchus found that braids also had some practical value. For example, when marching and hunting in the wild, braids can be used as pillows to sleep on, or as a sign of warriors' relics in war, brought back to their homeland for burial.
Therefore, the braid worn by men during the Qing Dynasty was both a maintenance of Manchu beliefs and traditions, and also influenced by practical factors.
