Introduction:
What is hidden behind the braids of the Qing Dynasty, a symbol full of controversy?
When we look back at that era, we will find that these braids were not only a symbol of status, but also a microcosm of the social contradictions and cultural conflicts of the Qing Dynasty.
But just how dirty are these braids, and the presence of dust, grease, and even lice makes the question even more complicated and difficult to answer.
In the process of exploring this question, we will not only uncover the historical story behind the braids, but also gain insight into the living conditions and cultural characteristics of Qing Dynasty society.
The pain of braids
On the streets of the Qing Dynasty, in the lively market, the British beauty Elizabeth and her temporary translator Zhang Daqian shuttled through the crowd. Elizabeth's eyes were drawn to the long braids of the men around her, and she was curious about this peculiar custom.
"Mr. Zhang, why do all these people have such long braids?" asked Elizabeth.
Zhang Daqian replied: "This is the rule of the Qing Dynasty, after the Jurchens enter the customs, they force the Han people to wear braids to show obedience. ”
This rule originated in the early Qing Dynasty, when the rulers, the Jurchens from the northeast, emphasized the rule over the Han Chinese. They issued strict orders for all Han men to cut off their traditional hair buns and wear braids instead.
This order sparked great revolt and discontent among the Han Chinese, but under the iron-fisted rule of the Qing Dynasty, it gradually became a reality that was forced to accept.
Elizabeth and Zhang Daqian continued their tour of the market. Elizabeth found that it was not only adult men with braids, but also small children.
In front of a small stall, she saw a young Han boy being taught how to take care of his braids by his father.
"Look, that little boy's braids. Elizabeth pointed to the little boy.
Zhang Daqian explained: "Yes, I have been Xi to this tradition since I was a child. For them, braids are not only a hairstyle, but also a symbol of status and obedience. ”
The scene of life in the market gave Elizabeth a deep understanding of the social style of this special period of the Qing Dynasty. The rules of braids became a distinctive feature of this faraway country in her eyes, and it also reflected the social contradictions and cultural conflicts of the time.
The origin and development of braids in the Qing Dynasty
The development of braids in the Qing Dynasty is a unique and meaningful topic in Chinese history. The origins and development of this hairstyle continued throughout the Qing Dynasty, reflecting the social changes and cultural conflicts of the time.
The Qing Dynasty was established in 1644 by Manchus from the northeast.
At that time, the Manchus usually wore long braids to mark their identity and differentiation, while Han men traditionally wore their hair in a bun.
After the establishment of the Qing Dynasty, in order to strengthen the rule of the Han people, a series of policies were implemented, the most controversial and influential of which was to force Han men to change their hairstyles from traditional buns to braids similar to those of the Manchus.
This policy, known as the "Hair Shaving Order," was initially implemented after the capture of Beijing by the Qing army. The shaving order required all Han men to shave the bun on the top of their heads, leaving only a long strand of hair at the back of their heads, and braiding it.
This practice caused great repercussions and revolts at the time, and some people even preferred to die rather than shave their hair in a bun.
However, as Qing rule became more secure, the shaving order gradually became widely accepted and became a common image for Han men in the Qing Dynasty.
Qing braids were not just a hairstyle, but also a symbol of politics and culture. It represented Manchu rule over the Han Chinese, and also reflected the differences in hierarchy and identity in society at the time.
During the Qing Dynasty, the length, style, and decoration of braids were often associated with an individual's social status and identity. For example, officials and aristocrats often had more elaborately maintained braids, while ordinary people had relatively simple braids.
Over time, Qing braids gradually became a part of everyday life and were closely related to the identity of Han Chinese men. Still, braids have always been an important sign of the Manchu-Han cultural conflict.
At the end of the Qing Dynasty, with the rise of the anti-Qing Restoration Movement, braids became the target of attacks by revolutionaries, and were seen as a symbol of feudalism and foreign rule. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, braids also became history.
Qing Dynasty braids were more than just a hairstyle, they were a profound reflection of the political, social, and cultural conditions of the time. From its imposition to its eventual demise, the history of braids is a microcosm of the changes in Chinese history during the Qing Dynasty.
The truth about dreadlocks
In a quaint teahouse, Elizabeth and Zhang Daqian sit down and prepare to taste traditional Chinese tea culture. The teahouse was smoky and filled with all kinds of people.
Elizabeth's eyes were drawn to a Han man who was busy cleaning his braids. She noticed that his braids were covered in dust and grease, and upon closer inspection, there were even a few lice crawling in between.
"Oh my God, is this true?" asked Elizabeth, surprised.
The teahouse owner next to him couldn't help but sigh when he heard her words: "Yes, this is the norm. A lot of people have braids like this. ”
Elizabeth could barely hide her disgust: "It's unacceptable, it's disgusting, it's hard to swallow Xi!"
During the Qing Dynasty, life for ordinary people was usually very difficult. Most people are busy working for their livelihoods every day, and their work is often manual labor, such as agriculture, handicrafts, etc.
These labor-intensive tasks allow their limited time and energy to be used primarily to ensure basic survival, while personal hygiene, especially hair care, is often neglected.
The socio-economic structure of the Qing Dynasty at that time led to ordinary people living on the poverty line and limited economic resources.
Cleaning products such as water, soap, etc., are not widely available, especially in rural areas. As a result, maintaining clean hair becomes a relatively low priority.
In addition, the cultural and social Xi of the time also affected personal hygiene. For example, for Han men, the presence of braids is mandatory and a status symbol, but in daily life, the cleanliness and care of braids are not universally valued.
Conversely, braids often look messy due to busy labor and lack of cleaning resources. This situation is prevalent in both urban and rural areas, especially among the underprivileged groups.
Hygienic conditions and personal cleaning Xi during the Qing Dynasty were very different from today's, reflecting the socio-economic and cultural characteristics of the time.
The living conditions of ordinary people not only reflect their economic situation, but also a microcosm of the social and historical background of that era.
Zhang Daqian explains: "In this era, many Han men are busy with work because of their hard lives, and it is difficult for them to have the time and conditions to clean their braids frequently. Moreover, washing your hair was not as convenient as it is today. ”
Elizabeth pondered for a moment, and she began to realize that it was not just a matter of personal hygiene, but a reflection of the social and cultural context.
In the social structure of the Qing Dynasty, the lives of ordinary people were not easy, and their living conditions and Xi customs were also formed in a specific historical background.
In the teahouse, in addition to the man who was cleaning his braids, there were various other characters. Some are talking, some are playing chess, and some are intently sipping tea.
Elizabeth's experience, while shocking and uncomfortable, greatly broadened her knowledge and understanding of this faraway land.
Epilogue:
Through an in-depth study of the braids of the Qing Dynasty, we are able to get a glimpse of what that era was really like.
Braids, this enforced cultural symbol, hide behind the hard life of ordinary people and the strict norms of society. Due to their busy livelihoods and lack of resources, they are often unable to take proper care of their personal hygiene.
The mess of braids is not just a matter of personal hygiene, but also a deeper reflection of the economic conditions, cultural conflicts, and social norms of the society at the time.
The hardships of life for ordinary people in the Qing Dynasty, as well as their struggles under the pressures of livelihood and culture, found expression in these braids.
The exploration of this question is not only an examination of a hairstyle, but also a deep understanding and reflection of an era. The braids of the Qing Dynasty, as a witness to history, make us re-examine the society and culture of that era.