In the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty, Chinese society underwent profound changes, with the feudal system gradually declining and the burgher class and culture gradually emerging. During this period, the social atmosphere was open, and the literati and artists had in-depth discussions on all aspects of life, including the observation and evaluation of the aesthetics of the human body. Confucian-influenced societies had strict norms and expectations for women's bodies and behaviors, and women's bodies were endowed with many symbolic meanings and moral judgments, which were reflected in the literature and daily communication of the time.
The morning sun shines through the delicate wooden lattice windows and dapples onto the floor of the study. On this seemingly ordinary day, Mr. Chen, a literati, was in his study in Yangzhou, discussing the topic of feminine beauty with a few friends.
"Everyone, today we don't talk about Fengyue, whether it's poetry or books, how about just talking about the beauty of women?" Mr. Chan proposed, with a scholarly curiosity and inquiry in his eyes.
"Brother Chen's words are very novel, but I think that the beauty of women is not only their appearance, but also their demeanor and temperament." A friend named Levine replied.
Then, the topic gradually deepened, from faces to clothing, from words to deeds, everything was carefully analyzed. At the climax of the discussion, Mr. Chan raised a sensitive and little-known topic: "Have you ever noticed the color of women's areolas?" This is said to be related to their physical health and fertility. ”
Everyone was stunned, and then they were immediately attracted by this bold topic. Mr. Chan continued, "I once heard a friend who is a doctor say that the color of a woman's areola is related to their estrogen levels, and even to whether or not they have experienced pregnancy. ”
"What do you mean by that?" Another literati named Mr. Zhao asked curiously.
"Women with high estrogen tend to have darker areolas. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can also lead to darkening of the areola. Mr. Chen explained.
"What we often say, 'a hundred days of red after a mother', is it also related to this?" Li Wen interjected.
"Exactly. However, this change is not permanent, and the shade of areola color does not simply judge a woman's character or experience. "Mr. Chen is well versed in medical science, in a word.
Gradually, the discussion shifted from physiological characteristics to socio-cultural dimensions. "In our traditional view, women's bodies are often given too much symbolism and even moral judgment. This bias should be corrected. ”
"Indeed, we should not judge anyone with one-sided or outdated ideas, especially on such intimate matters." Mr. Zhao nodded in agreement.
The discussion continued throughout the morning until sunset, and everyone had a deeper understanding and awareness of the subject.
Over time, Mr. Chen's insights were gradually accepted in their small circle. They began to try to write articles that interpreted the aesthetics of women's bodies from a medical and cultural perspective, trying to change some of the entrenched beliefs in society. Although these articles did not immediately change the world's perception, they planted a seed for the future emancipation of the mind.
At that time, Mr. Chan's discussions with his friends may have been an academic affair, but on a deeper level, their conversations touched on the core values of respect and equality. In the long course of history, every challenge to traditional ideas has been difficult, but it is the sparks of these ideas that have provided the impetus for later cultural progress and social development. Just as a drop of water wears through a stone, a thin stream of water flows for a long time, and cultural change takes time to precipitate and advance. When we look back today, we should not forget the pioneers of thought who pushed the times forward in obscurity. Through their dialogue and pen and ink, they laid the foundation for our ideas of freedom and equality today.