Chinese history, spanning over five millennia, is a tapestry woven with intricate cultural practices, including hairstyles that evolved with the times. Men's hairstyles in China have been influenced by dynasties, social norms, and even philosophical beliefs. Let's delve into the fascinating world of historical Chinese hairstyles for men.
Ancient Chinese Hairstyles: The Neolithic Period to the Qin Dynasty
In the early Neolithic period, Chinese men typically wore their hair long and tied it back with a simple knot or a leather thong. This practical style was common among farmers and laborers. However, as society became more stratified, hairstyles began to reflect one's social status.
During the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE), men of high status wore their hair in a topknot, signifying their power and prestige. This style, known as "gongzhu" (公子), was often accompanied by a beard, which was also a symbol of authority. The common people, on the other hand, continued to wear their hair long and tied back.
Qin Dynasty: The First Emperor's Impact on Hairstyles
When Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified China in 221 BCE, he decreed that only the imperial family could wear their hair long. This marked the beginning of a trend where hairstyles were used to denote one's social and political standing. Common men were required to wear their hair short, with a rounded shape, and tied back with a silk ribbon.
Han Dynasty: The Rise of the "Erlang" Hairstyle
The Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) saw the rise of the "erlang" (二郎) hairstyle, which became popular among men of all social classes. This style involved tying the hair into a bun at the back of the head, often with a jade or ivory hairpin. The "erlang" hairstyle was practical for daily life and also had symbolic significance, as the character for "erlang" means "second son," implying that the wearer was a filial and obedient person.
Three Kingdoms Period: Regional Variations in Hairstyles
During the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 CE), regional variations in hairstyles began to emerge. In the state of Shu, men often wore their hair in a high topknot, while in the state of Wu, men preferred a low, rounded bun. Meanwhile, in the state of Wei, men continued to wear the "erlang" hairstyle.
Tang Dynasty: The "Sangtu" Hairstyle and the Influence of Buddhism
The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) is often considered China's golden age, and its hairstyles reflected this period of cultural prosperity. The most popular style among men was the "sangtu" (三度), which involved tying the hair into three buns at the back of the head. This style was influenced by the spread of Buddhism, as the buns were said to resemble the three treasures of Buddhism: the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha.
The "sangtu" hairstyle was often accompanied by a beard, which was also a symbol of wisdom and spirituality. Some men also adopted the practice of shaving their foreheads, which was seen as a sign of devotion to the Buddha.
Song Dynasty: The "Quanmao" Hairstyle and the Influence of Neo-Confucianism
During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), the "quanmao" (全毛) hairstyle became popular among men. This style involved shaving the front of the head and tying the remaining hair into a bun at the back. The "quanmao" hairstyle was influenced by the rise of Neo-Confucianism, which emphasized the importance of self-cultivation and moral virtue. The shaved forehead was seen as a sign of humility and modesty, while the bun at the back symbolized the wearer's commitment to learning and self-improvement.
Ming Dynasty: The "Qun" Hairstyle and the Influence of Manchu Culture
The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE) saw the rise of the "qun" ( queue) hairstyle, which involved shaving the front of the head and tying the remaining hair into a long braid that hung down the back. This style was influenced by the Manchu people, who had a significant impact on Chinese culture during this period. The "qun" hairstyle was seen as a sign of loyalty to the imperial court and was eventually made mandatory for all men in China.
However, the "qun" hairstyle was not without its controversies. Some Chinese men saw it as a symbol of submission to Manchu rule, and there were several rebellions against the hairstyle throughout the Ming Dynasty.
Qing Dynasty: The "Qun" Hairstyle Becomes Mandatory
When the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 CE) took control of China, they made the "qun" hairstyle mandatory for all men. This was seen as a way to assert Manchu dominance over the Chinese population and to create a sense of unity among the different ethnic groups within the empire.
Despite its controversial origins, the "qun" hairstyle became a symbol of Chinese identity and was worn by men of all social classes. It was not until the early 20th century, with the rise of the Republican movement and the influence of Western culture, that the "qun" hairstyle began to fall out of fashion.
Conclusion: The Evolution of Historical Chinese Hairstyles for Men
From the practical styles of the Neolithic period to the symbolic styles of the Qing Dynasty, historical Chinese hairstyles for men have evolved in tandem with Chinese culture and society. Each hairstyle tells a story about the people who wore it, reflecting their values, beliefs, and experiences. As we look to the future, it is important to remember and appreciate the rich history of Chinese hairstyles and the cultural significance they hold.
