In ancient China, hairpins were not only decorative items, but also had various meanings
As a traditional accessory in China, hairpins carry a history and significance that cannot be expressed solely through words.
The evolution from the earliest simple hairpin to today's dazzling array not only reflects a shift in aesthetics, but also indirectly reflects the progress of society.
Hairpins not only add beauty to ancient people, but also hold a special status and significance in everyone's heart.
However, how did such a special object come about?
Origin and Evolution
The origin of hairpins can be traced back to ancient times. As early as the Stone Age more than 10000 years ago, there were related items similar to hairpins.
At that time, most people's hairpins were made of animal bones and tree branches, and they did not deliberately care about appearance, but more about practicality.
At first, it was not called a hairpin, but rather a "hairpin". In the eyes of ancient people, a hairpin was just a long needle used to fix hair, and it gradually developed into a female hair accessory.
With the development of society, people have gradually begun to pursue beauty, and various styles of hairpins have emerged.
At the same time, a hairpin is also a very important thing, because in ancient times, when a woman was fifteen years old, she was already considered an adult.
After reaching adulthood, a ceremony must be held, which is called the "wedding ceremony". An old woman inserts a hairpin into a woman's hair to represent her ability to get married, which can also be considered a rite of passage.
At that time, the influence of hairpins had spread all over the world. In many Western countries, hairpins had become a very exquisite work of art, with various patterns and designs carved on them.
The Development History of Hairpins
By the Warring States period, hairpins had already evolved from materials such as branches and bones to gold and silver. However, at that time, only wealthy households could afford such gold and silver hairpins, and many ordinary people did not even know about them.
During the Southern and Northern Dynasties period, gold and silver hairpins gradually entered the sight of ordinary people, and they gained a deeper understanding of this.
Until the Tang Dynasty, the development of gold and silver hairpins began to become widespread and even reached its peak.
In the prosperous era of the Tang Dynasty, when the people lived and worked in peace and without worrying about food and drink, they began to pursue beauty in appearance. At that time, various exquisite hairpins appeared.
Even ordinary people can afford the price, and hairpins from the Tang Dynasty were no longer exclusive accessories for wealthy households.
And it also extends to many different types of hairpins. In addition, there are various headwear such as hairpins and step shakes, which are exquisitely crafted.
After the Song Dynasty, the production of hairpins reached its peak. Hairpins were sold by small vendors on the streets, and almost every person had one.
Moreover, the hairpin patterns of the Song Dynasty were influenced by the Liao and Jin dynasties, and many styles other than traditional ones emerged, such as various flowers, butterflies, peacocks, and other patterns.
Finally, in the Qing Dynasty, there were significant changes in the material and style of hairpins. They were no longer commonly made of gold and silver, but of other metals such as copper and iron.
The shape and style have also become more exquisite, and various materials such as pearls and gemstones are embedded on the hairpin to embellish it.
And at this time, hairpins gradually began to be used as decorations, especially in the palace. In order to show her identity, the queen would wear various exquisite headpieces on her head.
During the Qing Dynasty, hairpins were more influenced by Western culture and incorporated many novel elements, which indirectly reflected the diversity of society.
After thousands of years of development and change, hairpins have evolved from bones and branches to various exquisite headpieces today, but their status has remained unchanged.
The Status and Significance of Hairpins in Ancient Times
Hairpins have had a very important position since ancient times, and one can clearly understand a woman's social status from the headwear she wears.
Unlike now, there is no strict hierarchy, and there is no need to consider which headwear and jewelry cannot be worn when going out. In ancient times, it was necessary to wear jewelry that matched one's identity when going out.