Interesting Facts About China

A History of Hair

In Ancient China, hair was regarded as a symbol of self-respect. It was for this reason that people would cherish having thick locks of hair. The Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.) saw the rise of a punishment called “kun”, whereby sinners would be required to shave their hair and beard. This shows the massive importance that Chinese culture placed on hair.

Hair was also used to show differences in status and class during ancient times. Pigtails were commonly associated with a woman’s marital status- unmarried women would wear two pigtails while married women would wear just one. Hairstyles also helped distinguish between different ethnic groups- the Han majority would typically have their hair bound, while other ethnic groups would wear their hair loose.