Jade pendant is not new to us. It often appears in ancient costume films and TV plays. I wonder if you are curious about why the ancients wear jade pendants, and why they are made of jade? Today, let's talk about the interesting stories behind the jade pendant.
Why are jade pendants all the time and rarely heard of gold or copper pendants?
- Jade has a special position in the history of Chinese civilization, and it symbolizes the fine character of human nature.
- With the prosperity of ancient jade culture, a large number of various kinds of jade ornaments appeared in the folk, wearing jade as a trend.
- Jade materials are divided into several grades to meet the quality requirements of different classes, so that the jade covers a wider range of people.
Why wear a jade pendant?
The ancients often said: gentleman without reason, jade does not go to the body. Is the ancient man wearing jade pendants just to look good?
No, it isn't.
- Identity symbol: accessories with different texture and appearance often have the function of distinguishing grades.
- Good wishes: people often give the jade pendant auspicious and wishful, exorcising evil and protecting the body.
- The function of reminders and admonitions: one is to remind oneself of self-cultivation at all times; the other is to judge whether walking is appropriate according to the impact sound of accessories.
- Decoration meaning: with the development of the times, the decoration meaning of the jade pendants is more and more important, especially in the late Qing Dynasty.
How to wear a jade pendant?
- During the Warring States period, Qin and Han Dynasties, Yuhuang (narrow arc) and Yubi (flat round jade with holes in the center) were connected with silk threads to form a group of miscellaneous pendants, which were used to highlight the magnificence and majesty of the wearer.
- After the Wei and Jin Dynasties: men often wear simple jade pendants, while women wear miscellaneous pendants for a long time, usually tied on their belts.
- Qing Dynasty: jade pendant can also be used as a necklace.
In addition to the jade pendant, what accessories did the ancient people have?
Man:
- Diexie (蹀躞,dié xiè): a kind of functional belt appeared in Sui and Tang Dynasties, which is used to hang: bamboo tube (which can put some important paper documents), knife, Suan bag (算袋, which can store pens and inkstones, etc.), Yuejue (哕厥, yue jué, which is a tool to untie rope knot, basically a curved awl), stone sharpening (which is a tool for sharpening knives), flint bag, Qibi (契苾, a wedge specially used for lettering), etc.
Fan: at first, it was a ceremonial tool. Gradually, fans have been transformed from symbols of power and status into daily necessities and handicrafts such as entertainment, cooling, and appreciation. As the favorite of literati.
Woman:
- Fazan (发簪, hairpin): the hairpin has various shapes and patterns for fixing the bun.
- Yingluo (璎珞): in ancient times, jewelry was made of beads and jade, mostly necklaces. Because of its large shape, Yingluo is the most luxurious necklace.
Conclusion
Jade played a very important role in ancient times. It represented a high quality and character, and was accepted by the public because it met the needs of different classes. In modern times, jade still has a high value, and the good character behind it is still the pursuit of people for thousands of years.
