In Chinese culture, as in many others, the color of clothing has a special, sacred meaning. If gold and violet are a symbol of wealth and high origin, then indigenous people are wary of yellow. Green is also not easy, as are its shades. In the interior or clothing, it is appropriate. But a headdress of such a color cannot be found on a man . Why is this happening?
How the Chinese relate to green
The peculiar attitude to the caps is not due to their shade. After all, green for the people of China is a symbol of purity and freedom .
“Yes!” To green products or publications
In the Middle Kingdom, this color denotes a release from disease (a healthy body), and not the absence of factors that pollute nature.
Important! The concept of eco-products sold in China under the slogan of green technology does not coincide with the European definition.
The Chinese will still say that the products are “green”, clean for health, even if vegetables (without pesticides) are grown in such conditions that the soil suffers from fertilizers or the processing plant violates the natural ecosystem.
If the indigenous person of the Celestial Empire calls this publication a newspaper, this will mean that the article does not contain prohibited information. That is, it is clean, harmless to readers. The main thing is that the buyer does not suffer, then the product will be “green”.
"No!" To green caps
But try to give the Chinese any headdress of emerald, grass or other similar shade. From such a presentation, he will be persistent, despite friendship or close partnerships.
Important! Tourists in pan-shades of a shade of young greenery or in pistachio-colored caps will surely attract attention and bring a smile to the locals.
It is not surprising, because hats, caps, baseball caps and other hats of green color (or its shades) on a man mean that he is a cuckold . That is why the Chinese will never be associated with this color. Who wants eternal jokes about himself and his wife?
Tip. Even if you don’t care what others think of you, reconsider your wardrobe when traveling to the Middle Kingdom.
Keep in mind that to please this belief even the coat of arms of the Catholic Church in China has been changed. Initially, the image used a green tiara. But in order not to provoke negative statements, it was made purple. The scale of color perception is far from simple superstitions, isn't it?
The reasons for the taboo on the green hat - in Chinese history
The source of custom lies in antiquity. History offers two options that explain the attitude of the Chinese to such hats.
The color of shame and adultery
This assumption takes us back to the days when men wore a scarf on their heads.
Once, the county governor Li Feng decided to force the guilty soldiers to wear an emerald-colored headscarf instead of the widespread corporal punishment of the soldiers (with sticks) . Do not remove the symbol of misconduct followed a certain time, depending on the severity of guilt.
The move is quite wise - public censure hits harder than any sticks. Wounds can be hidden under clothes, but there was no way to hide your head!
An official document from 1286 only strengthened historians on the assumption that the green hat is a sign of shame. So, in the records it is indicated that shawls of a certain color should be worn by the heads of families, where women earn money by prostitution or begging (songwriters, singers) .
Important! Men of such a house were equated with a lower caste.
And if they are not rightfully so, then, wearing a scarf of a different color, discredit noble people. Let them be different, wear a sign of shame.
After that, a headdress of this color began to be associated with deceived husbands, whom we call cuckolds.
When the Chinese remember the green hat
If the Chinese do not wear green hats, then the expression “put on a green hat” may well be pronounced. This allegorical expression still speaks of family fraud. The second situation, when they not only talk about the cap of shame, but also try on themselves, are different parties. For example, at a bachelor party, guests will not fail to “pin” a future husband or themselves.
Carnivals and other costumed ventures - an occasion to try on the image of a cuckold. In support of this, numerous headwear offers on Taobao say.
It is not worth it to immediately reject this custom, although it seems very strange to a foreigner. We will respect the country and its culture, which will reveal many more interesting things.
