Men Don’t Wear Green Hat In China

In Chinese culture, the green hat has a special meaning and symbolic significance, which is closely related to its historical background, folk beliefs, and social concepts. Although people’s attitudes are gradually opening up in modern society, the green hat, as a symbol of “inauspicious”, still has a profound influence among the people. The following is a detailed exploration of this phenomenon, including its origin, representative meanings, and impact in modern society.

1、 The origin of the green hat
The green hat has become a symbol of “inauspicious” in Chinese culture, and its roots can be traced back to multiple aspects of ancient society.

1. Ancient clothing and symbols of identity
   In ancient China, clothing was not only a tool for covering and keeping warm, but also an important symbol of identity, status, and social roles. Green, as a color, has different symbolic meanings in different historical periods and social backgrounds. According to the “Yuan Dynasty Regulations”, during the Yuan Dynasty, prostitutes, their parents, and male relatives were required to wear green headscarves (green and green were sometimes considered similar colors in ancient times), which marked their low status and special social status. This regulation not only reinforces the marginalized status of prostitutes and their families, but also establishes a connection between green headscarves (or hats) and non-traditional marital relationships (i.e. infidelity, infidelity).
2. The influence of folk stories and legends
   In addition to official regulations, folk stories and legends have also given more symbolic meaning to the green hat. For example, the story of a businessman and his wife in the Tang Dynasty is a widely circulated example. In this story, the wife had an affair with a butcher due to her disobedience to women’s morals. In order to facilitate their rendezvous, the wife prepared a green headscarf or hat as a signal for her husband when he was on a long journey. This behavior was ultimately exposed, making “cuckold” synonymous with the man who was cheated on. This type of story deepens the connection between the green hat and betrayal and shame through word of mouth.

2、 The symbolic meaning of the green hat
The representative symbolism of green hats in Chinese culture is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Betrayal and Shame
   As mentioned earlier, the green hat was initially associated with the lowly status of prostitutes and their families, and then expanded to include infidelity in marital relationships. In ancient societies, women were often seen as appendages to men, and their behavior was often attributed to men. Therefore, when a woman behaves improperly, her husband is often seen as someone wearing a green hat and subjected to social condemnation and shame. This concept has gradually solidified in long-term social practice, making the green hat synonymous with betrayal and shame.
2. Unfortunate and bad luck
   In folk beliefs, the green hat is often seen as an unlucky symbol. People generally believe that wearing a green hat will bring bad luck and misfortune to oneself. This concept may be related to certain superstitions in ancient societies, such as the belief that colors possess some mysterious power or attribute. In addition, the association between the green hat and negative emotions such as betrayal and shame further reinforces its ominous symbolic meaning.
3. Reflection of Social Moral Concepts
   The green hat, as a symbol of “inauspicious”, also reflects the strict requirements of ancient society for marriage and sexual morality. In ancient China, marriage was regarded as the cornerstone of family and society, and loyalty and chastity were considered the most important qualities in marital relationships. Therefore, any behavior that violates these moral principles will be condemned and punished by society. The green hat, as a symbol of betrayal and shame, is precisely the embodiment of this moral concept in material culture.

3、 The influence of green hats in modern society
Although people’s attitudes are gradually opening up in modern society, the green hat, as a symbol of “inauspicious”, still has a profound influence among the people.

1. Taboos in daily life
   In daily life, many people still avoid wearing green hats, especially in formal occasions or festive events. This is because they are worried that wearing a green hat will bring them bad luck or unfortunate associations. In addition, in some regions or groups, green hats are even considered taboo or taboo, and people try to avoid mentioning or related topics.
2. Communication in Social Media and Online Culture
   With the popularization and development of the Internet, green hats, as a symbol of “unlucky”, have also been widely spread in social media and online culture. On some online forums and social media platforms, discussions and jokes about green hats are not uncommon. These discussions and jokes are often presented in a humorous or satirical manner, but also to some extent reinforce the negative image of the green hat in the public’s mind.
3. Reflection on personal behavior and social beliefs
   The green hat, as a symbol of “inauspicious”, has also triggered people’s reflection on personal behavior and social concepts. On the one hand, it reminds people to cherish and maintain the loyalty and chastity of marriage relationships; On the other hand, it also prompts people to think about how to view marriage and sexual morality issues with a more open and inclusive mindset. In modern society, with the improvement of women’s status and the promotion of gender equality, people are increasingly inclined to view marriage and sexual morality issues with an attitude of equality, respect, and understanding.

4、 Conclusion
In summary, the green hat, as a symbol of “inauspicious” in Chinese culture, has various origins, symbolic meanings, and influences in modern society. It is not only a reflection of ancient society’s clothing culture and identity symbols, but also a reflection of marriage morality and sexual morality concepts.