Chinese hair sticks and pins are used to hold buns in place. The sticks are called Ji or Fazan and were used by men and women. These sticks have a sharp end, and hair is coiled around them to make a perfect bun. Each pin has a unique name to denote the style achieved by it.
What are Chinese hair sticks?
Hair pins are ornaments that were used by men and women to hold their hair in place. The initial pins were called Ji and were made from bones, stone, and jade. The Chinese hair pins are associated with the culture and hold an integral part of the Chinese traditions. They were daily ornaments worn in ancient China without any regard for the social status of the wearers. In ancient China, women were required to remove their pins until the end of the mourning period. They were also used for ceremonial purposes as love tokens.
Chinese hair sticks history
The first hair sticks were found in Zhejiang among the Hemudu relics. This was the first form of Ji to be discovered and was traced to Pre-Qin Dynasty. In the Shang Dynasty (1600-1050 BC, the earliest forms of Chinese hair pins were made of bones. The ornament reached a new height in the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD), and the materials used to make them changed drastically to symbolize the social status of the wearer. They were made in gold, jade, silver, and other precious stones. The Song dynasty also saw the wearing of hair sticks elevate to a new level.
Chinese hair sticks styles
Some hairstyles work with Chinese hair pins, and some do not. If you own a hairpin and cannot make these styles, then it is of no use to you. Some of the best hairpin styles are buns, braided buns, French twist, Chinese braided buns, and socks buns. The bun is a classic hairdo that has been worn for centuries. This is the simplest way to wear the Chinese stick without much expertise. The style gives you the liberty to wear more than one stick and place them as you wish. The braided bun is an upgrade to the classic bun. The hair stick is placed, and hair rolled on it, and the last remaining length is braided and rolled on the hair stick to form a stylish braided bun.
The French twist style works well with Chinese hair sticks. This style might require some expert help, but the results are superb. The braiding is done from the top, and a bun is made in the middle. The sock bun requires a sock. This addition is meant to give your hair some volume. The sock is cut at one open end and rolled into a hair tie. The tie is rolled in a ponytail, and the hair is twisted to hide it. Secure the hair using bobby pins and roll it into a tight bun. Place the hair sticks to enhance the tightness.
Chinese hair sticks meaning
The Ji was used as an ornament and for ceremonial purposes. Girls below the age of 15 were only allowed to braid their hair. When they attained the age of 15, a ceremony called Ji Li. The ceremony was a hairpin initiation and a symbol of maturity. This rite of passage allowed the girl to wear her Ji like other older ladies. When a Chinese woman got engaged to a man, she would give him a hairpin from her head. After the wedding, the new husband would return the hairpin to his new wife. The Chinese used the chai hairpin to symbolize separation from a relationship. During the separation, the couple would break the hairpin into half, and each person would keep half of the pin until they were reunited. The Chinese hairpin was used as a daily ornament for both genders.
How to wear Chinese hair sticks
Chinese hairpins differ in length and shape. These factors must be considered when picking the best hairpins. The length of the hairpin can determine the outcome of the hairstyle. Choose the right size depending on the specific style. If you want a perfect bun, comb your hair to the desired position of your bun. The next step is to twist your hair until it coils around itself to make a bun. You can tighten it or loosen it as you wish. Take your hairpin and push it into the hair until one end shows on the other side. If you want a twisted bun, start b rolling three-quarters of your hair into a bun. When you have a quarter of hair left, braid it and continue rolling the braided end around until the bun is formed. Push one stick diagonally until the tip comes from the other end. On the opposite side, push another stick diagonally to form an x.
How to make Chinese hair sticks
Chinese sticks are made with different materials. The earliest materials were made from bones. They could be carefully carved into a large, sharp stick. In the Bronze Age, the materials changed to gold and precious metals. The modern pieces were made with wood which was carved and then coated with silver. You need a high level of skill to make a hairpin. The metal is smelted and shaped into a sharp chopstick-like shape. The décor is engraved when the metal is yet to cool and coated with any desired color. Some designs incorporate classic Chinese knots to add a touch of Chinese to your hair stick. The knot hangs on one end of the hair stick.
Conclusion
Chinese hair pins are a beautiful part of Chinese culture. They are still widely used by Chinese women to date. Other cultures have also adopted this stylish piece of jewelry. If won the right way, this piece of Chinese cultural treasure is something that looks good. You can also choose any color and design of your choice.
