Why is Wearing Jade Pendant Popular in Ancient Times?

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.