One comb to the end, two combs for white hair reaching the eyebrows, three combs for descendants everywhere, four combs symbolizing prosperity and harmony. Why did the comb become a bridge of love during ancient weddings?
Because the comb held immense significance。 In ancient times, it was one of the eight essential ornaments for women, alongside pins, hair clips, decorative pieces, hair ornaments, silver flowers, and tortoise shell accessories。
The Origin of the Comb
In ancient times, Huangdi’s queen, Fanglai Shi, after finishing a meal, picked up a large fishbone that had fallen on the ground and used it to tidy her hair。 To her surprise, her messy hair became smooth immediately。
After this inspiration, she ordered artisans to carve combs shaped like fishbones for the palace women。 Thus, the comb spread widely, even among soldiers who used them to keep their hair in place during battles。
From then on, Chinese civilization entered an era of grooming and beauty。
Early Names of the Comb
The earliest name for the comb was “zhi”。 There were two types: sparse teeth called “shu” and dense teeth called “bi”, collectively known as “shubi”。 They were typically made from bone, wood, bamboo, animal horns, or ivory。
As noted in Shuowen JieziZhi is the general name for comrades Xiaoxi section records: “Shu is used for combing hair。”
Since ancient people believed that one’s body and hair were given by their parents, they kept their hair long, making combs an essential daily grooming tool。
Traditional Roles of the Comb
Decoration and Status: Combs were essential items for ancient people, especially women, who rarely parted with them。 Over time, the tradition of “inserting combs” became popular。 During the Wei Jin period, combs evolved from simple wooden ones to luxurious materials like gold, silver, jade, and rhinoceros horn。
Women adorned their hair with such expensive combs not only for decoration but also to signify their elevated status。
Ancient Love Token: When two lovers exchanged combs, it symbolized a lifelong commitment。 The comb’s meaning was pure and beautiful, representing love and eternal bonds。
Removing Worries and Bringing Positive Energy: Combs were made from various materials like gold, silver, jade, Glaze, wood, and bao, each with its own symbolism. For example, peachwood combs were believed to ward off evil due to the magical properties of peachwood in Feng Shui。
Practical Grooming: Combs served practical purposes in daily life, helping maintain neat and tidy hair while also symbolizing wealth and status。
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