History of Hui'an Flower Hairpins

Hui'an Flower Hairpins primarily refer to the headdress custom of Han Chinese women prevalent in Chongwu Town and Xiaozuo Town of Hui'an County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. It is not merely a simple decoration but a "mobile garden" carrying profound history, folk beliefs, and regional culture.

I. Historical Origins

The history of Hui'an Flower Hairpins can be traced back to ancient times, and its origins are related to the blending of various cultural factors. The main theories are as follows:

Central Plains Legacy and the Ancient Custom of "Wearing Flowers":

Wearing flowers in the hair has a very long history in China. Images of noblewomen adorning their hair with flowers can be seen in Tang Dynasty murals and Song Dynasty paintings (such as "Imperial Consort Bathing and Making Up"). As migrants from the Central Plains moved south, this custom was brought to the coastal areas of Fujian and, combined with local culture, was preserved and continued in the daily lives of Hui'an women, earning it the title of a "living fossil of Central Plains culture."

Min-Yue Cultural Remnants and Totem Worship:

Some scholars believe that the headdresses of Hui'an women, including the flower-filled "Zanhua Wei," might preserve certain remnants of the matriarchal society of the ancient Min-Yue people. Their unique shapes and colors might originate from ancient totem worship, representing a continuation of ethnic aesthetics.

Integration with Quanzhou's Maritime Culture during the Song and Yuan Dynasties:

Quanzhou was the starting point of the ancient "Maritime Silk Road," particularly prosperous during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Exotic cultures from Arabia, Persia, India, and elsewhere converged here. The headdresses of Hui'an women, especially the yellow conical hats and bright floral wreaths, are thought to have possibly been influenced by the headwear and floral adornment customs of merchants from foreign lands (such as Arabia and Persia) during that time, later forming a unique style after localization.

II. Composition and Symbolism of the "Zanhua Wei"

The "Zanhua Wei" is the core and most splendid part of the Hui'an women's headdress.

Structure: Women first comb their hair into a round bun, fixed at the back of the head. Then, a ring-shaped frame made of iron wire and vine is placed over the bun.

Decoration:

Fresh/Plastic Flowers: On the frame, they meticulously insert various types of flowers. Traditionally, seasonal fresh flowers like jasmine, magnolia, and jasmine were used for their delicate fragrance. Nowadays, brightly colored plastic flowers are more commonly used for convenience and durability.

Quantity and Color: The ring-shaped frame is typically filled with flowers, forming a full and brilliant "wreath." The color combinations are bold yet harmonious, primarily featuring bright red, vibrant pink, bright yellow, and vivid purple, showcasing strong vitality and visual impact.

Overall Combination: The Zanhua Wei is usually worn with the following elements:

Headscarf: A brightly colored square scarf, folded diagonally, wraps around the hair and the base of the hairpins, revealing only the exquisite Zanhua Wei.

Yellow Conical Hat: When going out, a yellow-painted conical hat is worn over the headscarf and Zanhua Wei, serving both practical (shading from sun, blocking wind) and decorative functions.

Symbolism:

Praying for Blessings: Flowers symbolize beauty, youth, happiness, and auspiciousness. Wearing flowers embodies the Hui'an women's yearning and prayers for a better life.

Marital Status: In the past, the style and color of the flowers might have hinted at a woman's age and marital status, with potential slight differences between unmarried and married women.

Diligence and Love for Beauty: Hui'an women are renowned for their diligence, resilience, and frugality. Even during heavy physical labor, they maintain an ultimate pursuit of beauty. This image of "wearing flowered hairpins, dressing in colorful clothes, and doing heavy work" has become a unique portrayal of the Hui'an women's spirit.

III. Cultural Heritage and Modern Evolution

From Daily Life to Symbol: In the past, the Zanhua Wei was the daily attire of Hui'an women. With changing times, the younger generation of Hui'an women less frequently wears traditional clothing in daily life. However, as the most distinctive symbol of Hui'an women's culture, the Zanhua Wei has been preserved and promoted during festivals, folk activities, and cultural performances.

Intangible Cultural Heritage: Hui'an women's服饰 (including the Zanhua Wei) was listed in the first batch of National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006, affirming and protecting its cultural value at the national level.

Cultural-Tourism Integration and New Trends: In recent years, with the development of social media and tourism, the custom of wearing flower hairpins in Quanzhou (especially in Xunpu Village, whose custom is slightly different but shares the same origin) has gone viral. This trend has also significantly boosted the experience of Hui'an's flower hairpin culture. Today, visitors to Chongwu and Xiaozuo in Hui'an can rent traditional Hui'an women's attire, experience the "Zanhua Wei," and take beautiful photos by the seaside or in the ancient city. This allows the ancient custom to radiate new vitality in a completely new way, becoming a cultural bridge connecting tradition and modernity.

The history of Hui'an Flower Hairpins is a living epic integrating the ancient customs of the Central Plains, remnants of Min-Yue culture, and maritime culture. Having evolved through the ages, it remains a materialized symbol of the diligence, beauty, and resilience of Hui'an women. Today, it is transitioning from a regional life custom into a cultural IP with national influence, continuing to showcase its unique and eternal charm to the world.