Why Did the Three Great Confucian Scholars of the Late Ming Dynasty Wear Turbans?15


During the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), three prominent Confucian scholars, known as the "Three Great Confucian Scholars" or "Three Scholar-Officials of Jinling," emerged. These scholars were Wang Yangming (1472-1529), Wang Gen (1483-1541), and Xu Jie (1495-1583). All three of these scholars were known for their exceptional knowledge of Confucianism and their influential writings and teachings.

One of the most striking features of these scholars was their distinctive headwear, which consisted of a large, flowing turban. This turban, known as a "wutoujin" or "baotoujin," was typically made of silk or cotton and was wrapped around the head in a complex manner. The turban became so closely associated with these scholars that it became known as the "Three Scholar-Officials of Jinling hat."

But why did these scholars choose to wear turbans? There are several possible reasons.

One reason may have been to distinguish themselves from the common people. During the Ming Dynasty, the vast majority of people wore simple caps or hats. By wearing turbans, these scholars could set themselves apart and demonstrate their superior status and learning.

Another reason may have been to protect their heads from the elements. The Ming Dynasty was a time of great political and social turmoil, and scholars were often forced to travel long distances on foot or by horseback. Wearing a turban could help to protect their heads from the sun, rain, and cold.

Finally, the turban may have had a religious significance. In Chinese Buddhism, the turban is often worn by monks and nuns as a symbol of their renunciation of worldly desires. By wearing turbans, these Confucian scholars may have been expressing their own commitment to the Confucian values of self-cultivation and moral purity.

Whatever the reasons, the turban became a defining characteristic of the Three Scholar-Officials of Jinling. It was a symbol of their learning, their status, and their commitment to Confucian ideals.

In addition to the turban, these scholars also shared several other common characteristics. All three of them were born into wealthy and influential families, and all three of them had distinguished careers in the Ming government. They were all also prolific writers, and their works have had a profound influence on Chinese thought and culture.

Wang Yangming was the most famous of the Three Scholar-Officials of Jinling. He was a brilliant philosopher and military strategist who developed a new school of Confucianism known as the "Yangming School." Wang Yangming's teachings emphasized the importance of self-cultivation and moral intuition, and they had a profound influence on later Chinese thinkers.

Wang Gen was a close friend and disciple of Wang Yangming. He was a gifted poet and calligrapher, and he also served as a high-ranking official in the Ming government. Wang Gen's writings on Confucianism are known for their clarity and elegance, and they have been widely studied by scholars over the centuries.

Xu Jie was the last of the Three Scholar-Officials of Jinling. He was a brilliant scholar and statesman who served as the Grand Secretary of the Ming government for many years. Xu Jie was known for his wisdom and his ability to resolve complex political problems. He was also a patron of the arts and sciences, and he played a key role in the development of Chinese culture during the late Ming Dynasty.

The Three Scholar-Officials of Jinling were some of the most influential figures in Chinese history. Their teachings and writings have had a profound impact on Chinese thought and culture, and they continue to be studied and admired by scholars today.

2024-11-21


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