User:Zeng Zhi

2024 MTI Zeng Zhi Bead Bracelet Culture

As objects integrating cultural, aesthetic and practical values, bead bracelets have a long and profound history in China. They are not only decorations on the wrist, but also carriers of culture and witnesses of history. From ancient bead ornaments to prayer beads, and then to the fashionable bead bracelets under the influence of diverse cultures today, the evolution of bead bracelet culture in China is rich and colorful, deeply reflecting social changes and the changes in people's aesthetic tastes and spiritual needs.

The Symbolic Development of Bead Bracelets in Ancient China

Paleolithic Age: The Origin of Bead Strings The earliest bead ornaments in China can be traced back to the Paleolithic Age. In the site of the Upper Cave Man in Zhoukoudian, Beijing, neck ornaments, which are about 10,000 years old, were unearthed. They are made of animal teeth, shells, small stone beads, etc. and are used as "amulet". In the sites of various places in the Neolithic Age, a large number of perforated stone beads, bone tubes, clams, jade, agate and other ornaments were also unearthed. These early bead ornaments were mostly made of natural materials, and were strung and worn on the body after simple processing, with decorative and symbolic meanings, or used for praying for good luck and avoiding evil, or showing the wearer's identity and status.

Shang and Zhou Dynasties: The Emergence of Jade-Based Ritual Culture

During the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, the jade culture gradually rose to prominence. The nobles began to string precious materials such as jade, stones and agate into ritual objects, which was worn to show identity and status. This "ritual jade" was not only an ornament, but also a symbol of identity, reflecting the strict hierarchical system and etiquette norms at that time.

After the Introduction of Buddhism: The Popularity of Prayer Beads

During the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, Buddhism flourished in China, and prayer beads were introduced to China and gradually became popular. "Never let mindfulness depart from the heart, while the prayer beads remain ever in hand". Prayer beads became an important means for Buddhists to enhance their meditative focus and purify their minds. This practice of using prayer beads also became the predecessor of modern bead bracelets rotating in hand. In the Tang Dynasty, prayer beads made of bodhi seeds were highly respected. Scholars and literati often gave prayer beads as gifts to friends. The wearing and use of beads bracelets were no longer limited to religious people, but began to be popular among the literati class. Moreover, the materials and craftsmanship were constantly innovated, and bead bracelets made of various materials such as gold, silver, gemstones and colored glaze appeared.

Qing Dynasty: The Peak of Court Bead Bracelets

In the Qing Dynasty, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, prayer beads were developed into court beads, which became an important part of the court costume regulations. Court beads are composed of 108 beads, and the materials are diverse, such as Dongzhu (pearl), lapis lazuli, amber, beeswax, coral, turquoise, etc. Different materials of court beads are worn on different occasions. Later, female members in the court simplified the court beads into bead bracelets known as "Eighteen Sons", which could be decorated on clothes or worn the wrist for playing in leisure time. The bead bracelets in the Qing Dynasty were exquisitely made and carefully selected, integrating multiple elements such as religion, etiquette and aesthetics, reflecting the luxury and majesty of the royal family.