When we think of veils, Western wedding traditions often come to mind. However, the Chinese have their own rich history of veil-wearing, dating back to ancient times. Known as Gaitou (盖头) during the Song Dynasty, this traditional head covering has deep cultural roots.
According to historical records like Zhou Hui's Qingbo Magazine, Song Dynasty women wore Gaitou as a common head garment when going out in public. This practice actually originated from the Tang Dynasty's Weimao (帷帽), a hat with a hanging net curtain. Scholar Shen Congwen noted that while Weimao featured a hard hat with a net, Gaitou was simpler - just a square purple silk cloth draped over the head.
Cultural Significance and Evolution
The Gaitou served more than just practical purposes. In the context of Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism, it became an important garment that reflected social norms. As recorded in Sima Guang's Domestic Regulations, women were required to cover their faces when going out, showing how the veil became intertwined with Confucian etiquette.
By the Ming Dynasty, similar head coverings called Fujin (幅巾) emerged, primarily worn by women dressing as men. While its connection to Gaitou remains unclear, this evolution demonstrates how head coverings adapted to changing fashion trends.
Practical Uses Through History
Beyond its cultural significance, the Chinese veil served multiple practical functions. Measuring about 158.4 cm (five chi in Song measurements), it could cover from head to waist. Historical documents describe its use in various ceremonies - red silk for weddings and plain coarse cloth for funerals, as noted in Lü Zuqian's Family Rules of the Lü Clan.
Even today, remnants of this tradition survive in some local wedding and funeral customs. The veil's practical uses endure as well - serving as sun protection, wind barrier, or even fashion accessory. As the Song poet Liu Yong romantically described: "With plain face and red brows, occasionally lifting the veil to peek."
The Veil in Modern Context
While no longer common in daily life, the Chinese veil's legacy continues. Its transformation from Tang Dynasty Weimao to Song Dynasty Gaitou reflects China's evolving fashion history. Today, we can appreciate it both as cultural heritage and as inspiration for contemporary style - proving that traditional garments can remain relevant across centuries.
The story of Gaitou reminds us that many so-called Western fashion elements actually have parallels in Chinese history. From ceremonial use to practical applications, this traditional veil demonstrates the sophistication of ancient Chinese clothing culture.
