In many parts of the world, green is seen as a color of nature, life, and energy.
But in Chinese culture, the color green has a very special and sensitive meaning, especially for men.
The phrase "to wear a green hat" (dài lǜ mào zi, 戴绿帽子) means that a man's wife or girlfriend has been unfaithful to him.
This idea has deep roots in history, social customs, and symbolism that developed over many centuries.
Ancient Views on Color
Long ago, colors were connected to social class and rank in China.
Green was not always a respected color.
A Mixed Color:
About 2,000 years ago, green was considered a "mixed color," made from blue and yellow.
At that time, five main colors—red, yellow, blue, white, and black—were seen as pure and important.
Other colors, including green, were thought to be of lower value.
Sign of Lower Status:
Because of this, high-ranking officials usually wore the main colors, while lower officials or servants often wore green.
The famous Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi once mentioned wearing a green robe after being demoted, showing that green clothing was linked to lower rank.
From Uniform to Symbol of Shame
Over time, green clothing, especially headwear, became connected with embarrassment and disloyalty.
Punishment in the Tang Dynasty: During the Tang dynasty (618–907), officials who made mistakes were sometimes forced to wear green headscarves as a public punishment.
Sign of Betrayal in the Song Dynasty:
In the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127), some defectors or people who changed sides were made to wear green uniforms to show they were not trusted.
Linked to Infidelity in the Yuan and Ming Dynasties:
The direct link between green hats and infidelity appeared during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368).
Rules said that men with female relatives working as prostitutes had to wear green headscarves.
The custom continued in the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), and people began using "green hat" as a phrase for men whose wives were unfaithful.
The Meaning Today
In modern China, "wearing a green hat" still means a man has been cheated on by his partner.
Everyday Use: People may say, "His wife gave him a green hat," or joke online with phrases like "There's a grassland on his head," meaning the same thing.
Cultural Difference:
This traditional belief sometimes leads to funny or awkward moments.
For example, a foreign man wearing a green cap in China might get friendly smiles because locals understand the hidden meaning.
In 2021, when singer Gu Jiacheng wore a bright green hat, online users joked: "You're brave to wear that!"
The "green hat" shows how colors can carry deep cultural meanings.
What may seem like a simple fashion choice in one culture can have a very different meaning in another — shaped by centuries of history and tradition.
Source: Yahoo.com
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