Why did Qing Dynasty concubines always wear a white silk ribbon around their necks?

During the Qing Dynasty, the costumes of women in the palace were especially important. Concubines and palace maids all wore elaborate makeup and stood out from other beauties. Not only were their hair elaborately styled, but their hands and feet were also decorated with unique designs. In addition, the accessories that went with their costumes were also of great interest to the concubines in the palace.

A common feature of many ancient Chinese Qing Dynasty dramas is the white silk ribbon around the necks of concubines. Not everyone understands its meaning and function. So what is this white silk ribbon?

According to the Chinese Encyclopedia, the white silk strip worn around the necks of Qing Dynasty concubines was called "Long Hoa Linh Can", or simply Long Hoa scarf.

This silk ribbon was an indispensable accessory in the costumes of Qing Dynasty concubines and ladies. It was a special accessory for Manchu women. They were made from the finest silk and were white in color.

In addition, each silk strip was embroidered with a special pattern or drawing to show the status of the wearer. For those who had just entered the palace and had no status, they would usually only wear a plain white Long Hoa scarf.

People like the queen and the queen mother will wear the most elaborately decorated Long Hoa scarf. The queen is considered the mother of the world, so the decoration on the Long Hoa scarf will be of her own choosing, with unique patterns. The queen mother’s scarf will have the word “Tho” embroidered in large letters, implying a wish for a long life.

Why did Qing Dynasty concubines always wear a white silk ribbon around their necks? - 2 — The Queen Mother will wear a Long Hoa scarf embroidered with the word "Tho". (Illustration: Sohu)

Their scarves were also much larger than those of other concubines to show their superior status. Concubines of lower status would have their scarves decorated with simple motifs such as flowers and leaves to distinguish their rank in the harem.

In addition to identifying the rank of concubines, the Long Hoa scarf also had another special use. It was to replace the collar on the concubines' costumes. The reason was that the traditional costumes of the Manchu people did not have collars. Wearing the Long Hoa scarf would help cover the woman's neck more, and at the same time create a difference between men's and women's costumes.

Quoc Thai (Source: Sohu)

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