The Origin of the Pomegranate Skirt
When a woman's beauty or charm captivates a man, people often use the phrase "succumb to the pomegranate skirt" to describe this irresistible allure. So, where does this enchanting "pomegranate skirt" come from and what does it symbolize?
The pomegranate, also known as Anshiliu (安石榴), originated in Iran and Central Asia. It was brought back to China by Zhang Qian after his mission to the Western Regions. It is said that the ancient version of Book of Marvels (待求证) records: "Zhang Qian of the Han Dynasty brought back pomegranate seeds from the Tulin and Anshi countries after his mission to the Western Regions, hence the name Anshiliu." The Anshi country, also known as the Parthian Empire, is now Iran and its neighboring areas.
The term "pomegranate skirt" is said to have emerged during the Han Dynasty, referring to a bright red women's skirt. Its popularity stems from the vivid color of pomegranate flowers. The color of the pomegranate skirt, or pomegranate red, is a slightly deeper red like that of pomegranate fruits, or an orange - red as bright as pomegranate flowers. The ancients used pomegranate flower juice to dye fabrics, creating the distinctive pomegranate skirt, whose bright red color was particularly eye - catching in ancient times.
The Flourishing of the Pomegranate Skirt in the Tang Dynasty
In the Tang Dynasty, the popular dress style was "slowly tying the silk skirt with half - exposed chest". Coupled with the bold and confident red color, it highlighted women's self - confidence and charm. Empress Wu Zetian wrote in The Song of Good Fortune: "Confused in my thoughts, I mistake red for green. Haggard and frail, all for missing you. If you don't believe I've often shed tears lately, open the box and see my pomegranate skirt."
In the Tang Dynasty, Yang Guifei's preference for the pomegranate skirt pushed this clothing style to the peak of fashion. Emperor Tang Minghuang even ordered that those who met the imperial concubine should kneel in salute. This event directly gave rise to the idiom "succumb to the pomegranate skirt", vividly depicting men's deep admiration for women's charm.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Pomegranate Skirt
In addition, the pomegranate's characteristic of having many seeds endows the pomegranate skirt with another beautiful meaning - having many children and grandchildren. There are also many different pomegranate patterns. In ancient times, the reproduction of offspring was a symbol of the prosperity of the family. Therefore, noble women preferred to wear pomegranate skirts or clothing with pomegranate patterns, expressing their good wishes for the future of the family.
The Pomegranate Skirt in Art Works
Ladies with Head - ornaments, Ladies with Fans, and Palace Music depict the elegant and graceful charm of ladies wearing pomegranate skirts with delicate brushstrokes.
The Inheritance of the Pomegranate Skirt
The fashion of the pomegranate skirt has been passed down. In Chapter 62 of A Dream of Red Mansions, it is written: "Bao Yu looked down and exclaimed, 'Oh dear! It's dragged in the mud. What a pity that this pomegranate - red silk stains so easily.'"
That bright red pomegranate skirt seems to transcend time and space, still exuding a charming allure that has captivated countless people. Whether at home or abroad, it has become an eternal aesthetic classic.
