The Evolution of Ancient Veils

You often see scenes like this in period dramas: a veiled beauty accidentally reveals her delicate features when the veil slips, just in time for the male lead to catch a glimpse. But did such veils truly exist in history? While they might not have been called "veils" in ancient times, there was a similar concept known as "mian yi" (面衣), a face-covering tradition documented since the Zhou Dynasty.

This practice involved women covering their faces with cloth, serving purposes like protection from wind and sun, decoration, etiquette, and even social avoidance. According to "The Book of Rites," women were required to cover their faces when going out, aligning with Confucian ideals of gender separation.

The term "mian yi" was solidified in records like "Miscellanies of the Western Capital," which mentioned a "golden-flowered purple silk mian yi" gifted by Zhao Feiyan's sister. Over time, these coverings evolved into styles like "mi li" (羃䍦) and "wei mao" (帷帽), with the latter becoming popular during Empress Wu Zetian's reign.

The "mi li," originating from northwestern ethnic groups, combined a hat with a translucent veil, allowing visibility while riding. Later, the Ming Dynasty introduced "yan sha" (眼纱), a practical face cover with eyeholes, used for privacy or by disgraced officials.

While modern depictions of veils in dramas lack historical accuracy, artifacts like the 18th-century lace veil from Xinjiang offer glimpses into their real-world counterparts. Ultimately, the evolution of veils reflects both cultural norms and practical needs, proving that fashion trends can indeed be strikingly similar across eras.