If you think lotus leaf hats are a modern trend, our ancestors would surely laugh at you: "You kids are so outdated and unfashionable!" This iconic headwear dates back much earlier than you might imagine, with roots tracing to the Northern and Southern Dynasties.
Historical records like "The History of the Northern Dynasties" mention bearers wearing them in summer, while "Tales of the Hidden World" from the Liu Song Dynasty recounts a sorcerer tricking a governor into wearing a magical lotus hat that later revealed its true form, astonishing everyone. The most vivid depiction appears in Ming Dynasty painter Qiu Ying's "Assembly of the Immortals," showcasing an immortal wearing an identical lotus leaf hat.
Nature has always been the muse for innovation. Later adaptations led to rounded hats with varying materials—felt caps from wool, blended silk - wool Diexiao hats, and pure silk variants. The key difference lay in "dyed silk replacing wool," as noted in historical texts.
This accessory became a cinematic staple too, like Yang Fangbing's portrayal of Yang Guifei, whose hat dripped with pearl strands resembling dewdrops on lotus leaves.
Among the Yi ethnic group in Sichuan's high - altitude Meigu County, married women wear similar hats as symbols of maturity and confidence, tucking braids inside for practicality and warmth.
Even Western runways embraced this Sinospheric flair—John Galliano's 1996 collection featured lotus - inspired headpieces echoing ancient paintings. So, "unfashionable kids," time to hit 'like' and share!
