We often hear someone say: "A man's head, a woman's waist, can only be seen, not touched". So, what happens if we touch it?
In fact, this statement arose from the historical background and social structure of ancient times. In ancient times, gender roles and hierarchies were extremely strict, and men were seen as the pillars of the family and society, mainly responsible for external labor and war, and had a high status. Whereas, women are in a subordinate position, responsible for household chores and childbearing.
1. A man's head can't be touched.
1. Ancient China was a patriarchal society, where men occupied a dominant position in the family and society, and had a high social status and power. This social structure makes men the core of the family and society, and their image, dignity and status are particularly important. Therefore, the head, as an important part of the human body, is regarded as a symbol of male identity and status, and cannot be easily touched.
2. Ancient China had a strict etiquette system, with clear rules on the behavior of men and women. In these norms, the head of a man is regarded as a noble and sacred part that cannot be touched at will. This is not only out of respect for the dignity of men, but also out of the need to maintain social order and stability.
3. The male head had an important symbolic meaning in ancient cultures. It is not only a symbol of identity and status, but also represents the dignity and honor of men. Therefore, touching a man's head is seen as disrespectful and impolite, and may even be seen as provocative and insulting. This notion was deeply ingrained in ancient societies and became a universal cultural consensus.
Even now, if we touch a man's head in the workplace, social and other occasions, it is still regarded as impolite or disrespectful, especially in modern society, people from all over the world can encounter it, due to the difference in human regions, in some countries or cultures and beliefs, a man's head is very sacred, and it cannot be touched casually, so as not to violate the taboo of others.
2. A woman's waist cannot be touched.
1. The division of gender roles in ancient Chinese society was clear, and there were strict boundaries between men and women. Women are required to abide by the "three obedience and four virtues", and to conform to the etiquette norms in words and deeds. The waist, as a sensitive area of the female body, is considered intimate and inviolable. Therefore, social norms clearly stipulate that women's waists cannot be touched at will, which is a protection of women's dignity and bodily autonomy.
2. The waist of women has a special symbolic meaning in ancient cultures. It is seen as a symbol of feminine charm and fertility and has a mystical and sacred nature. Therefore, touching a woman's waist is seen as disrespectful and inappropriate, and may even be seen as an offense on a woman's chastity and reputation. This notion was deeply ingrained in ancient societies and became a universal cultural consensus.
3. Women had a low status in ancient society, they were regarded as appendages of men, and they lacked independent social status and power. In this context, women's bodily autonomy is also restricted and denied. The waist, as a part of the female body, is naturally included in the scope of this restriction and deprivation.
In modern society, with the improvement of women's status and the popularization of the concept of gender equality, this concept has gradually faded, but the waist is a very sensitive part of women, and it is very impolite to touch a woman's waist if there is a stranger, even if it is an unintentional behavior, it will cause people to be disgusted. A deliberate touch by a man can easily be considered sexual harassment.
Nowadays, with the progress of society and the change of people's concepts, although we no longer have so many constraints as in ancient times, and emphasize the equality of men and women, we still have to know how to respect others, "do not move", you respect others at the same time, you will also get the respect of others.