When we walk into the museum and see those antique porcelain pillows and jade pillows, we can't help but wonder: why did the ancients choose such high, cold and hard pillows to sleep on? Wouldn't their necks be uncomfortable because of this? Today, let's take a look at the reasons behind this.
1. Historical Background and Aesthetic Concepts
In ancient times, porcelain pillows and jade pillows were not only to meet the needs of sleep, but also to reflect a symbol of identity and status. Porcelain and jade were precious materials in ancient times, and their production required a high degree of skill and intricate craftsmanship. Therefore, being able to have such a pillow is often a symbol of a wealthy family or the children of an official eunuch.
2. Health and medical perspectives
Although porcelain pillows and jade pillows may not seem suitable for ergonomics, they have a unique role in the concept of ancient medicine. The ancients believed that a hard pillow in contact with the neck of the head could promote blood circulation and help relieve fatigue in the neck and head. At the same time, a firm pillow can also help adjust the sleeping position and avoid the physical discomfort caused by staying in one position for a long time.
3. Material and cooling characteristics
The materials of porcelain pillows and jade pillows have good thermal conductivity, which can bring a touch of coolness in the hot summer. In ancient times, without modern air conditioners and fans, such pillows were undoubtedly a good escape from the heat. Although it may feel a little chilly in winter, the ancients usually put a soft cloth or straw mat under the pillow to keep warm.
4. Cultural practices and beliefs
In addition to the above-mentioned reasons, cultural customs and beliefs are also one of the reasons why the ancients chose porcelain pillows and jade pillows. In ancient times, many people believed that jade could ward off evil spirits and keep them safe, so the jade pillow was also regarded as a kind of talisman. As a traditional handicraft in China, porcelain not only has ornamental value, but also carries rich cultural connotations.
5. Modern Perspectives and Enlightenment
While porcelain and jade pillows may not be comfortable from a modern perspective, that doesn't prevent us from drawing inspiration from them. For example, we can learn from ancient health concepts and improve sleep quality by adjusting the sleeping position and pillow height. At the same time, we can also learn from the ancients' respect for and inheritance of traditional culture, integrate traditional elements into modern life, and create household items that are both practical and culturally charming.
Conclusion
To sum up, there are many reasons why the ancients chose porcelain pillows and jade pillows, including the influence of historical background and aesthetic concepts, as well as health, medicine, cultural customs and other considerations. While these pillows may seem somewhat anachronistic in modern times, their presence undoubtedly provides us with a valuable perspective to understand and study the ancient way of life.