In traditional Chinese society, "Coming-of-Age Ceremony" as "Capping and Hair-Pinning" (冠笄 - Guan Ji) refers to the capping and hair-pinning ceremonies held for men and women when they come of age. These two ceremonies respectively mark the transition of men and women from youth to adulthood, possessing important cultural and social significance.
I. The Capping Ceremony (Guan Li)
Guan Li is the coming-of-age ceremony for ancient Han Chinese men, generally held at the age of 20. This ceremony symbolizes a male officially becoming an adult, able to participate in social public affairs and shoulder family and social responsibilities.
- Historical Background: Guan Li can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty and is part of the ancient Chinese etiquette system. It is recorded in detail in the Book of Rites: Qu Li I (Li Ji: Qu Li Shang).
- Process: The Guan Li is usually presided over by an elder in the family and is divided into three cappings, with a different cap worn each time:
- The first capping is with a Zi Bu Guan (a cap made of black linen), indicating the qualification to govern people from then on;
- The second capping is with a Pi Bian (a hat made of white deer skin), indicating the ability to participate in sacrificial activities from then on;
- The third capping is with a Jue Bian (a type of red cap), indicating the ability to participate in state affairs from then on.
- Significance: Through this series of ceremonies, it not only reflects the recognition of the young man's growth but also emphasizes the social roles and obligations they are about to undertake.
II. The Hair-Pinning Ceremony (Ji Li)
Ji Li is the coming-of-age ceremony for ancient Han Chinese women, usually held around the age of 15. A Ji is a hairpin used to fix a hair bun. In the Ji Li, the hair is coiled up and a hairpin is inserted, meaning the girl has become a woman of marriageable age.
- Historical Background: Ji Li also originated in the Zhou Dynasty and, like Guan Li, was regarded as one of the important life ceremonies.
- Process: The Ji Li is relatively simple, with main steps including:
- The girl first bathes and changes clothes;
- Setting up an offering in the ancestral temple or the main hall of the home to announce her adulthood to the ancestors;
- An elder coils her hair and inserts the hairpin, while she changes into adult attire;
- Performing bows of gratitude, thanking her parents for their upbringing, etc.
- Significance: Ji Li is not only a celebration of a female's growth but also a beautiful blessing for her future married life, emphasizing the change in the woman's status in the family and society.
III. Application in Modern Society
Although with the development of the times, modern society no longer universally practices the traditional Guan Ji ceremonies, these customs are still preserved in some parts of China. Especially in some families that value traditional culture or on special occasions, people will celebrate their children's growth in a simplified form.
In addition, in contemporary society, the phrase "Age of Guan and Ji" (Guan Ji Zhi Nian) is also often used as a general term for young men and women reaching the legal age for marriage or beginning to step into maturity. It carries beautiful expectations and blessings for young people entering a new stage.
