A wig, a seemingly insignificant little thing, carries more social and cultural meaning just because it is in a key position on the top of the human head and attracts attention. Interestingly, at the beginning of the history of human wigs, this prop was more often than not a necessity, but an ornament and a luxury. People even shaved their heads so they could wear a wig. However, with the development of human culture, social pressure has gradually increased, and human beings have become bald, and wigs have gradually become daily necessities.
The world's first nation to use wigs originated from ancient Egypt.
The ancient Egyptians began to use wigs more than 4,000 years ago. In ancient Egypt, both men and women wore wigs. These wigs were made of human hair, wool or plant fibers. The material of the wig worn was related to the social status of the individual. The ancient Egyptians shaved their heads, which had many benefits. First of all, the climate in Egypt is hot, and it is more comfortable not to grow hair. Second, lice were a big problem at the time, and a bald head helped avoid the dangers of a lice infestation. However, the ancient Egyptians seem to prefer to keep "hair", so wigs that look similar to hair came into being.
The novelty of wigs also protected the ancient Egyptians' bald heads from the scorching sun. Wigs became part of the daily wear of the ancient Egyptians, indicating a person's identity and their social or political status. Women's wigs are often accompanied by braids and gold ornaments, as well as hair ties and ivory ornaments, so they are more beautiful than men's wigs. Ultimately, the more intricate the wig, the higher the social status of the wearer.
People who wear wigs in other ancient civilizations include Greeks, Romans, Assyrians and Phoenicians.
In ancient Greece and Rome, people who could not explain the cause of baldness interpreted it as a punishment from heaven. The ancient Romans were so hostile to bald men that they even tried to pass the "bald decree" to prevent bald men from running for parliament. Ordinary people can't be bald if they want to, because the nobles have to raise slaves to provide the source of wigs, and bald slaves can only be sold for half the price.
However, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the fashion of wearing wigs stagnated for more than 1,000 years, and it was not until the 16th century that it became popular again. Of course, during this period, during the Middle Ages, with the emergence of Christianity, wigs became more and more simple, and women were usually required to wrap their heads. through solemn religious rites. Under this atmosphere, the bald princes and earls had to buy wigs like buying drugs.
With the advent of the Renaissance era, the hair loss nobles were rescued, and the French played the first role in this process.
The history of wigs in France can be traced back to the reign of King Louis XIII of France. Louis XIII bald prematurely and began wearing elaborate wigs to cover it up. According to historical documents, the first independent wigmaker's guild was established in 1673. At this time, wigs enjoyed the noble lineage inherited from the courts of the French kings Louis XIII and Louis XIV in the 17th century, and became an indispensable fashion symbol of the dignitaries.
(Louis XIV wig styling)
Gradually, women's hairstyles have been paid attention to again. Instead of wrapping their heads, they decorate their hair with bright veils and sparkling jewels. Women wearing wigs have risen again, forming a trend, and society has begun to pay attention to beauty.
Charles II of England went into exile in France, and when he returned to England in 1660, he introduced wigs into the English department, and soon became popular in court.
It is said that in the Middle Ages, judicial officers worked hard. They were often overworked and extremely smart. Wearing wigs could conceal hair loss. Later, people habitually associated wigs with status, identity and even justice, and became a symbol of the British judicial system.
