Why is there a saying in ancient times that "men don't touch their heads and women don't touch their waists"?

In ancient times, there was a saying that "men do not touch their heads and women do not touch their waists." This is mainly related to the status of men and women and etiquette culture in ancient times.

There is a saying that goes, "If you touch your head, you won't be scared." This is mainly meant for children. In modern daily life, we can always see some people touching their own heads, or elders touching the heads of younger generations, etc. These are all expressions of their love for these people. But in ancient times, it was not allowed to touch other people's heads casually, because there was a saying in ancient times: "Men do not touch their heads, and women do not touch their waists." Touching someone's head casually is disrespectful to them, even if it is to express one's respect for them. His love is also not allowed.

Why did this saying exist in ancient times? Now let’s first talk about the reasons why “men don’t touch their heads”. First of all, China is a country of etiquette, especially in ancient times, people paid great attention to etiquette. In terms of etiquette, men had a high status in ancient times. Touching the head of an adult man was disrespectful to him. This would make them feel that their self-esteem was hurt and challenged, so they could not touch a man's head casually. Secondly, the head was very important to ancient people. For people, it is a status symbol, an expression of identity, and it is also very noble. In ancient times, people believed that they would not lower their noble heads easily, so if their noble heads were touched, it would make them lose their dignity; finally, people often said that "there are gods when you raise your head three feet", which means that when people's heads are raised, they will lose their dignity. The closest place to God. Although it sounds superstitious, many people still believe that having their head touched is a blasphemy against the gods. In ancient times, blasphemy was a very serious sin.

Let’s talk about the reason why “women don’t touch their waists”. First of all, it is recorded in the Book of Songs that "a graceful lady is like a gentleman." The gracefulness here refers to a woman's slender waist. The waist is a sensitive part of women. Touching a woman's waist can easily make them laugh, which is very rude. Secondly, the waist and other parts are women's private parts. Private parts mean that they cannot be touched by others at will. bump. There is also the restriction on women by the three obediences and four virtues in ancient times. Women cannot let others see their waist and other private parts before they are married. The most important thing for women in ancient times was chastity. Once the sensitive area of ??the waist was touched casually, they would be looked down upon by others. In more serious cases, they would not be able to get married at all.

Whether it is in ancient times or in modern times, we still have to abide by the saying "men do not touch their heads and women do not touch their waists". After all, no matter which aspect you analyze, he has a strong reason for existence. This is also a kind of etiquette for men and women in social communication and respect for each other