What do hairpins mean?

summation

  • The story uses traditional Chinese customs to direct the narrative flow, with hairpins symbolizing the emotional development between the characters.

  • Each character's relationship with the hairpin reflects their intentions and level of authority, highlighting their status and trust.

  • The value of the hairpins given to Mao Mao by various figures signifies their gratitude and debt, simplifying the tradition as a token of gratitude.

Despite not fulfilling its historical obligations, this story captures the essence of a popular Chinese tradition. The author is shown to use these customs to direct the flow of the narrative, and hairpins in particular are associated with many Chinese customs. However, the story is mainly depicted using this tool. emotional development Between characters.

This anomaly is introduced only as a preconceived notion and continues to become inconsistent as the story progresses. Proving to be one of the franchise's only misunderstood traditions, the average viewer can only partially decipher its historical value. Therefore, it is important to understand: Intent of all distributions of this gift.

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The first hairpin: Jinshi and Maomao

A combination of affection and protection

After Jinxi lends him a hairpin, a crimson hue covers the prince's face, providing a subtle clue as to the pin's intended purpose. However, this act ends up obscuring the protagonist, who later mistakes the wearable device for a free jail cell card. After all, not everyone is keen on exploring their own customs, and Maomao is no exception.

With a hairpin numerous meaningsXiaolin emphasized just one thing. This is the case that led Maomao to call Lihaku without any understanding of what the pin had to offer. Nonetheless, historical data provides context as it suggests that the tools served as symbols indicating that the wearer had reached adulthood.

And honestly, considering how guilty the prince felt after finding out about Mao Mao's past, this could justify Qin Shi's actions. This may have been Jinshi's way of honoring Mao Mao, who endured the horrors of this world.

But of course this would be seen as a belief that contradicts what fans have come to appreciate about the plot. As even the most empathic viewer can understand, Jin Shi's feelings toward Mao Mao go beyond a 'I feel sorry for him' moment. Episode 8 builds on these claims, where Jinshi's gloomy tone is revealed as the prince confronts Maomao, who has chosen Lihaku as his guarantor.

So you're saying I lost the counseling contest? what?

Therefore, in this context, it can be concluded that the hairpin alludes to Jin Shi's affection for Mao Mao. After all, history suggests that hairpins are closely tied to the concept of romance in Chinese culture.

Second Hairpin: Rihaku and Maomao

Courtesy of the Blue Knight

Apothecary Diary: Rihaku and Maomao together

In the very next episode, fans are shown that Maomao is not only in possession of Jinshi's hairpin, but also the hairpin of the rising Imperial Lihaku. However, the value of the gift may not be the same between the two. This diversity comes from the beauty of late China and the author's knowledge of the imperial family. situation Even wearables.

This means giving Maomao a privilege that would not be available without the hairpin. Because wearables express the trust the sender has in the wearer. And the higher the sender's rank, the higher privileges are granted to the receiver.

For example, if Maomao had used Jinshi's hairpin instead of Rihaku's hairpin, the number of days granted would have been much more than originally granted. Fans can substantiate this claim by recognizing that Jinshi, as a person of higher status, would naturally have the authority to displace imperial officers like Lihaku.

Hairpin with rose quartz and silver!? Those people are clearly of much higher status than me.

According to the officer's intentions, Rihaku is a simple man who sees it as his legitimate duty to hand out hairpins at a garden party so that no one feels left out. This can be seen in the imprudent attitude of the imperial officers during the hairpin turn. This lack of mindfulness also explains why Lihaku agreed to become Maomao's guarantor for a simple bribe. We therefore conclude that Lihaku's intentions are rarely shared. no similarity With Jinsi.

Last Hairpin: Lihua and Maomao

repaying past favors

Mao Mao and Li Shua

The hairpin element doesn't end with Rihaku. Because Mao Mao immediately received another pin from Concubine Li Hua. And as the plot shows, the viewer knows that Lihua No romantic interest From Mao Mao. In fact, unlike Rihaku, there is no evidence that the concubine turned the hairpin inadvertently. Now, the question may arise as to why Lihua made this gesture, but if fans rewatch the previous episodes, this behavior will start to make sense.

During the events of Episode 4, it becomes clear that Lihua appreciates Maomao for saving her life. The feeling of being indebted to someone induces the concubine to make these transactions. risk of embarrassment The worries of her concubine Gyokuyo and the maids waiting for her.

Simplification of concepts

modern philosophy

According to the story, it is meaningful simply to declare that the intention is to give value to this tradition. This claim is supported by the observation that in the cases mentioned the meaning was always directly proportional to the sender. However, if the concept is still too difficult, fans can use hairpins. modern chocolate What people receive on Valentine's Day.

The variety of chocolate can signify a platonic appreciation from a friend, a romantic gesture from a lover, or a polite gesture from a stranger. This interpretation not only simplifies the concept but also applies to all three cases, leaving no room for confusion.

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