It should also be noted, however, that with the globalisation of China around this time period, Chinese people were also influenced in their abandonment of the Queue by a rise in anti-Chinese sentiment (otherwise known as Sinophobia). This change in belief highlights the change in cultural values as a result of life under Manchu oppression. Since then, shorter hair has been the predominant style of men in China. Upon the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912, Han Chinese men were reported cutting off their braids to signify defiance against Qing rule and liberation from the Queue order, choosing to adopt shorter hairstyles instead. Determined to enforce this hairstyle and to evidence Han Chinese submission to Qing rule and the Manchu people, Han Chinese men were given an ultimatum adopt the hairstyle or face execution This resulted in substantial resistance from Han Chinese people as it was believed that this was entirely against their philosophical and cultural practices. However, with the establishment of the Qing Dynasty, the Queue order was implemented, decreeing that all Han Chinese men (with the exceptions of monks) were to adopt the Manchu hairstyle of the ‘Queue‘ (a hairstyle categorised by shaving the front of the head and plaiting the remaining hair at the back of the head). Han Chinese culture was oriented around this belief and so, Han Chinese people would not cut their hair, instead wearing more beautiful, intricate hairstyles. Thus, the cutting of hair was thought to be damaging to the body (which was gifted by the parents), causing disrespect to them if carried out. The Han Chinese people heavily embraced Confucianism and its notion of ‘filial piety’ (in simple terms: to be respectful to one’s parents). Hair was hugely significant within China. It’s important that we first understand what the ‘Queue’ was and the context behind it.
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