Many systems of the Qing Dynasty period inherited Ming Dynasty , but there were many improvements, such as this horseshoe sleeve .
The officials of the Qing Dynasty put a lot of effort into horse hoof sleeves, and they were also very careful in designing this style of clothing. At that time, the Qing Dynasty, as a nomadic people, often lived on horseback. Such sleeves were very inconvenient for them. However, if the Qing Dynasty wanted to rule the Central Plains after entering the pass, it had to integrate into the Central Plains culture. However, as a nomadic people, they could not lose their customs and clothing. What should they do? Then let’s have a fusion.
At that time, the costumes of the Qing Dynasty ministers imitated the Ming Dynasty arrow sleeve , but they could not be moved all of them, so they slightly improved the arrow sleeves, and made the cuffs into a semicircular shape, and the sleeves made into semicircular shapes look like horse hooves, so they are also called horse hooves sleeves. So since the Qing Dynasty designed such horse hoof sleeves, what is the purpose of it?
First of all, it means that you cannot forget your roots.
The people of the Qing Dynasty were all born nomadic, and they suddenly let them live in the pass and started to farm the fields. They must not be able to adapt. Therefore, the descendants of Eight Banners are still very blessed. They are raised by the royal family and do not have to live a tired life of farming. But over time, these people know nothing about the farming culture in the Central Plains and forget the nomadic habits of their nation. This is undesirable. In order to make these bannermen remember their own customs, horse hoof sleeves are a good form of expression. In this way, when they salute their princes and ministers or emperors, they will have the function of reminding them.
Secondly, etiquette cannot be rude, it is related to the rule of the country.
Under the feudal social system, the emperor had supreme power, and all ministers had to salute the emperor, and throwing the horse's hoof sleeves down could remind them to worship the great ceremony, showing their respect for the emperor. These etiquettes were understood by learning the etiquette of the Central Plains after the Qing Dynasty entered the country. From this aspect, it can be seen that the Central Plains civilization at that time had penetrated into the hearts of the nobles such as , Manchu .
Perhaps they are barbaric nations on the grassland, but after entering the Central Plains, they become etiquette nations. After all, a barbaric nation can defeat another nation, but it may not necessarily rule another nation. If you want to rule the nation that you have defeated, you must integrate into this nation and rule in the way of this nation, otherwise the rule will not last long.
Secondly, a simple sleeve is also a respect for the emperor, for the sake of the emperor's safety.
A simple horseshoe sleeve can distinguish these ministers from the emperor. These ministers and emperors are of high and low order. Only by respecting this order can it be called rule. These monarchs who entered the pass of the Qing Dynasty were very clear about these things, so they felt that this should be done, otherwise would the subjects still respect the emperor?
Furthermore, swaying the sleeve like this can remove dust and check whether there are hidden weapons. It is also for the emperor's safety. It can be seen that this horse hoof sleeve does have a lot of functions.
Finally, it is also to make officials honest. Why do you say so? Because there was a saying in ancient times that "two-sleeved and honest style" was said. It can be seen that the people who designed this horse hoof sleeve have put a lot of thought into it.
This is why the Qing Dynasty people shook their sleeves when they knelt down to worship princes, ministers or emperors. What other reasons do you know?
