Sangtu (Korean topknot)

Dinastia joseon, corona dell'abbigliamento cerimoniale reale e suo contenitore, 1890-1910 ca

Sangtu is a traditional Korean hairstyle that was commonly worn by men during the Joseon Dynasty. The style involves tying one's hair into a topknot, which is known as sangtu in Korean. This hairstyle holds significant cultural and historical importance in Korea, symbolizing the wearer's social status, age, and marital status.

History and Cultural Significance

The origin of the sangtu dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty, but it became particularly prominent and widespread during the Joseon Dynasty. During this period, the sangtu was more than just a hairstyle; it was a rite of passage for Korean men. When a boy reached adulthood, he would participate in a coming-of-age ceremony called Gwanrye, during which his hair was tied into a sangtu for the first time. This ceremony marked his transition into adulthood and his eligibility for marriage.

The sangtu was also closely tied to a man's social status in Joseon society. Scholars, known as Yangban, and other men of high social standing wore the sangtu along with a traditional hat called a gat. The way the sangtu and gat were worn could indicate the wearer's social rank and occupation.

Styles and Variations

While the basic form of the sangtu involved pulling the hair back and tying it on the top of the head, there were variations in how the topknot was styled and secured. Some men used a dae, a type of wooden hairpin, to hold the topknot in place. Others might use a manggeon, a fabric headband, to keep their hair from falling into their faces.

Decline and Modern Revival

The sangtu began to decline in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Korea opened up to Western influence and men started adopting Western hairstyles and clothing. The Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) further accelerated this decline, as the occupiers sought to suppress Korean culture and identity.

However, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Korean culture in recent years, including traditional hairstyles like the sangtu. This revival is part of a broader movement to celebrate and preserve Korea's cultural heritage. Today, the sangtu is often seen in historical dramas and at cultural festivals, where people wear traditional Korean attire, including the sangtu, to celebrate and honor their history.

See Also

• Hanbok
• Korean culture
• Joseon Dynasty
• Goryeo Dynasty