Samurai warriors in feudal Japan wore their hair in a variety of styles, but the most iconic is the topknot or chonmage. This distinctive hairstyle was an important part of the samurai’s identity and signaled their status in society. But why did samurai cut their hair in this fashion, and what did it symbolize?
The Origin of the Samurai Topknot
The samurai topknot has its roots in the Heian period of Japanese history (794-1185 CE). During this era, most Japanese men grew their hair long and tied it back. This flowed, elegant look was fashionable among courtiers and the aristocracy.
As the samurai class rose to prominence in the late Heian and into the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE), they adapted the topknot for their own purposes. Rather than letting their hair flow loosely like court nobles, samurai began tying their hair tightly back on the tops of their heads. This kept their long locks up and out of the way for battle.
By the Edo period (1603-1868 CE), the topknot had become codified as part of the samurai’s official appearance. The Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan during this time, strictly regulated the hairstyles and clothing of all classes. Only samurai were permitted to wear the chonmage.
The Meaning and Symbolism of the Samurai Topknot
The samurai topknot held a number of important meanings:
- Status and rank – The topknot instantly identified someone as a samurai. Different topknot styles also indicated what rank a samurai held.
- Masculinity – The tightly bound topknot was considered a very masculine hairstyle, befitting a warrior.
- Honor – A samurai’s topknot represented his honor. Cutting off a samurai’s topknot could be done as punishment to shame him.
- Dedication – Shaving one’s head while keeping the topknot showed devotion to the samurai’s lord. It was done when swearing fealty.
In addition, the topknot had an important practical purpose – it kept a samurai’s long hair contained so it did not get in the way during battle or other active pursuits.
When Were Samurai Required to Shave Their Heads?
So when did samurai actually shave the rest of their heads, leaving only the topknot? There were a few occasions when this was required:
- For battle – When preparing for war, samurai would shave the fronts and sides of their heads. This kept their hair out of their eyes and prevented an enemy from grabbing it in hand-to-hand combat.
- For armor – The elaborate helmets and masks worn by samurai with their armor did not allow room for long hair. Shaving the front and sides allowed a proper fit.
- Ritual shaving – Younger samurai would shave their heads while keeping their topknot when swearing loyalty to a lord. This demonstrated their commitment to serve.
- Entering samurai service – Upon entering formal samurai service, teenage boys would mark the occasion by shaving their heads around the topknot.
In times of peace, most samurai wore their hair loosely tied back or partially up. But in war, ceremonies, or entering service, shaving around the topknot showcased their dedication.
How Did Samurai Cut and Style Their Topknots?
Samurai took great care in grooming and styling their topknots. Here are some interesting facts about samurai hair maintenance:
- Young boys started growing their hair out as early as age 5 to have a topknot ready for adulthood.
- Only the front and sides were shaved, leaving hair long in the back for the topknot.
- The topknot could be styled pointed or rounded, depending on personal taste.
- Topknots were often decorated with ornate clips and ties made of ivory, gold, or silver.
- Samurai carried wood or lacquered combs and came to symbolize their dedication to grooming.
- Oiling the topknot regularly with camellia oil kept the hair shiny and in place.
Maintaining a neat, tight topknot was important for projecting a samurai’s discipline and honor. Messy topknots were seen as disgraceful.
The End of the Samurai Topknot
The traditional samurai topknot came to an end in the late 19th century. As part of wide-reaching social reforms, the Japanese government outlawed the wearing of topknots in 1871. This was done to eradicate outward signs of feudal class distinctions. Samurai and commoners alike were then required to cut their hair short in the modern Western style.
Some conservative samurai bitterly opposed this change and saw it as a loss of their status, privilege and honor. But most eventually acquiesced. The topknot quickly faded from Japanese society.
Yet even today, the samurai topknot remains an iconic symbol of these legendary warriors. It represents their strength, discipline and dedication in a unique and memorable hairstyle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, samurai wore the topknot hairstyle for a variety of symbolic, practical and status-related reasons. Shaving the front and sides demonstrated a samurai’s commitment to the warrior’s life. The topknot projected masculinity, honor, and loyalty to superiors when worn with pride. This recognizable look makes the samurai topknot perhaps the most identifiable symbol of these fascinating warriors in Japan’s feudal era.