In Imperial China, courtesans often tied a red thread around their waists. This peculiar item holds many surprising secrets that not everyone knows.
During the imperial era, Chinese courtesans used their beauty and talents in singing and dancing to entertain guests. In the brothels, some courtesans only sold their art, not their bodies.
When exploring the lives of courtesans, many are surprised and curious to learn that they had a habit of tying a red thread around their waists. According to historians, the red thread tied around the waist of courtesans has special meanings.
Each courtesan has a sad story related to the circumstances that led them to the brothel. (Illustrative image).
Most of the girls did not willingly become courtesans. They were often sold by their families to brothels due to poverty. Meanwhile, some became courtesans because their entire families were punished. Each courtesan has a sad story related to the circumstances that pushed them into the brothel. Therefore, they had to find ways to survive there.
Many courtesans tied a red thread around their waists and considered it a lucky charm, hoping it would help them have a better future. According to folk beliefs, the color red is thought to ward off evil spirits. Living in a brothel was considered a low social class, and courtesans interacted with all kinds of people daily. Thus, they hoped that the red thread would help them avoid wicked and terrible things. In fact, they even wished to leave the brothel to start a new life.
A courtesan could only leave the brothel when she had enough money to buy her freedom or when someone provided the enormous ransom to the madam for her release.
Additionally, the red thread was seen as a psychological comfort for courtesans, helping them find a bit of peace in their souls. This way, they would be braver and more resilient when facing the “dark days” in the brothel.
