Scarves, as a common clothing accessory, have been called by a rich variety of names in different cultures, historical periods and regions. Below are some of the different names for scarves and their brief descriptions:
Ancient appellation
Wind Collar: This name carries a sense of style, as described in Dream of Red Mansions, “(Xiangyun) is wearing a big sable wind collar”.
Xiangpai: In the “Old Story of Wulin”, there is a description of “Yuanxian festival, women are all with ...... cicada sable sleeve Xiangpai”, indicating that Xiangpai is a kind of jewelry worn by women in ancient times at festivals, similar to a scarf.
Embracing the neck: as mentioned in the Ming History, “green embracing the neck” refers to a kind of clothing accessories used to surround the neck.
Scarf, Neck, Scarf: all of these designations visually describe the basic function of a scarf and the way it is worn, i.e., around the neck for warmth or decoration.
Modern designation
With the change of fashion and the diversification of scarf styles, the modern names for scarves have become more colorful. Here are some common modern names for scarves:
Scarf: This is the most generic and direct term, referring to any long clothing accessory that surrounds the neck.
Shawl: While shawls and scarves overlap in shape and purpose, shawls are usually larger and wider and can cover the entire shoulder or even the back.
Neck Scarf: A smaller, knotted scarf used for knotting, commonly worn for formal occasions or as an alternative to a necktie.
Neck cover: a scarf that fits snugly around the neck, usually used to keep warm in winter.
Material and style-related designations
In addition, scarves can also be named according to their material and style, such as:
Wool Scarf: a scarf made of wool with good warmth.
Silk Scarf: Scarf made of silk, light and shiny.
Knitted Scarves: Scarves made through the knitting process, in a variety of styles, can be knitted in a variety of patterns and designs.
Infinity Scarf: A scarf that is knitted into an infinity symbol-like circle and can be layered without tying a knot.
To summarize, scarves are called by a variety of names, reflecting both their historical and cultural inheritance, as well as the changes in fashion trends. Whether it is the ancient wind collar, neckerchief, or modern scarf, shawl and other names, all carry people's pursuit of beauty and love of life.