The Essential Guide To The History Of The Oriental Yellow Turban

By Emilia Espinoza


There are several style ideas which western fashion has borrowed from the Orient and which have subsequently be come mainstream. One of the most lasting legacies of style ideas borrowed from the Far East is the donning a yellow turban which so many do without appreciating the deep cultural and historic significance of the headgear. This guide aims to outline how this piece of fashion accessory came to be so prominent in fashion circles.

At the close of the second century and the dawn of the third century AD, there were very violent insurrections in the northern provinces of China. The emperor Ling of the Han dynasty had to fend off threats to his throne mainly lead by rebels from the North of his empire. The most notable revolt to Ling's rule arose around the year AD 184 and was caused by peasant farmers who felt the empire was unresponsive to their needs at a time of great famine.

The Yellow Turban rebellion, as the insurrection was to be known by Oriental historians was led by three brothers in particular. The three were surnamed Zhang and all were Taoist priests of some renown. Led by Zhang Jiao, the firebrand brothers inspired a new brand of Taoism and told their followers that they could attain healing through confession of sins.

Zhang Jiao was especially inspirational to is followers and fighters. He gave very inspirational sermons before leading them to battle. He talked of a new era of plenty marked by an entire year when the sky would turn yellow to herald the demise of the Han dynasty. He told them this was certainly going to happen as their triumph over the imperial forces was ordained in the heavens.

As the insurrection rose, there were three key fronts threatening the long Han dynasty with extermination. The Han brothers were inspirational in their home region to the north of the Yellow River but this was not the most violent rebellion. Emperor Ling felt more threatened by popular insurrections in the Nanyand and Yinchuan areas as well as more violence that was concentrated around the area where the modern city of Beijing is located.

At its height, the revolt had managed to attract the loyalty of over 360,000 fighters. The emperor was concerned that his reign was coming to an end until he appointed his half brother Liu Yan to command the royal forces. Yan managed to enlist about 100 thousand fighters to fight the emperor's cause from the South.

The imperial army soon began winning a series of victories against the rebels and soon the inspirational Zhang brothers were captured and executed. Yan showed little compassion for those who stood in his way and soon the rebellion was squashed. Although there were sporadic insurrections here and there, by AD 205, the yellow turbaned rebels had well and truly been vanquished.

As you read this historical guide to the rise of the Yellow turban in the Chinese antiquity, you will be able to appreciate the significance of the head dress. It is a history steeped with intrigue and cultural significance. It is amazing how long the idea has lasted through history.




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