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Writer's pictureJason Chan

The Tradition of the Fetal Hair Calligraphy Brush (胎毛笔)

The fetal hair brush, or "胎毛笔" in Chinese, is a unique and precious keepsake crafted from a newborn's first haircut. With deep cultural roots and a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, this brush is a cherished symbol of hope, protection, and blessing for a child's future.


胎毛笔


What is a Fetal Hair Brush?


A fetal hair brush is a special calligraphy brush made from a baby’s first haircut, and it is the only natural hair the child will ever have that holds the essence of their birth. Because of this, it is considered incredibly precious and is often preserved as a unique memento. The tradition of making fetal hair brushes has a rich history, with evidence of this practice dating back to the Tang Dynasty.



The Significance of Fetal Hair


Fetal hair is the first haircut from a baby after birth, carrying a unique natural spirit and vitality. It is regarded as one of the most valuable materials for crafting a brush for several reasons:


1. Warding Off Evil Spirits: The brush is believed to protect against negative energy.

2. Preservation of Memories: It is a lifelong memento of the child's early days.

3. Symbolic Gift: The brush can be given as a meaningful gift, representing a deep and enduring bond.

4. Heirloom: It can be passed down through generations as a family treasure.



The Origin of the "状元笔"


According to legend, a poor family could not afford to buy a brush when their son needed to travel to the capital for the imperial examinations. Instead, they made a brush using his newborn hair. To everyone’s surprise, the young scholar won the top rank in the examination. Hence, the fetal hairbrush became known as the "Champion Brush" or "状元笔" in Chinese.





The parents' hopes and blessings always accompany the birth of a baby. They wish for the child’s safety, health, success, and prosperity, and to celebrate these aspirations, there are seven traditional rituals for newborns:


1. Shaving the Head: Shaving the baby’s hair symbolises a fresh start, with hopes for a complete and fulfilling life.

2. Removing Misfortune: During ancestral rituals, the baby's eyebrows are shaved to remove bad luck and show respect.

3. Auspicious Sign: A red egg is rolled three times over the baby's head to symbolise luck and good fortune, with wishes for a smooth life and a happy marriage.

4. Health: After shaving, the baby is bathed, and two stones are placed in the bathwater to symbolise strength and health.

5. Intelligence: Two green onions are placed nearby, as the word for onion sounds like "intelligence" in Chinese, wishing the child wisdom and brilliance.

6. Wealth and Prosperity: A gold locket and six copper coins are placed, wishing for the child's good fortune and prosperity.

7. Creating a Keepsake: The shaved hair is used to make a brush handle of great value. It is believed to bring luck and protection and to bless the baby with a prosperous future.


Each ritual reflects the parents’ deep hopes and blessings for their child.



The Crafting Process of a Fetal Hair Brush


The creation of a fetal hair brush involves eight meticulous steps:


1. Hair Selection: The hair is sorted based on length, thickness, colour, and whether it has a point.

2. Water Processing: The hair is soaked and sorted, and any unsuitable hairs are removed. This process also involves degreasing hair using lime water, sun, and dew exposure to preserve its quality.

3. Binding the Tip: To prevent hair loss, the brush head is bound with thread and treated with melted rosin.

4. Selecting the Handle: The handles are carefully chosen, with any flawed or unsuitable handles discarded.

5. Assembling: The brush head is inserted into the handle, and a cap is fitted.

6. Inlaying: Some brushes are decorated with bamboo, ivory, or redwood inlays to enhance their aesthetic appeal.

7. Final Inspection: The brush is examined, and any imperfections are corrected to ensure it meets quality standards.

8. Engraving: The brush handle is engraved with the baby’s name, birth date, and blessings.



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