The influence of chairs on Chinese culture

In traditional Chinese etiquette, posture and seating have long been significant aspects of social behavior. In ancient times, before the invention of chairs, people would kneel on a mat or sit on a large bed known as a "couch," with their buttocks resting on their heels. This position, though uncomfortable, was considered formal and proper in official settings. Failing to adopt this posture was seen as impolite and disrespectful. A major shift occurred during the late Eastern Han Dynasty when the "Hu Bed," a folding bench similar to today’s mazas, was introduced from northern nomadic regions into the Central Plains. This innovation marked the first change in sitting posture, gradually replacing the rigid kneeling position. By the mid-Tang Dynasty, the Hu Bed evolved into a chair with a backrest and armrests, allowing people to sit with their legs naturally hanging down. It became widely popular during the Song Dynasty, finally freeing the ancient Chinese from the discomfort of kneeling. The rise of chairs not only changed how people sat but also had a deep impact on Chinese culture. One of the earliest changes was in traditional ceremonies. The shift in seating directly influenced social customs and etiquette. Before chairs, it was difficult for people to gather around a table for meals due to low seating and low tables. During banquets, people would sit on the floor, each with their own tray, eating individually. At the Hongmen Banquet, for example, Xiang Yu and Xiang Bo sat in the east, Fan Zeng in the south, Pei Gong in the north, and Zhang Liang served as the waiter. This setup reflected a shared meal system. With the introduction of chairs, the material basis for group dining changed. People began to gather around tables, and the Eight Immortals Table became a common feature. Eating at a table became a norm, and the individual meal system gradually replaced the shared one. Another major influence of the chair was on the psychology of the Chinese people. Before chairs, people were required to sit upright in formal situations, which was uncomfortable. Modern individuals might find it hard to maintain this posture for more than half an hour, so ancient people had to train extensively to adapt. The first lesson children learned was to sit properly, similar to military drills for new recruits. Beyond building discipline, proper posture was essential for self-cultivation. Sitting improperly led to restlessness, making the practice more about inner harmony than just physical alignment. Those who mastered this art developed a straightforward, capable nature and a disciplined, persistent character. Before the chair, kneeling was the standard posture in social settings—emperors and officials alike had to sit in this manner. Today, it's hard to imagine that even the emperor would kneel while discussing matters with his ministers. This equality in posture helped maintain a more balanced relationship between rulers and subjects. Kneeling was a gesture of respect, not necessarily of inferiority. After chairs became widespread, the meaning of kneeling shifted dramatically. Emperors sat on chairs, while subjects knelt on the ground, creating a stark difference in status. This new etiquette reinforced imperial authority and shaped the mindset of the people, leading to greater submission and obedience. China’s gradual decline since the Northern Song Dynasty coincided with the rise of chairs. While it may seem like a coincidence, it highlights how seemingly simple inventions, such as chairs, can deeply influence culture and society. Just as modern technology reshapes our lives, historical innovations often have far-reaching impacts on our way of thinking and living.

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