The Function Of Belts

Because of their special function, belts were highly valued by the ancients. Whether wearing official robes or casual clothes, a belt was always worn around the waist. Over time, belts became an indispensable accessory, especially during formal audiences. The *History of the Southern Dynasties, Biography of Liu Jin* states: "(Jin) was upright and honest… His brother Huan called from next door at night? Jin did not answer, but got out of bed, dressed, and stood up before responding. Huan was surprised by the delay, and Jin said, 'I hadn't finished fastening my belt, yet I stood like this.'" "Even brothers meeting at night to exchange a few words had to be done with proper attire and belts, otherwise it was considered impolite. This shows the importance the ancients placed on etiquette. This was even more true between rulers and their subjects. According to Ouyang Xiu's *Gui Tian Lu*, Emperor Taizong of Song summoned Tao Gu at night. When Gu arrived, he stood before the emperor but refused to enter. Taizong immediately realized this was because he hadn't fastened his belt, so he ordered his attendants to bring him a belt and quickly fastened it. Only after seeing the emperor fasten his belt did Tao Gu enter. At that time, it was considered impolite for the emperor to summon a subject without fastening his belt, so one could not perform the proper etiquette between ruler and subject with him."