Dudou (Chinese Belly Wrap)

Overview

The Dudou, also known as Duduo or Futou, is a traditional Chinese undergarment that serves as a chest and abdomen wrap. This intimate piece of clothing has been worn by both men and women throughout Chinese history, serving practical, cultural, and symbolic purposes. The Dudou typically takes a diamond or trapezoidal shape, covering the chest and abdomen area while leaving the back exposed. Over time, it has evolved from a functional undergarment to a cultural symbol and even a fashion statement in contemporary contexts.

History

The origins of the Dudou can be traced back to ancient Chinese mythology, where it is said to have been created by the goddess Nüwa and her brother Fuxi as the first garment to cover human bodies after the great flood. Historical records suggest its earliest appearance may date to 818 BCE, mentioned in the ancient text "Zuo Zhuan" as "ru fu" (undergarment). During the pre-Qin period, it was called "ying," and in the Han Dynasty, it became known as "bao fu" (belly wrap).

Han Dynasty

According to Liu Xi's "Shi Ming: Explanation of Clothing" from the Han Dynasty, the "bao fu" had straps both above and below to wrap around the abdomen without a crotch section. Xu Ke's "Qing Lei Chao" notes that Dudou was made of gauze in summer and crepe in winter, filled with musk powder, and trimmed with brocade. Cao Tingdong's "Yang Sheng Sui Bi" records that the abdomen houses the five vital organs, hence the importance of keeping it warm, especially for the elderly who would fill their Dudou with mugwort and medicinal herbs.

Ming Dynasty

By the Ming Dynasty, women commonly wore Dudou, which were then called "douzi" or "moxiong" (chest wrap). These were made from two pieces of fabric cut diagonally, pointed at the top and flat at the bottom. The Qing Dynasty had two styles of chest wraps: one short and tight-fitting worn between chest and abdomen, called "moxiong du," and another tied at the waist called "dudou." "Qing Lei Chao" describes: "Moxiong is a small garment for the chest, also called mofu or modu; made from a square of cloth, it tightly binds the chest to prevent cold wind from invading, commonly called dudou. Both men and women wore it."

Qing Dynasty

In the Qing Dynasty, underwear was called "dudou" and generally made in a diamond shape. It had straps worn around the neck and two additional bands tied at the back, covering the navel and reaching the lower abdomen. Materials were mostly cotton or silk. The tying straps varied by social status: the wealthy used gold chains, the middle class used silver or copper chains, and commoners used red silk ribbons. "Dudou" featured exquisite embroidery, with red being a common color. By this time, the Dudou served not only to protect against cold but also had medicinal and sachet-like functions.

Key Information

Cultural Significance

The Dudou carries profound cultural significance in Chinese tradition, appearing in various customs and rituals:

Wedding Customs

In Hakka wedding traditions, brides would fill their Dudou with various symbolic items: an almanac (to ward off evil), dried orange cakes (for great luck), rock sugar (for sweetness), a small mirror (for brightness), a silver dollar (for unity), and copper and silver coins (for prosperity). On the wedding night, the bride would share these items with the groom, particularly the orange cakes and rock sugar.

Life Rituals

In the Guanzhong region of Shaanxi Province, the Dudou is associated with important life events. When a woman is pregnant, her mother and mother-in-law would make a Dudou for the unborn child. During the Dragon Boat Festival, maternal uncles would give Doudou to their young nephews. An unmarried woman might make a Dudou for her future husband. When reaching certain ages considered "threshold" years, adults would wear new Doudou for safety, and daughters would make them for their elderly parents to pray for longevity.

Symbolic Meanings

The patterns embroidered on Doudou carry specific symbolic meanings. For children, tiger heads or "Five Poisons" (scorpion, snake, centipede, toad, and lizard) patterns were embroidered to protect against harm and ensure healthy growth. For newlyweds, mandarin ducks playing in water symbolized marital harmony. In the Lintong region, toad patterns represented descendants of the goddess Nüwa and symbolized reproductive worship. In the Fufu Dali and Heyang regions,葫芦-shaped Doudou symbolized fertility as gourds and melons were staple foods of ancient agricultural ancestors and contain many seeds.

Modern Status

In modern times, the traditional Dudou has evolved significantly. With the introduction of Western textiles and clothing styles in the 19th and 20th centuries, urban Chinese people gradually shifted to shirts and vests as undergarments. In remote areas, the tradition of wearing Doudou, particularly for children, has persisted but is less common for adults.

However, the Dudou has experienced a remarkable revival in contemporary fashion, particularly as a trendy outerwear item. Designers have reimagined this traditional garment, incorporating modern materials and styles. Celebrities like Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li, and Lin Chi-ling have worn modern interpretations of the Dudou on red carpets and at fashion events, sparking renewed interest in this traditional garment. The "underwear as outerwear" trend has transformed the Dudou from a functional undergarment to a fashion statement, often paired with skirts, pants, or even as part of evening wear.

In recent years, the Dudou has also gained attention in cultural preservation efforts. Museums and cultural institutions display historical examples, highlighting their craftsmanship and cultural significance. Contemporary artisans and designers continue to create Doudou using traditional techniques, ensuring that this aspect of Chinese cultural heritage is preserved while adapting to modern aesthetics and uses.

References

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4. Jing, Anning. (2004). The Art of Dressing Well in China: From the Tang to the Present. University of Hawaii Press.

5. Gittinger, Mattiebelle. (1989). Masterpieces of Chinese Costume from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Metropolitan Museum of Art.