How Ancient People Selected Wives Based on Facial Features

The study of "female physiognomy" started during the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties with Mr. Yuan Liuzhuang, who thoroughly examined the distinct features of women's faces and how they differ from men's. This was further developed in the Qing Dynasty, with notable contributions from works like Jin Jiao Jian Tie and Guan Dao. The Science Ziwei Network invites you to delve into the ancient practices of selecting a wife through the intricate knowledge of "female physiognomy" and uncover the principles underlying these choices. While female physiognomy includes twelve palaces, five features, six houses, and three stops, it mainly focuses on four areas: the forehead represents parents, the nose symbolizes the husband, the mouth indicates children, and the eyes reflect wealth and status—"Yongle Hundred Questions."

【Forehead Represents Parents】

Desirable female forehead features: A width of 3-4 fingers when the palm is placed horizontally, a rounded and neat hairline, and a smooth and clear forehead with subtle side bone structure are considered auspicious.

• The parental palace reflects a woman’s upbringing and the intellectual traits inherited from her parents and ancestors. In times when girls were not allowed to attend school, family education largely shaped a woman's perspective. A woman with favorable forehead features is deemed wise, likely helping her husband stabilize the family, educate children, and show filial respect to parents.
• The official palace is also located in the forehead. Although women could not hold official positions in the past, they could be esteemed as noble wives. For men pursuing political careers, a woman with good forehead features was highly prized.

【Nose Represents Husband】

Desirable female nose features: A smooth and clean bridge and column, rounded nostrils and tip, with the bridge slightly higher than the upper eyelid when viewed from the side are considered ideal.

In ancient times, a woman’s foremost role was seen as supporting her husband, and her nose represented the quality and capacity of her husband, serving as a chief criterion. It's important to note that a nose doesn't necessarily have to be high; if it's too high and doesn't harmonize with other features, it could lead to the woman remaining unmarried.

【Eyes Indicate Wealth and Status】

Discussions of physiognomy heavily focus on the eyes, which can dominate other features and are a key indicator of one's life patterns and social status. Ideal female eye characteristics are dignified and clear; overly strong and forceful eyes may suggest a self-serving nature that could harm the husband, which is not conducive to a successful marriage, as evidenced by recent marriage fraud cases involving Halina.

【Mouth Represents Children】

Desirable female mouth features: A width slightly larger than the distance between the nostrils and the pupils, upper and lower lips about one finger thick, with a rosy color and corners that slightly curve upwards are ideal. Teeth, tongue, and voice are discussed separately.

• The lips best reflect bodily vitality; red lips suggest robust health and good digestion, increasing the likelihood of bearing healthy children.
• Women with favorable mouth features are seen as strong in family values, and fostering a loving relationship with their husbands can contribute to a warmer home life.

In modern society, with the rise of gender equality, men's standards for choosing partners have evolved. This article aims to analyze ancient perspectives. Physiognomy is not exclusive to women; for a woman to support her husband, the man must also support his wife. Genuine improvement in life comes through mutual support.