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{{Short description|Type of Asian pillow}} |
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{{Copy edit|date=October 2021}} |
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[[Image:Korean-bamboo-wife2.jpg|thumb|200px|The Korean version of the ''bamboo wife'']] |
[[Image:Korean-bamboo-wife2.jpg|thumb|200px|The Korean version of the ''bamboo wife'']] |
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A '''bamboo wife''' ({{lang-zh|c=竹夫人|p=zhúfūrén|cy=jūkfūyàhn}}; [[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]]: '''''trúc phu nhân'''''; {{ |
A '''bamboo wife''' is a [[bolster]] (pillow) made from a woven [[bamboo]] cylinder that may be as large as the size of the human body. It goes by names such as ({{lang-zh|c=竹夫人|p=zhúfūrén|cy=jūkfūyàhn}}; [[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]]: '''''trúc phu nhân'''''; {{langx|ko|죽부인, '''jukbuin'''}}; {{langx|ja|'''chikufujin'''}}), also known as a '''Dutch wife''', in [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]] as '''''kawil''''' (fish hook or chain); in [[Burmese language|Burmese]] as '''ဖက်လုံး''' (''hpaat lone'') and in [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]] as '''''guling'''''. |
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Bamboo wives are typically hand-woven from thinly-cut bamboo [[Wicker|cane]].<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012">{{cite web|url= https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2012/06/28/artsDesign/Bamboo-wives-Italy-towels-and-other-mysteries/2955257.html |title= Bamboo wives, Italy towels and other mysteries.|date=28 June 2012|accessdate=3 July 2021|author= Michelle Kang |publisher= [[Korea JoongAng Daily]] (in association with [[The New York Times]]) |language=en}}</ref> |
Bamboo wives are typically hand-woven from thinly-cut bamboo [[Wicker|cane]].<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012">{{cite web|url= https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2012/06/28/artsDesign/Bamboo-wives-Italy-towels-and-other-mysteries/2955257.html |title= Bamboo wives, Italy towels and other mysteries.|date=28 June 2012|accessdate=3 July 2021|author= Michelle Kang |publisher= [[Korea JoongAng Daily]] (in association with [[The New York Times]]) |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== English === |
=== English === |
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The origin of the English term "Dutch wife" is thought, via folk etymology, to be from the (former) [[Dutch Empire|Dutch]] colony of [[Dutch East Indies|Indonesia]], where Dutch traders would spend long periods away from their wives. A more likely explanation is the link with [[ |
The origin of the English term "Dutch wife" is thought, via folk [[etymology]], to be from the (former) [[Dutch Empire|Dutch]] colony of [[Dutch East Indies|Indonesia]], where Dutch traders would spend long periods away from their wives. A more likely explanation is the link with [[Dutch courage]], [[Dutch auction]], or ''[[Go dutch|to go Dutch]]''.{{Efn|In [[the Netherlands]] the term is usually thought to stem from the leg pillows very commonly used in Java by the Dutch.}} Here, the use of the word Dutch was used to describe something that is irregular. This carried over to America and other colonies. Expressions like this are still applied in other circumstances such as in the phrase, "You can trust me or I am a Dutchman." |
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Middle English ''Duch'', from Middle Dutch ''duutsch''; akin to Old High German ''diutisc'' German, Old English ''thēod'' nation, Goth ''thiudisko'' as a gentile, ''thiuda'' people, Oscan ''touto'' city |
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=== Mandarin Chinese === |
=== Mandarin Chinese === |
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Besides the term "Bamboo wife" (竹夫人, ''zhúfūrén'') these pillows are known in [[Mandarin Chinese]] under a variety of names, namely ''Zhú jiā xī'' (竹夹膝), ''zhú jī'' (竹姬), ''qīng nú'' (青奴), ''zhú nú'' (竹奴), and ''zhú fēi'' (竹妃). |
Besides the term "Bamboo wife" (竹夫人, ''zhúfūrén'') these pillows are known in [[Mandarin Chinese]] under a variety of names, namely ''Zhú jiā xī'' (竹夹膝), ''zhú jī'' (竹姬), ''qīng nú'' (青奴), ''zhú nú'' (竹奴), and ''zhú fēi'' (竹妃). |
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== |
== Shape and size == |
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Bamboo wives come in a variety of sizes. They are typically similar in shape to [[Orthopedic pillow|orthopedic body pillows]], and can be curved or a long, cylindrical shape.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019">{{cite web |author=Mario Esposito |date=24 June 2019 |title=What's a Bamboo Wife? |url=https://www.goodnights.rest/about-pillows-bolsters-cushions/bamboo-wife/ |publisher=Good Night’s Rest |language=en |accessdate=3 July 2021}}</ref> |
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=== Shapes and sizes === |
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Bamboo wives come in a variety of sizes to accommodate the needs of different sleepers based on their own body sizes. For example, a child would use a smaller bamboo wife than an adult. |
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| ⚫ | In the summer heat, the open bamboo structure is cooler to the touch than fabric pillows or sheets.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019" /> A user embraces the Dutch wife as they would hold a sleeping companion, with the goal of exposing the body to a greater flow of air.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019" /> The device may also alleviate lower back pain when placed between the knees during sleep.{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}} |
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== History == |
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Bamboo wives are typically shaped similar to the [[Orthopedic pillow|orthopedic body pillows]] and their design allows airflow to reach more parts of the body than fabric pillows.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019">{{cite web|url= https://www.goodnights.rest/about-pillows-bolsters-cushions/bamboo-wife/|title= What’s a Bamboo Wife? |date=24 June 2019|accessdate=3 July 2021|author= Mario Esposito|publisher= Good Night’s Rest|language=en}}</ref> Some bamboo wives have curves as opposed to only a long cylindrical shape.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019"/> These curvy bamboo wives inspire an intuitive response to the sleeper to hold on to them in ways that better help with the airflow.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019"/> |
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Bamboo wives and their variants in other countries originated East Asia and Southeast Asia.<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012" /> They were designed to cool the body in times of high temperature and humidity. They can also be made of cotton or other [[synthetic fiber]]s. Dutch wives made of cotton or other synthetic fiber are widely used in [[Indonesia]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}} |
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Bamboo wives have decreased in popularity, possibly due to the prevalence of [[air conditioning]], especially in urban areas.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019" /> Another reason for the decline may be poor quality.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019" /> They remain popular in [[Korea]], but are outweighed by indoor cooling and bolsters made from synthetic materials. |
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As of 2019, bamboo wives were not typically sold at [[corner store]]s, tourist shops, or night markets in Japan, Korea or the Philippines. They are mostly found in non-English [[online shop]]s.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019" /> |
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| ⚫ | In the summer heat, the open bamboo structure is cooler to the touch than fabric pillows or sheets.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019"/> |
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=== Adoption and current usage === |
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Bamboo wives and their variants in other countries have their origin and use in East Asia and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, which are regions with hot and humid summers.<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012"/>During periods when the temperature and humidity rise, things like blankets become damp and the sleeper can experience this as suffocating.<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012"/> Furthermore, sleepers also become less inclined to hold onto another hot sweaty person during hot temperatures.<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012"/> These factors all lead to the adoption of bamboo wives.<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012"/> |
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They are now less popular to the point of extinction, possibly due to the prevalence of [[air conditioning]], especially in the urban areas and among people who can afford it.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019"/> Another reason for the decline in usage of bamboo wives is the common availability of bamboo wives made using bad craftsmanship, these badly made bamboo wives can result in wood splinters being lodged into the skin of its user.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019"/> As a replacement for Dutch wives made from bamboo, they can also be made of cotton or other [[synthetic fiber]]s. Dutch wives made of cotton or other synthetic fiber are still widely used in [[Indonesia]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}} |
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The only region in which bamboo wives remain popular as of 2019 is [[Korea]], but even there indoor cooling and bolsters made from synthetic materials have become more popular.{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}} |
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=== Availability === |
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As of 2019, bamboo wives aren't typically sold at [[corner store]]s, tourist shops, or night markets in places like Japan and Korea, and even much less so in the Philippines, they were mostly found in [[online shop]]s that typically aren't in [[English language|English]].<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019"/> Often these online shops only serve domestic customers and don't ship internationally with rare exceptions selling bamboo wives for high prices to international customers.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019"/> |
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== Japan == |
== Japan == |
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In Japan, |
In Japan, full-body pillows (''[[dakimakura]]'') are sometimes referred to as ''chikufujin'' (竹夫人 "bamboo wife")<ref name="Sukidesu-Brazil-love-pillows">{{cite web|url= https://skdesu.com/en/dakimakura-meet-the-love-pillow/|title= Dakimakura - Meet the pillow of love.|date=2018|accessdate=28 June 2021|author= Kevin Henrique|publisher= Sukidesu Brazil (Skdesu.com) |language=en}}</ref> even though their function is about physical and psychological comfort rather than heat abatement.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019"/> |
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== Korea == |
== Korea == |
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The first mention of the ''jukbuin'' in [[Korea]] dates |
The first mention of the ''jukbuin'' in [[Korea]] dates to the 13th century during the late [[Goryeo]] period.<ref name="Goodnight-Bamboo-wife-pillows-2019"/> ''Jukbuin'' were typically held when sleeping on the wooden floors of a [[Hanok]] as beds were not commonly used.<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012"/> Generally speaking, family members did not each have a personal ''jukbuin''. However, a son would never use his father's ''jukbuin'' in order to show him respect.<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012"/> |
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| ⚫ | Every year the |
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In the modern era ''jukbuin'' for infants was introduced.<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012"/> In modern Korea many aficionados of ''jukbuin'' combine the traditional ''jukbuin'' with modern technology to make it more comfortable for their needs.<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012"/>I |
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The Korean version of the ''bamboo wife'' |
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| ⚫ | |||
The origin of the English term "Dutch wife" is thought via folk etymology to be from the (former) Dutch colony of Indonesia, where Dutch traders would spend long periods away from their wives. A more likely explanation is the link with Dutch courage, Dutch auction or ''to go Dutch''.[''citation needed''] Here the use of the word Dutch was something dodgy or not regular. It arose in the 17th century when there were a series of Anglo-Dutch wars and the Dutch were seen as untrustworthy by the English. This then carried over to America and the colonies and sees this use of Dutch applied in other circumstances such as in the phrase "you can trust me or I am a Dutchman". |
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''Jukbuin'' for infants arrived after the adult versions. Other ''jukbuin'' variations include an electric fan.<ref name="Korea-JoongAng-Daily-Jukbuin-2012"/> |
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Bamboo wives are typically hand-woven from bamboo cane. |
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== Culture == |
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=== Films === |
=== Films === |
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Because ''chikufujin'' are hand-woven from cheap materials, they are |
Because ''chikufujin'' are hand-woven from cheap materials, they are sometimes used in media to connote the poverty of their creators. In the Japanese film ''[[Lady Snowblood (film)|Lady Snowblood]]'', a supporting character (Kobue) pretends to make her living by weaving ''chikufujin'' to conceal her profession as a prostitute from her father. |
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=== Riddles === |
=== Riddles === |
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Certain [[Chinese numismatic charm]]s reference bamboo wives in the form of a riddle that reads, "Empty eye without eyeball. The couple live together without love. In autumn the wife leaves. When the lotus blooms again she returns," the answer to which is the bamboo wife.<ref name="David-Hartill-Cast-Chinese-Amulets">Hartill, David (August 13, 2020) ''Cast Chinese Amulets''. [[United Kingdom]]: New Generation Publishing. {{ISBN|978-1800316621}}. Page 221.</ref> |
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== Notes == |
== Notes == |
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Latest revision as of 09:51, 28 October 2024
A bamboo wife is a bolster (pillow) made from a woven bamboo cylinder that may be as large as the size of the human body. It goes by names such as (Chinese: 竹夫人; pinyin: zhúfūrén; Cantonese Yale: jūkfūyàhn; Vietnamese: trúc phu nhân; Korean: 죽부인, jukbuin; Japanese: chikufujin), also known as a Dutch wife, in Tagalog as kawil (fish hook or chain); in Burmese as ဖက်လုံး (hpaat lone) and in Indonesian as guling.
Bamboo wives are typically hand-woven from thinly-cut bamboo cane.[1]
Etymology
[edit]English
[edit]The origin of the English term "Dutch wife" is thought, via folk etymology, to be from the (former) Dutch colony of Indonesia, where Dutch traders would spend long periods away from their wives. A more likely explanation is the link with Dutch courage, Dutch auction, or to go Dutch.[a] Here, the use of the word Dutch was used to describe something that is irregular. This carried over to America and other colonies. Expressions like this are still applied in other circumstances such as in the phrase, "You can trust me or I am a Dutchman."
Mandarin Chinese
[edit]Besides the term "Bamboo wife" (竹夫人, zhúfūrén) these pillows are known in Mandarin Chinese under a variety of names, namely Zhú jiā xī (竹夹膝), zhú jī (竹姬), qīng nú (青奴), zhú nú (竹奴), and zhú fēi (竹妃).
Shape and size
[edit]Bamboo wives come in a variety of sizes. They are typically similar in shape to orthopedic body pillows, and can be curved or a long, cylindrical shape.[2]
Usage
[edit]In the summer heat, the open bamboo structure is cooler to the touch than fabric pillows or sheets.[2] A user embraces the Dutch wife as they would hold a sleeping companion, with the goal of exposing the body to a greater flow of air.[2] The device may also alleviate lower back pain when placed between the knees during sleep.[citation needed]
History
[edit]Bamboo wives and their variants in other countries originated East Asia and Southeast Asia.[1] They were designed to cool the body in times of high temperature and humidity. They can also be made of cotton or other synthetic fibers. Dutch wives made of cotton or other synthetic fiber are widely used in Indonesia.[citation needed]
Bamboo wives have decreased in popularity, possibly due to the prevalence of air conditioning, especially in urban areas.[2] Another reason for the decline may be poor quality.[2] They remain popular in Korea, but are outweighed by indoor cooling and bolsters made from synthetic materials.
As of 2019, bamboo wives were not typically sold at corner stores, tourist shops, or night markets in Japan, Korea or the Philippines. They are mostly found in non-English online shops.[2]
Japan
[edit]In Japan, full-body pillows (dakimakura) are sometimes referred to as chikufujin (竹夫人 "bamboo wife")[3] even though their function is about physical and psychological comfort rather than heat abatement.[2]
Korea
[edit]The first mention of the jukbuin in Korea dates to the 13th century during the late Goryeo period.[2] Jukbuin were typically held when sleeping on the wooden floors of a Hanok as beds were not commonly used.[1] Generally speaking, family members did not each have a personal jukbuin. However, a son would never use his father's jukbuin in order to show him respect.[1]
Every year the Damyang Bamboo Festival is held in Damyang County, South Jeolla Province, South Korea which showcases local products made from bamboo, including an array of jukbuin.[2]
Jukbuin for infants arrived after the adult versions. Other jukbuin variations include an electric fan.[1]
Culture
[edit]Films
[edit]Because chikufujin are hand-woven from cheap materials, they are sometimes used in media to connote the poverty of their creators. In the Japanese film Lady Snowblood, a supporting character (Kobue) pretends to make her living by weaving chikufujin to conceal her profession as a prostitute from her father.
Riddles
[edit]Certain Chinese numismatic charms reference bamboo wives in the form of a riddle that reads, "Empty eye without eyeball. The couple live together without love. In autumn the wife leaves. When the lotus blooms again she returns," the answer to which is the bamboo wife.[4]
Notes
[edit]- ^ In the Netherlands the term is usually thought to stem from the leg pillows very commonly used in Java by the Dutch.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Michelle Kang (28 June 2012). "Bamboo wives, Italy towels and other mysteries". Korea JoongAng Daily (in association with The New York Times). Retrieved 3 July 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Mario Esposito (24 June 2019). "What's a Bamboo Wife?". Good Night’s Rest. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
- ^ Kevin Henrique (2018). "Dakimakura - Meet the pillow of love". Sukidesu Brazil (Skdesu.com). Retrieved 28 June 2021.
- ^ Hartill, David (August 13, 2020) Cast Chinese Amulets. United Kingdom: New Generation Publishing. ISBN 978-1800316621. Page 221.
