The secret hidden under the fake nails of Empress Dowager Cixi

Artificial nails, also known as "armored nails," were the most popular jewelry during the Qing Dynasty in China. According toSohu, the ancient Chinese believed that nails, teeth and hair were given to them by their parents, so they should be left to grow naturally. They were very superstitious about cutting their nails, because if they broke their nails, they could have bad luck. For this reason, the guardian angel was born to protect the nails.

History records that the Empress Dowager Cixi of the Qing Dynasty was a person who loved to wear fake nails made of precious metals and stones such as gold and pearls. She wore a gold plated armor on her right hand and a pearl plated armor on her left. It is said that the palace physicians often looked at her fingernails to predict the health of the Empress Dowager.

Not only as jewelry, Empress Dowager Cixi also wore armor to protect her nails from dirt, prevent infectious diseases, and thereby maintain her health. Notably, Empress Dowager Cixi's armor contained hidden poison for self-defense. Any officials who plotted to harm Empress Dowager Cixi would be poisoned by her.

Today, science has proven that growing long fingernails can contribute to the spread of certain infections, such as pinworms. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should keep your nails moderately short and regularly clean the underside of your nails with soap and water.