The cap wearing ceremony indicated that one had reached adulthood. In ancient China, when a young man came of age, at 20, an important ceremony was held to mark the event. During the ceremony, he would wear different types of caps, hence, the name of the ceremony. Such a ritual suggested that a young man came of age, not only in terms of his physical constitution, but also in terms of the moral standing required of him as an adult. Having gone through this rite, a man was considered qualified to shoulder his responsibilities as an adult in life and take part in important ceremonies or activities.

The cap wearing ceremony is the beginning of all rites and an important auspicious event.

(The Book of Rites)

When the young man wore the first cap, the master of ceremony offered congratulations, saying:“The first cap is bestowed upon you on this day of happiness. You are expected to rid yourself of childish thoughts and acquire the virtues of adulthood. By so doing, you will live a long and happy life and have good fortune.” (The Book of Rites and Rituals)