In Chinese Folklore, The Red Thread Of Fate Ties Us To Our True Love

The Red Thread of Fate is an East Asian folktale that has been making the rounds on TikTok for a few months. Chinese folklore holds that two individuals are bound together by an unseen red thread and are destined to be together. Two people are eventually brought together by the red string, which may tangle and stretch but never break. Many people find inspiration in this theme, which is mentioned in books, movies, and media.

It's a traditional true love trope used in storytelling, romanticized during the holidays and relished all year. People interpret stories differently, taking what speaks to them and discarding the rest, just like any other story. I imagine a baby being born and a skein of yarn softly wrapping around it when I think of an invisible red string. The skein of yarn gradually unravels as the child gets older, sometimes in a graceful manner and other times in ways that are challenging to untangle. The movement of the red string eventually forms a complex design that symbolizes the uniqueness of every person's path. Although the journey is distinct and uncertain, it ultimately brings you to your destination.

The Red String Theory of Fate

As the name suggests, the myth is about a red string binding you to your true love. The red thread is believed to be tied around both parties' little fingers in Korean culture, while in Japanese culture it is bound from a man's thumb to a woman's little finger. However, depicting the thread being tied around the fingers—typically the little finger—is a common practice in all three cultures today. A large portion of the population thinks the myth is true.

The god of matrimony Chinese legend holds that Yuè Xià Lǎorén (月下老人) is the deity responsible for "the red thread."  For this reason, red is highly valued at the majority of Chinese weddings. As a result, it is frequently used in Chinese weddings, with the bride and groom wearing red during the entire procession or at some point during the ceremony. Regardless of location, time, or situation, the two individuals who are linked by the red thread are destined to be lovers. This magical cord will never break, even if it stretches or tangles. The Western idea of a soulmate or destined partner is comparable to this myth. 

The promise of happiness, trust, and the unspoken love bond. Knowing that there is someone just for you would be wonderful. No matter what, that person will always love you. Many of us would love to live in a fairytale. Being aware that you won't be alone all the time creates a different kind of feeling. There would be lots of kisses and tender hugs. Your soulmate is one of the many manifestations of love. The person who will act in your best interests. Who will want the same from you and love you without conditions? Yes, there will be difficult and depressing moments. There will be moments when you want to flee from them as quickly as possible. But we are human because of that.

Folklores That Talk about Red String Theory of Fate 

The red string of fate is the subject of numerous folktales. In Japanese folklore, the red thread of fate is mentioned about a young boy. One night, a young boy is walking home when he spots Yue Xia Lao, an elderly man, standing in the moonlight. The man tells the boy that there is a red thread connecting him to his fated wife. The boy is shown the young girl who will become his wife by Yue Xia Lao. The young boy, uninterested in getting married, grabs a rock and hurls it at the girl before fleeing. The boy's parents plan his wedding many years later after he has matured into a young man. His wife waits for him in their bedroom on the night of his wedding, her face hidden behind the customary veil. 

When he raises it, the man is thrilled to discover that his wife is among his village's greatest beauties. She does, however, have a piece of jewellery on her eyebrow. When he inquires as to why she wears it, she explains that a boy threw a rock at her when she was a little child, striking her and leaving a scar on her eyebrow. She covers it up by wearing the adornment out of self-consciousness. The woman is the same young girl who was linked to the man during his early years, as evidenced by the red thread that Yue Xia Lao showed him. 

A Symbolic Sign Of Hope in Love 

This folktale illustrates that love is always connected to you, even though it celebrates true love waiting at the end of the string. It's always there, even if you can't see it right now. The story serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our emotions through its depictions of loneliness, abandonment fears, and sacrifice. Human complexity is not merely a formula that is controlled by data and facts. 

The string's entanglement represents the difficulties and barriers that people may face in life. Individuals struggle within themselves and endure turbulent adversity through illness, death, and disasters. Human strength is demonstrated by the untying of these knots. Strength is a great asset. We are capable of overcoming heartbreaking or demoralizing situations and emerging stronger as a result of understanding that love is still a part of us. 

We may move and people may come and go, but no matter where we end up, we will always be surrounded by love. Although marriage and romantic partners are frequently linked to love, friendships and family can also foster harmony. Being with someone you will be romantically involved with is only one aspect of love. It's embracing our journey of multiple loves, including the love of concepts, people, and places. It involves appreciating the beauty of your dreams, laughing with your friends, and taking in the sunset. It reminds us that we are a part of something greater than ourselves, embraces the ideas of empathy and selflessness, and pushes us to go beyond the oversimplified notion of a predetermined destiny. The person who is tied to us won't be the one who saves us or brings us to love when we reach the other end of the string. 

In Chinese culture, I think it is lovely knowing that a red string on your little finger is also tying you to someone. But as we believe in this red string theory of fate, why should we wait for our soulmate to arrive to make our life beautiful? Let's make an effort to create amazing memories with ourselves. It's crucial to keep in mind the strength of love as well as the chances for development and connection during Valentine's Week. The red string serves as a gentle reminder to treasure the love that is all around us, both visible and invisible. With the knowledge that love and strength are always accessible, embrace the difficulties and untangle the knots. Love is a part of the path that we take within ourselves, not the intended location.