What is the Taoist headscarves 道巾？

Taoist headscarves refer to the hats worn by Taoists. Depending on the seasons and the level of enlightenment a Taoist has attained, there are nine types of Taoist headscarves: Taoists who have received the Initial Precepts of Truth wear lúnjīn (silk scarves); those who have received the Intermediate Ultimate Precepts wear sānjiàojiān (scarves of the Three Teachings); and those who have received the Celestial Immortal Precepts wear chōnghéjiān (harmonious scarves), among others. All Taoist headscarves are made of black satin. Taoism holds that black corresponds to water in the Five Elements, and water is revered and worshipped by Taoists, as "the highest virtue is like water, which nourishes all things without ceasing" (shàngshàn ruò shuǐ, wànshì bù jié).

As for the style of Taoist headscarves, it is also closely linked to Taoist doctrines and regulations, as described in the verse: "A pair of phoenix eyes gaze at the front and back; all laws are gathered and hidden within; the seven treasures are exquisite with distinct traces; and brilliant light shines from the top of Kunlun." From this, we can see that the functions of Taoist headscarves are not only to protect against wind and cold, highlight the identity of Taoists, but also to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, gather the essence of the sun and moon, and encompass all phenomena in the human world.