Many people have heard from their elders that "it is unlucky to write your name with a red pen" since childhood. However, in real life, except for teachers who use red pens to correct test papers, it is rare to see anyone using red pens. Recording other things, especially writing names, but few people know the reason. In fact, it comes from a kind of superstition. In ancient times, there was a saying that "alchemy books are unlucky", and there are three theories.

A few days ago, a netizen asked on Facebook "Explosive Commune" "Why writing your name with a red pen will shorten your life? (A saying from childhood)", which aroused heated discussion among netizens. They all left messages "Use red if you hate people." "Write his name with a pen", "Why is it okay if the seals are all in red?", "But the teacher signed his name with a red pen", "I also had this myth when I was a kid, but I don't mind it anymore when I grow up."

The ancient rulers claimed that the so-called "Book of Heaven" was written with an alchemy pen under the pretext of destiny, so it was called "Alchemy Book" and was tabooed by the common people. Therefore, the emperor's memorial with a red pen was called "Zhu Pi", and except for the emperor, others are strictly prohibited from using vermilion for instructions.

However, there is a popular saying among the people that "the alchemy book is ominous", which is related to the death sentence in ancient times. The person who was sentenced to death would write his name on his death sentence with chicken blood, which later evolved into using a red pen. Writing, so only the yamen would use red letters when recording the names of criminals.

In addition, there is also a folk saying that the Lord of Hell uses a cinnabar pen to draw out the book of life and death. Those who are crossed out with the cinnabar pen will undoubtedly be sentenced to death. Therefore, the red letters generally refer to the dead or the death row prisoners who are about to be executed. , In addition, the name of the deceased is often written in red on tombstones. Therefore, it is quite taboo for people to write letters with "red letters", which usually represents the breakup of friendship or the occurrence of disaster.

Folk customs, for reference only.

This article is an informal academic paper. If you have different views on historical facts, please leave a message and correct me