【Taiwanese culture】Why do some men have long pinky fingernails(留小指甲)? Is it cultural, fashionable, or superstitious?

There are many theories about this, which can generally be categorized into two perspectives:

1. Astrological/Metaphysical Perspective: According to some beliefs, if the pinky finger is long enough to reach past the first knuckle of the ring finger, it brings good fortune in wealth, career, and family. For those whose pinky finger doesn’t naturally reach that length, growing the nail serves as a substitute. There’s also a popular saying that a long pinky nail helps ward off malicious individuals.
2. Historical Perspective: In ancient times, long fingernails symbolized that a person did not engage in manual labor, indicating a higher social status and wealth.

In addition to growing out the pinky nail, some people also grow their thumbnail long (image sourced from the internet).

Some people also claim that long pinky nails are handy for tasks like cleaning ears. Whether from a metaphysical, historical, or practical point of view, there seem to be many benefits to growing a long pinky nail. Next time you notice a man with a long pinky nail, you might see it in a different light!

✍︎Words

1. 大拇指 dàmǔzhǐ, Thumb
2. 食指 shízhǐ, Index finger
3. 中指 zhōngzhǐ, Middle finger
4. 無名指 wúmíngzhǐ, Ring finger
5. 小指 xiǎozhǐ, Little finger