What severe consequence could commoners face for wearing royal nail colors during the Zhou dynasty?

During the Zhou dynasty, the regulation of nail colors was deeply tied to social status, with vibrant or royal colors symbolizing nobility and power. For commoners, the act of wearing royal nail colors was not merely a fashion choice; it was considered a serious affront to societal order and authority. Consequently, the extreme consequence of death was enforced as a means to uphold the strict class distinctions prevalent at the time.

This harsh penalty served to reinforce hierarchy and deter commoners from attempting to impersonate nobility, which could disrupt the social fabric. It reflects the broader context of the period, where maintaining the order and control of the ruling class was paramount, and any infringement upon that hierarchy was met with the utmost severity. This practice illustrates the rigid societal norms of the Zhou dynasty, where even personal adornments were regulated by class distinctions, highlighting the significance of status in everyday life.