Hats

Images of a uniformed Mao wearing a military cap emphasised his role as Great Commander; in contrast, Mao in shirtsleeves and wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat showed him to be a man of the (80% rural) people. This was Mao at his most civilian, looking just like any other city-dweller (the white shirt) mobilised to assist with the harvest.

On badges "Country Mao" was associated with agricultural abundance, the model village of Dazhai, and the Chairman's letter (of 7th May 1966) to Lin Biao suggesting greater PLA involvement with farming.