The kerchief hairstyle of Sani women of Yi ethnic group in Shilin, is a highlight for Sani costumes. It comes from a legend in the long narrative poem of Sani folklore Gui Mountain Rainbow. Gui Mountain Rainbow is widely spread in Sani people's settlements in Shilin, mainly telling a story of the origin of Sani kerchief: a pair of young couple died for love and they were burned, changing into a rainbow in the sky.

Sani kerchief pattern is embroidered following the rainbow in the sky.

According to legend, an ancient young man Budaruoshu was in love with Awaruozi. The evil hereditary headman wanted to possess the beautiful girl Awaruozi to be his wife. He killed Budaruoshu and burned his body. The girl failed in fighting, so she jumped into flame to die for love. To prevent them from pairing in the other world, the evil hereditary headman divide the bodies of the two people on both sides to burn separately. Suddenly, smoke from two sides rose to the clouds to become a whole, changing into a dazzling rainbow. It was the symbol of pure love. Since then, Sani girls have embroidered rainbow on their headscarves to express her pursuit and loyalty to love. Then the kerchief hairstyle of Sani girls and women comes from this.