![]() ![]() Smith remarked, the rulers ‘showed how well they were fitted for the high task they had undertaken, by their persistent adherence to the requirement, compliance with which was made at once a test of loyalty.’ Stories abound to the effect that many people during those years preferred to lose their heads rather than to shave their hair. It was inevitable that such a conspicuous and tangible mark of subjection should have been bitterly resisted even to the death by large numbers of the Chinese. Official barbers, with full power either to shave the hair of every one whom they could catch, or, on his refusal, to cut off his head, were said to have been stationed in many parts of the country. The present Dynasty, on conquering the previous ruling house, imposed by martial law upon every male in the country the Manchu style of the queue. Before the advent of the present Dynasty in 1644, the Chinese wore their hair long, usually tied up in a knot on the top of their heads. The far-reaching effect and significance of this reform, however, cannot be estimated aright without some knowledge of the origin and singular meaning of this peculiar form of wearing the hair, which has been the mark of ridicule on the one hand, and a sign of refinement on the other.Īfter noting the great fondness which the Chinese in the United States have for their queues in the face of much inconvenience and embarrassment, one can hardly believe that this style of tonsure was once forced upon them, with the sword, as a mark of subjection. Indeed, the Chinese without the queue are inconceivable! It is no wonder, then, that the recent Imperial Edict of the Chinese Emperor ordering all the Chinese diplomatic officers to cut off their queues, has at once aroused world-wide interest. To mention the Chinese immediately suggests the queue, and to mention the queue at once reminds one of the Chinese. The queue and the Chinese have become synonymous. The significance of the economic as well as moral meaning behind this reform can hardly be overestimated. The queue itself is insignificant but its abolition means incomparably more than the mere removal of a few feet of hair. Dragon and phoenix Kwa (longfeng kwa) is a traditional wedding dress favored by Chinese brides nowadays.THAT a new style in the cut of the hair may mean, on the one hand, a saving of millions of dollars a year to a whole people, involving the destiny of a nation, and on the other hand, the most disastrous derangement of economic conditions, even to the extent of dislocating great industries of a whole nation, may not have occurred to those who have noted recently that the Chinese are cutting off their queues. Brides in southern China wear Qipao or a two-piece dress name Qungua or Kwa, which is elaborately adorned with a gold dragon and phoenix pattern. ![]() Cheongsam is usually embroidered with elaborate gold and silver designs. It is popularly worn in North China as the wedding dress, traditionally in red. And it can either be long or short.Ĭheongsam is recognized around the world and has inspired many foreign adaptations because of its simple yet exotic lines. It is suitable for wearing all the year round for both young and elderly group. There is no "typical" Chinese costume, although today, if any style of clothing epitomizes "Chinese", it would be the Cheongsam, or call it Qipao, which has evolved from ancient clothing of the Manchu ethnic minority. Cheongsam is Popular because it fits the Chinese female figure well, and has simple lines and looks elegant. As for the ministers, generals, councilors and their wives, their uniforms were also restrictively regulated for how many lions or cranes etc can be embroidered on. Among the upper dominating classes, only the Emperor was assigned the colour yellow and the dragon emblem on traditional Chinese imperial dress as an exclusive affirmation of their power. In ancient feudal society, people's rank and social status could easily be figured out from their daily dressing, especially for the ordinary people and the upper-class. They were not only evolving over time but also transforming dramatically following dynastic changes or the imperial decree of a new ruler. Each type of clothe has their unique way of making and sewing methods and lucky pattern exquisites. We have traditional Zhongshan suit, Cheongsam and many other suits created by ethnic groups scattered on this vast ancient civilization land. Till 3,000 years ago, sericulture and silk weaving were already significantly developed in ancient China.Ĭhinese clothing has many types and suits according to various occasions. According to archaeologists, Chinese has acknowledged weaving since Neolithic ages 5000 to 6000 years ago. ![]() China was the first country in the world to cultivate silkworms and develop silk weaving. With a world reputation of exquisite silk producing nation, Chinese clothing enjoys a time-honored culture. ![]()
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