The Hanfu Movement has lasted for more than 10 years. Today hanfu is becoming popular, we could see more and more young people wearing hanfu clothes on the streets of China. Looking at the last decade, many people have mixed opinions about it. So let's take a look at the latest views on the Hanfu Movement in 2021.
What is the Hanfu Movement? First of all, we should know that hanfu is the traditional costume of Chinese Han nationality. Since the Qing dynasty, it has been abolished for more than 300 years. With the development of China in the 21st century, the living conditions of the people have been continuously improved. The Han people realize that their traditional clothes should not be forgotten any more and began to revive the traditional Han clothing, this is the origin of the Hanfu movement. It's also part of the revival of traditional Chinese culture.
We interviewed people from different regions and collected many opinions through online and offline, sort out these views listed as pros & cons, and neutral. And we also hope to hear your particular opinion on this topic.
One should understand that when we discussing the national costume or clothing in East Asia, this pertains largely to the gorgeous clothing of the noble and elite class, not about the commoners. Historically, the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese ordinary peasants wore very simple, plain, and cheap clothing (except for ceremonial occasions), whereas the daily wear of the elites did consist of more delicate and luxurious clothing like the Hanfu, Hanbok, and Kimono. However, in the modern era, the rise of the East Asian economies means that even ordinary people can afford to wear what was traditionally only afforded by the elites. Therefore, We believe that in the discussion of reviving traditional clothing in China, it is acceptable to use what was historically a court hanfu costume, and regard it as the centerpiece of the movement.
The Pros
1. Hanfu can help to bring more international recognition to a national Chinese costume that was more widely used by the Han majority ethnic group throughout history. As we knew, the Cheongsam (Qipao) is recognized as traditional Chinese clothing nowadays. In fact, Qipao was invented in the 1920s, in combination with the characteristics of Manchu clothing, Hanfu, and Western fashion. Cheongsam is favored by many women, but it only suitable for slim women, and only a history of 100 years. Therefore, the comprehensiveness of Hanfu is better.
2. It's conducive to the revival of Chinese traditional culture, now that China is far more modern and developed than in the past, and the government is actively trying to revive ‘Fine Traditions'. Although hanfu is still being sometimes worn, such as coming-of-age ceremonies weddings, there are more traditional festivities and celebrations here can not see the figure of it. Hanfu can be used more to increase visibility and serve as a physical manifestation of traditional culture.
3. It can stimulate the development of the tourism and fashion industry, if the international community notices the beauty of the Hanfu, much like how many are already enamored with the traditional costume of Hanbok, Kimono, and Yukata.
4. Promoting hanfu indirectly boosting interest in other facets of Chinese traditional culture, people would ask for more about, including painting, music, customs, and languages. As a result fo the above, it would promote the influence of traditional culture.
5. As one of the most ancient civilizations in the world, China has a long-standing history, profound culture. Of course, the traditional costumes are part of this splendid culture. This is the treasure of all mankind, we should protect it well.
There are 56 ethnic groups in China. when all 56 take a picture, the other 55 are wearing their ethnic clothes while the Han nationality is dressed in a western outfit, this is not a joke. From the pros, most people think that the Hanfu Movement not only helps to revive the traditional costumes of the Han nationality, but also helps to revive the traditional culture and promote the development of related industries. Just like historical relics, it should not be lost.
The Cons
1. The Hanfu Movement is littered with a few Han supremacists that are actively pushing a political agenda. And their behavior is misguided, historically inaccurate, and offensive to the other 55 minority ethnic groups in China. More pretty girls in nice outfits, hope most of them wearing hanfu are just love ancient beauty and not the ethnic-nationalist kind.
2. Many young proponents of the movement are merely cosplay fans that don't truly understand the importance or purpose of this. In fact, they just think that hanfu costume is a kind of very good-looking clothing and doesn't care whether it's related to a traditional culture which lets the movement lose its original meaning.
3. Many ancient costume TV Drama clothes are used by the revivalists, which are often inaccurate or fantasy pieces. What's worse, some clothes are made with styles and colors that were never used. It could be considered to be a shallow form that gives more attention to outside looks rather than inside content.
4. Hanfu clothes is too luxurious and expensive. It comes to how much time it takes to wear this and how much the clothes cost. Sometimes It's a waste to spend a lot of money on it.
5. It's inconvenient to wear hanfu clothes at work, and for most people, it's also not easy to wear, there are too many styles and ways. Sure, it doesn't matter if you just like to wear it in your spare time.
On the other hand, the hanfu movement may be mainly used by few extremists, and make the movement meaningless if the format is not used correctly. Especially young people, they are the same as cosplayers, only they cosplay ancient or drama costumes instead of caring about traditional culture. And it's not cheap and lack of practicability.
Other Views
1. It seems to mostly be a movement for wearing traditional style clothing, like a common hobby, we shouldn't overthinking it. If they want to wear traditional and beautiful national costumes, just let them. These rights and freedoms belong to them and no one can take away.
2. The Hanfu Movement is a topic worth examining. You might find it surprising just how seriously some of its followers try to take it. In fact, they are just taking pride in their ethnicity by dressing up in traditional hanfu clothing, but they were not recognized and mocked. It's very innocent, why can't we give more understanding?
3. This movement is in line with the actual situation and absolutely not harm others. There are 56 ethnic groups in China. The other 55 ethnic minorities have well preserved their traditional culture. There are really so many protection policies and preferential treatment for minority in China. On the contrary, the traditional clothes of Han nationality have been lost, this is so unfair.
4. Somebody won't support it because they haven't been exposed to Chinese traditional culture. But why opposes it? Isn't it normal to wear the traditional clothes of his/her nation? If a nation even loses its own national clothes, it's nothing any culture worth discussing. The traditional costumes of each nation should be respected by people all over the world. In many countries, such as Kimono of Japan, Kilt of Scotland, and Sari of India, they are all full of history and very beautiful. It would be a super pity if they were lost one day.
5. The biggest problem is using the wrong clothes as traditional hanfu. For example, there are lots of Wuxia Dramas and Actual Historic Dramas are produced every year, which are very different, one cares about historical accuracy and the other does not. But you will find out they usually make mistakes on them, it will become meaningful If they can correct that.
6. Many netizens regard this movement as a foolish fashion, some even called those styles as curtains. It is very likely a bunch of students that learned the dressing style from TV shows and thought it was a way to face the tradition, while the type of clothes was not formally categorized.
7. Kimono and Hanbok are both from hanfu in the Tang Dynasty. Korea and Japan have formal dressing codes and festivals to wear those traditional clothes, while most Chinese festivals never wear. It still takes a huge amount of effort or even generations for people to learn to find back their wear culture, because most people are living in a very minimalistic way to dress formally. The movement likes the performance of Japanese Samurai and Ninja in the 1980s and 1990s, may initially be regarded as quite a nerd by the West. Eventually, they might recognize and accept it, this movement will help more people to find out the beauty of hanfu.
8. We get that China's history is very rich, which leads to simply too many styles to choose from, even when not considering outsiders, someone trying to join the Hanfu Movement will have the simple question “What should I wear?” The more complicated the answer, the less likely they will be to join in. Nobody likes risking public embarrassment.
9. It's hard to have a national custom when they varied so much over time. Should the Han dynasty colors and styles be chosen? Or should Ming dynasty round collars be chosen? It seems most revivalists seek continuation from the Ming, but even within the Ming, there are so many styles. Lastly, the Hanfu Movement isn't just about the court. There are plenty of styles like the Taoists or the Confucians that wear the traditional style rather than the courtly styles.
10. We should fully support anyone's right to hanfu if they also support other people's right to traditional culture. Pretty sure people aren't attacked by the public for wearing a hanfu or not.
There are too many different opinions about hanfu. Anyway, most revive movement in the world can have both pros and cons elements. As long as they are peaceful and don't hurt others, there is nothing wrong with it. Anyone has the right to wear whatever they like or not wear whatever they don't feel like.
Traditional clothing plays different roles in different cultures, especially considering the revival of the hanfu is directly associated with traditional culture movements. People will naturally pay more attention to everything about it. Let's witness that in the next decade, what will happen to this.
In the end, what do you think of the Hanfu Movement? Welcome to leave a comment to share your view.