One, Introduction to Hanfu
Hanfu, one of China's traditional ethnic costumes, has a long history and was widely used in various dynasties throughout ancient China. Among these, the Hanfu of the Ming Dynasty and the Song Dynasty are particularly significant periods, each with its unique characteristics and styles, especially as they have been used in weddings for thousands of years. Below is a detailed introduction to the differences between Ming Dynasty and Song Dynasty Hanfu for weddings.
Two, Materials and Colors
1. Ming Dynasty Hanfu: The Hanfu of the Ming Dynasty mainly used silk as its material, typically choosing noble silk and delicate cotton threads. In terms of color, it emphasized bright and luxurious hues; typical colors include imperial yellow, sapphire blue, and vermilion red. These colors represent nobility, prosperity, and auspiciousness.
2. Song Dynasty Hanfu: The Hanfu of the Song Dynasty placed more emphasis on simplicity and elegance, commonly using materials like silk gauze which were softer and had better breathability. The colors tended towards understated elegance, such as court gray, coffee color, and grass green. These colors gave off a fresh and natural feeling.
Three, Styles and Details
1. Ming Dynasty Hanfu: The Hanfu of the Ming Dynasty focused on the opulent and magnificent court style. Men's tops were often worn as bai zi (a type of robe) or wide-sleeved bai zi, while the lower garments were generally zhi ju (straight skirt). Women's Hanfu was more diverse, including single bai zi, xuan jin (cross-collar robe), and ru qun (skirt with blouse). Ru qun was usually worn at chest level, with the lapel hanging down to showcase intricate embroidery patterns.
2. Song Dynasty Hanfu: The Hanfu of the Song Dynasty emphasized the beauty of a natural and simple style. Men's Hanfu tops were mostly da lian (a type of robe) or zhi ju, while the lower garments were often tube skirts. Women's Hanfu frequently used xuan jin style, with the lapel not hanging down. The ru qun was relatively loose, with a wide skirt hem, emphasizing comfort and a natural effect.
Four, Accessories and Hairstyles
1. Ming Dynasty Hanfu: The accessories of Ming Dynasty Hanfu were more elaborate, including common items like hatpins, necklaces, and belts. Men's hairpins were usually longer, with shapes ranging from fluffy to straight and long. Women had more diversified accessories, such as New Year's Day pins, hairpins, and lotus-edge decorations. Hairstyles were mostly in the form of hanging buns, tied high up, and adorned with accessories to appear more luxurious.
2. Song Dynasty Hanfu: The accessories of Song Dynasty Hanfu were simpler, with men often wearing shorter and more delicate hairpins. Women frequently wore wen chao (a type of hairpin) or flower chao, with accessories focusing on understated elegance. Hairstyles placed more emphasis on natural placement, mostly loose hair or simple updos.
Five, Styles and Meanings
1. Ming Dynasty Hanfu: The style of Ming Dynasty Hanfu was colorful and splendid, emphasizing the display of noble status and social class. Wedding Hanfu was often in sapphire blue or imperial yellow, symbolizing marital love, family harmony, prosperity, and other signs of wealth.
2. Song Dynasty Hanfu: The style of Song Dynasty Hanfu was fresh and elegant, placing more emphasis on conveying a refined, natural classical beauty. Wedding Hanfu was predominantly in understated colors, symbolizing marital love and harmony, intimacy, peace, warmth, etc.
Six, Conclusion
Ming Dynasty Hanfu and Song Dynasty Hanfu differ significantly in terms of materials, colors, styles, details, accessories, hairstyles, and meanings. Ming Dynasty Hanfu emphasizes the grandeur and magnificence of the court atmosphere, while Song Dynasty Hanfu leans towards a natural, simple, yet elegant style. Both Ming Dynasty and Song Dynasty Hanfu carry the profound breadth of ancient Chinese culture and are treasures of Chinese civilization. Through this article, we hope to help more people understand and pass on this valuable cultural heritage.
