Hanfu, as a treasure of traditional Chinese clothing culture, carries rich historical and cultural connotations. In Chinese history, with the change of dynasties, Hanfu has also developed different styles and characteristics. Among them, Zhou-style Hanfu and Ming-style Hanfu, as two representative periods, more reflect different stages of Han ethnic clothing culture. This article will focus on comparing Zhou-style Hanfu and Ming-style Hanfu to better understand the development history of Hanfu and its cultural connotations.
One, Zhou-style Hanfu
1. Cutting and patterns: Zhou-style Hanfu emphasizes ritual regulations, with regular cutting and dignified colors. Men's clothing mainly includes upper garments, lower garments, and headwear, while women have robes, skirts, and hairstyles. In terms of patterns, they are mainly dominated by mythical creatures, flowers, and plants such as dragon patterns, phoenix patterns, and cloud patterns, symbolizing auspiciousness.
2. Materials and colors: Zhou-style Hanfu uses silk as the main material, employing noble colors like gold, red, and green, highlighting the imperial style. Officials at different ranks had distinct colors for their attire, reflecting social hierarchy.
3. Accessories and adornments: Men wore jade pendants and carried swords, while women adorned themselves with silk headdresses and earrings. The clothing was embellished with exquisite accessories like jade disks and pendants, emphasizing status and position.
4. Wearing methods and etiquette norms: Zhou-style Hanfu emphasized etiquette norms, men wore their lower garments cinched at the waist and paired with headwear; women typically featured robes that touched the ground and high hairstyles. Walking gracefully, it reflected the feudal etiquette style of ancient times.
Two, Ming-style Hanfu
1. Cutting and patterns: Ming-style Hanfu emphasized comfort, with cutting leaning towards a natural style, emphasizing loose-fitting and deep sleeves designs. Patterns incorporated more elements like animals, plants, landscapes, and human stories.
2. Materials and colors: Ming-style Hanfu used silk gauze and cloth as the primary materials instead of silk. It employed a wide range of color combinations, incorporating many light tones. The colors were diverse, aligning with the characteristics of social diversification.
3. Accessories and adornments: Men primarily wore silver belts and swords, while women often adorned themselves with hairpins, hair accessories, and necklaces, as well as shawls and sashes.
4. Wearing methods and etiquette norms: Ming-style Hanfu placed greater emphasis on practicality in wearing methods, allowing both men and women to wear trousers and socks together. In terms of etiquette, it respected Confucian teachings, advocating for a steady and dignified etiquette style.
Three, Hanfu Culture: Inheritance in Change
1. Social environment changes: Zhou-style Hanfu was during the feudal era, emphasizing hierarchy and etiquette norms; Ming-style Hanfu appeared during the Ming Dynasty when society gradually opened up, placing greater emphasis on practicality and comfort.
2. Changes in cultural connotations: Zhou-style Hanfu was characterized by mystery, solemnity, and sacredness, revealing the ancients' reverence for the universe; Ming-style Hanfu emphasized a natural, lively, and vibrant atmosphere, reflecting the inclusiveness and diversity of traditional Chinese culture.
3. Differences in value orientations: Zhou-style Hanfu emphasized concepts like etiquette and feudalism, constrained by status and identity; Ming-style Hanfu placed greater emphasis on individual development and the diverse developmental needs of society.
Conclusion:
Hanfu, as one of the representatives of traditional Chinese clothing culture, carries the historical and cultural memories of the Chinese nation. From Zhou-style Hanfu to Ming-style Hanfu, in the evolution of Hanfu in different dynasties, there are places where adjustments were made due to changes in the historical context, as well as advancements from drawing on previous experiences. By comparing Zhou-style Hanfu and Ming-style Hanfu, we can better understand the development history of Hanfu and its rich cultural connotations, and appreciate the changes and inheritance of Chinese history and culture. As an important cultural symbol, Hanfu deserves our cherishing and inheritance, hoping to shine anew in contemporary times.
