Everyone knows that the historical setting of “Nian Nian” is in the Song Dynasty. If you don't understand the history of the time, you might really wonder why Sheng Minglan wore green on her wedding day. In fact, this is also the origin of the idiom “red men and green women.” During the Song Dynasty, compared to the luxurious prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, clothing styles were more minimalist. Whether it was the emperor or ordinary people, their attire was relatively simple and plain. In terms of color, even red would not be chosen to be particularly bright; instead, a darker shade of red was preferred. The Song Dynasty valued water virtue, so the emperor's clothing was mostly white. You can refer to Wang Kai's imperial costume in the recently popular drama “Qing Ping Yue.”
The originally loose hanfu, when tied with ropes, actually highlights one's figure. Those who don't understand might think it's some kind of special fetish. In reality, this was an ancient practice adopted for convenience during labor. Not only in daily work but also in sports, binding straps were added around the hanfu. For example, in the TV series “Nian Nian,” when the protagonist Sheng Minglan and her brother play polo, they wear such outfits over their hanfu, as shown in the following image.
“Nian Nian? Nian Nian? Ying Shi Lu Fei Hong Shou” is a novel written by Guan Xin Ze Luan, serialized on JJ Literature City, and has been completed. The novel tells the legendary life of a modern white-collar worker who travels back in time to become a secondary daughter in ancient times. A dispirited ancient secondary daughter, living in such difficult circumstances, why bother to strive hard? The life of an ancient noblewoman is determined by her family, and the practice of collective punishment is prevalent. A sudden disaster could ruin everything. To live well, smoothly, and with dignity, Sheng Minglan feels a lot of pressure. Ancient times are too dangerous; let's just sleep through them.
The Sui and Tang Dynasties changed from the pure white popular in the Wei and Jin Dynasties to a bold red-green color scheme, which continued into the Song Dynasty. On their wedding day, men wore dark red robes, and brides wore blue-green robes. This is why Sheng Minglan wore a green wedding dress in “Nian Nian.” Men wore dark red robes because the imperial examination system was born in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. Men who passed the examination usually wore red robes and rode horses in procession, enjoying the admiration of the crowd. Wearing red robes at weddings was also to highlight the status of men. Women wore blue-green because green symbolizes lush spring, and the return of spring is a good time for marriage.
In the TV series, there is also a young “Sheng Minglan,” played by the child actress Liu Chutian. Here, young Minglan wears the same pink ancient costume as the grown-up Sheng Minglan. An additional pleated design is added, giving the young child a sense of innocent childhood. The double bun hairstyle further showcases the overall cute style, making it look very fashionable.
Among the top 20 most beautiful ancient costumes, several actresses have multiple roles listed. Two actresses have the most roles listed. One is Zhao Liying, who has five roles listed: Hua Qian Gu (2nd place), Chu Qiao (3rd place), Sheng Minglan (4th place), Lu Zhen (9th place), and Zhou Fei (3rd place). Not only are there many roles, but they are all ranked high, and the personalities of the characters vary greatly, proving the actress's ability to portray different characters.
Date: March 6 – April 6, 2022 Location: No. 9, Jiudong Village, Shengli Road, Jiezitown, Youxian District, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province. Mianyang International Orchid Garden Spring brings warm weather, grass grows, and flowers bloom, making it a great time for spring outings and flower appreciation. The Mianyang International Orchid Garden Large Kite Festival is coming soon. Wearing traditional Chinese clothing, you can get free admission tickets at the ticket office during the event period (March 6 – April 6, 32 days of free admission, after which the original price of 60 yuan per person will be restored).
I'm sure everyone stayed up late last year for the TV series “Nian Nian.” Zhao Liying plays the lead role of Sheng Minglan, who gives a prominent performance as the main female character, significantly enhancing the overall effect of the show. Here, “Sheng Minglan” wears a pink ancient costume with a pink silk belt at the waist, highlighting the overall outfit and making it look very beautiful.
The etiquette in “Nian Nian” is abundant. Just the scenes of Sheng Minglan performing the bowing ritual are numerous. On her wedding day, Minglan runs to the ancestral hall to inform the ancestors: “Ancestors, please listen. Today I marry, not daring to act on my own. The four seasons and eight festivals, the incense never stops. Inform the gods, hoping for mercy. Marriages are natural. There is joy and celebration, couples complete. No disasters, no difficulties, forever together. Like fish and water, sweeter than honey.” Viewers find this scene interesting, but it is actually a sign of respect for elders. In the drama, the Sheng family sisters must kneel in the ancestral hall as punishment when they make mistakes, which is a form of respect for the ancestors' hall in wealthy families during the Song Dynasty. When Minglan and Gu Tingye get married, the camera focuses on details such as geese, goldfish, chopsticks, and the marriage contract, and the grand wedding procession and the rituals of the bride and groom, such as the “sacrificial offering,” “hair binding,” and “wine sharing,” are complex practices that express good wishes in ancient times. These rituals are clearly explained through dialogue and props in the drama, educating the audience.
Traditional Chinese clothing patterns are a refinement of things in ancient people's lives and a reflection of their aspirations for a better life. They possess the characteristic of emphasizing inner spirit over outer appearance. This makes traditional hanfu pattern elements versatile in modern clothing design. For example, plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, known as the “Four Gentlemen of Flowers,” often appear in traditional clothing patterns. Modern hanfu can also use these elements, sometimes abstractly and sometimes concretely, but always maintaining their inner spiritual essence: the resilience of bamboo, the purity of plum blossoms, the integrity of orchids, and the strength of chrysanthemums.