Source:inkstone        Published: 2020-12-24

Fashion designers in China have embraced the Christmas spirit this year, transforming the ancient Han dress into festive colors and styles.

Hanfu, or ethnic Han clothing, date back 4,000 years and typically features a sweeping robe depicting dragons or lotus flowers, a cross collar, wide sleeves and a sash.

But just as designers have done with the kimono in Japan, China’s Hanfu has been dramatically reworked too.

Yet while many young people have welcomed putting a Christmas spin on the centuries-old attire, Hanfu traditionalists remain concerned at such innovations, said Tan Ningijng, the brand director of Guanzhi Weavings, one of China’s largest online Hanfu stores.

Tan said traditionalists believed Hanfu designs should adhere to their origins, incorporate paintings or relics from the Jin dynasty.

Han Hua, a fellow from Chongyang Research Institute on Financial Studies at Renmin University in China, urged people to be open to a range of styles.

“I think people dressing in Hanfu can have their own choices, whether sticking to the very traditional style, or whether to having them modernized,” she told local television network, CGTN.

“Both sides are OK, or there may even be a third side that introduces some modern elements, or some Western elements into Hanfu. I’m totally fine with that. I only hope that there won’t be any dispute, and there will be respect towards each party.”

The designers aimed to give the nod to the past too, blending in traditional elements with contemporary features, said Tan.

One outfit at her online store comprises small six-petal flower patterns on the collar, similar to the wall paintings in the famous Mogao Grottoes in central China. However, when viewed closely they also resemble snowflakes.

Tan said the designers relished the chance to weave in the celebratory mood of the Christmas season, with colors that represented “youth, happiness and warmth.”

“When thinking of Christmas, most people would think of the colors red and green. That concept is like an ‘ugly sweater’, it’s seasonal, but not practical,” she said.

But like it or not, sales of Christmas attire are booming in China.

China itself is not religious, but in recent years many people have started celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day.

At Christmas on the streets of Beijing these days, it’s common to see vendors selling apples imprinted with Christmas messages or pictures of Santa Claus.

Known as “pingan guo” or peaceful apples, the fruit is given to family and friends as a symbol of peace and safety.

Han Hua is a fellow from Chongyang Research Institute on Financial Studies at Renmin University in China

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