When shoppers browse the garments at one of China’s largest online shops selling traditional Chinese costumes – Hanfu – they may be surprised to see Christmas themes.
On one dress, titled “Christmas in the old days”, the colours of the festive season are celebrated in its green skirt and purple-coloured collar and sleeve hems.
Hanfu is the ancient attire of China’s majority Han ethnic group, which dates back 4,000 years. Wearing of the costumes was outlawed by the Manchu who ruled the country from 1636 and led the Qing dynasty, but has become fashionable among young people today. The garments are characterised by a cross collar, wide sleeves and a sash that ties everything together in place of buttons.The shop’s new dresses are based on formats from the Jin dynasty (266-420), but combine Christmas elements of “the holiday ivy and red wine”, said Tan Ningijng, brand director at the shop, Guanzhi Weavings.
Tan said the outfits aimed to symbolise families gathered around a Christmas tree, eating and drinking together.
She said the design team enjoyed the opportunity to weave in the warm ambience of the Christmas season, and incorporate details that represent “youth, happiness and warmth”.
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“When thinking of Christmas, most people would think of the colours red and green. That concept is like an ugly jumper. It’s seasonal, but not practical,” she said.
The designers also looked for styles that were both ancient Chinese, but could also represent Western trends.
In one outfit, there are 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.
While many young people had embraced putting a modern spin on the Jin dynasty attire, Hanfu traditionalists remain concerned at such innovations, Tan said. Some believe Hanfu designs should strictly follow those seen in paintings or on relics.
China itself is not religious, but in recent years many people have begun celebrating a range of Western holidays, such as Thanksgiving. Instead of eating turkey on this day, many choose to share a traditional Chinese feast with families. Valentine’s Day is a chance for Chinese couples to give gifts to those they live with and to dine out.
A Christmas pastime that has emerged in China in recent years is the giving of apples imprinted with Christmas messages such as “Merry Christmas” or pictures of Santa Claus.
Another popular family pastime in China is decorating Christmas trees with red envelopes, which are traditionally handed to children with money in them at Lunar New Year for good luck and happiness.
