Hanfu is the name of the pre-17th century traditional clothing for an ethnic group of China, the Han Chinese. Hanfu originated in China over 3000 years ago during the time of the Shang Dynasty (from 1600 BC to 1000 BC). It consists of a yi, a narrow-cuffed, knee-length tunic tied with a sash, and a narrow, ankle-length skirt called chang, worn with a bixi, a length of fabric that reaches the knees. While Hanfu clothing were typically painted red or green and were made of silk, over time they have evolved with the changing tastes in fashion.
In the beginning of the Western Zhou Dynasty, Hanfu was a method of distinction between classes: the higher ranks were distinguished by the level and amount of decoration of a dress, length of skirt and wideness of sleeve.
The Eastern Zhou Dynasty, however, invented the shenyi – “the deep robe” – which is an integration of the tunic and skirt. The shenyi symbolized inclusivity since it could be worn by any gender, profession or social class.
Unfortunately, Hanfu disappeared in the beginning of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) which was founded by the Manchus, semi-nomadic people who first rose to prominence in Manchuria. Since the Qing Dynasty fell apart in 1911, the Manchu dresses became extinct and then came along the western dresses and western style of dressing.
Today, most of the Han Chinese wear western-style clothing and the hanfu is rarely worn with the exceptions of festivals and ritual ceremonies like rites of passages and coming of age.
