Cheongsam
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A cheongsam (traditional Chinese: 長衫; simplified Chinese: 长衫; Pinyin: Chángshān; Cantonese Yale: Chèuhngsàam; Shanghainese: Zǎnze; literally "long shirt") is the male equivalent of the women's qipao. The word cheongsam entered English vocabulary through the Cantonese language, in which it refers to both male and female dresses of this type. However, a distinction between the male cheongsam and female qipao is made by Chinese who do not speak Cantonese.
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[edit] History
Cheongsams, along with qipaos, were introduced during the Qing Dynasty (17th century–20th century). The Manchu Qing Dynasty ordered that all Han Chinese adopt cheongsam and qipao styles of dresses—or face execution. Thus, the traditional Chinese Hanfu style of clothing were gradually replaced. Over time, the Manchu styles of dresses gained popularity.
Cheongsams were the formal dress for Chinese men before Western-style suits became common in China
The cheongsam (the Cantonese term later popularized by Hong Kong) went well with the western overcoat and scarf, and portrayed a unique East Asian modernity.
The 1949 Communist Revolution ended the wearing of cheongsams and other similar clothing in Shanghai, but the Shanghainese emigrants and refugees brought the fashion to Hong Kong where it has remained popular. Recently there has been a revival of the Shanghainese cheongsam in Shanghai and elsewhere in mainland China.
[edit] Use of cheongsams
Cheongsams are traditionally worn in pictures, weddings, and other more formal historically Chinese events. A black cheongsam, along with a rounded black hat, was, and sometimes still is, the burial attire for Chinese men.
Cheongsams are not often worn today in Mainland China, except during traditional Chinese celebrations but, with the revival of some traditional clothing in urban mainland China, the Shanghainese style functions as a stylish party dress (cf. Mao suit).
Mainland Chinese, even the elderly, rarely have any cheongsams or qipaos left from before the Cultural Revolution. However, in Hong Kong, most women, especially elderly, have at least a couple qipaos that they wear regularly.
[edit] Cheongsams in popular culture
In older Wong Fei Hung films, the kung fu master was always portrayed as a well-dressed gentleman in cheongsam. In the movie Kill Bill, Sofie Fatale wore a typical male black cheongsam.
[edit] External links
- History of Cheongsam (Qipao)sv:Cheongsam
zh:长袍
