ChinaWhat's

Author: xiaoxiao

  • What’s the “Jiaoling Youren” style of Hanfu?

    When discussing Hanfu, you might have heard of the “Jiaoling Youren (cross-collar right closure)” style. This refers to the distinctive overlapping collar and right-side fastening system of traditional Han Chinese garments, where the left lapel folds over the right side of the robe.

    Meaning

    “Jiaoling Youren” consist of two parts: “Jiaoling” and “Youren”. “Jiaoling” means the crossing collar, and “Youren” means the left side covering the right side and extend to the wearer’s right waist.

    It’s not merely a style of Hanfu, most importantly, it’s a principle behind both making and wearing Hanfu. As a principle, “jiaoling youren” means if the collar is crossing, then you can only have the left side covered the right side and never do the opposite.

    In ancient China, the right closure (youren) was regarded as orthodox, and all people under the jurisdiction of the Central Plains dynasties were required to follow this principle in their attire. If one failed to adhere to this, such as wearing garments with the left closure (zuoren), they would be seen as belonging to an ethnic minority group.

    Appearance

    In appearance, the front panels overlap at the chest, with the collar forming a ‘Y’-shaped crossing, thereby creating a ‘V’-shaped neckline.

    Functionality

    In terms of functionality, the crossover collar design fits snugly around the neck to provide warmth, while the adjustable degree of overlap allows it to adapt to different seasons (with less overlap in summer and more in winter).

    Culture

    In cultural terms, “Jiaoling Youren” embody the ancient Chinese principle of ‘right is supreme,’ a concept reflected in ancient China’s seating arrangements, ceremonial norms, architectural layouts, and spatial designs.

    In conclusion, “Jiaoling Youren” served as both a practical design and a cultural symbol, historically distinguishing Han clothing from other ethnic styles.

  • What are the 5 most symbolic colors in China?

    The 5 most symbolic colors are red, yellow, cyan(blue-green), white and black.

    These 5 colors hold multiple symbolic meanings in Chinese culture. They can represent the five cardinal directions: south, center, east, west, and north; they can also symbolize the five elements in Chinese metaphysics: fire, earth, wood, metal, and water. Most importantly, as a national flag and political symbol, these colors were used to represent the five major ethnic groups in China: Han, Manchu, Mongol, Hui, and Tibetan.

    These 5 colors were once used as the colors of the five-colored flag and the five-colored star cap badge.

  • Chunlian, The Symbolic Chinese New Year Couplets

    Chunlian, also known as Spring Festival Couplets, is a Chinese New Year decoration and tradition. It is mainly two vertical pieces of red paper on which people write two lines of poetic phrases in black ink, Chinese people paste them on both sides of the door(outside of the house) on the eve of the Spring Festival. The tradition of writing and pasting Chunlian contains Chinese people’s good wishes for the coming new year.

    The tradition of chunlian dates back to the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD). It was during this time that people began to hang written rhymes onto their doorposts. These rhymes were said to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the household.

    Chunlian has been around for centuries from then, and it is still popular today, essential even. Nowadays, the phrases on them usually express good wishes for the coming new year, for families who have received relatively higher education, they may choose the phrases that can express their noble sentiments.

    Initially, Chunlian was written by those in the neighborhood who were skilled in calligraphy. Nowadays, most people buy Chunlian, while those who personally write them are usually well-off families with leisure time.

    The tradition of the Spring Festival Couplets is a reflection of Chinese culture. The whole process of writing and hanging chunlian is a symbol of the new year and fresh starts. It’s a tradition that carries on from generation to generation and has become an integral part of Chinese New Year’s celebrations. If you get a chance to experience Chinese New Year, remember to take the time to appreciate the beauty and heritage of Chunlian.