Han Costume

From the origin to its following development in different ages, clothing is not only the material created for people's daily use, but also an important spiritual representation in social life. Han costume, the traditional costume for Han nationality, as an essential part in the composition of Chinese clothing culture, reflects the traditional Chinese culture as a whole from the respects of politics, economy to aesthetics. It is closely related to the political administration with its magnificent form, symbolizes the spirit of Chinese nationality with the development of people's lives, exerts an extensive and profound impact on the art of clothing in the world.Recently, due to the historical and international factors, China is at disadvantageous in politics, economy, military. Local Chinese people take it for granted that culture will become influential merely if economy is developed, ignoring and even discarding the cultural essence derived from our ancestors thousands of years ago, admiring the western style of clothing blindly. Han costume, the splendid clothing art, was forced to give way to the western style. The cultural and spirit elements signified by the Han costume were lost as a serious outcome. It is a pity and shameful that in China, a nation who has always been paying attention to dressing and a newly developed country, western style of suites is still used as our own identity in communication with other countries.The image of a nationality represents the identity of the same group of people, the national spirit and development. "National costume" refines the Han costume, creates an impressive image of Chinese nation, carries the Chinese national spirit and culture. Like national flag, national emblem, and national anthem, "National costume" serves as a symbol which embodies the culture, etiquette, art and custom in depth. With the focus on "nation" rather than on "costume.", "national costume" is the reflection of conception and faith of a nation as a whole and a mark and an attribute of its governmental structure, national spirit, cultural education, and aesthetic orientation.Since Han costume embodies Chinese culture, aesthetic style, social value and custom, it is unequalled and can never be eradicated given its history, culture, social impact and dressing function. Consequently, it is appropriate and necessary to develop the "national costume" for people in our country.