Chinese Clothing By Lea Vula

Clothing is a huge part of China. If it wasn’t for Yuan Dynasty there would be no clothing. Clothing is a wonderful thing that happened. Did you know that people who were rich were the ones to usually wear silk. Want to learn more. Turn to the next page.

COTTON In Yuan dynasty, Mongols brought, cotton to China. First people didn’t even like cotton, maybe because the people running silk Industry wanted people to keep buying silk. But Mongol invasions in 1200’s destroyed a lot of mulberry trees that were needed to make silk. The Mongol emperors like Kyblai Khan, turned to cotton to fill the gaps. In 1289 AD they were ordered to the opening of special training centers to teach farmers how to grow the cotton. And in 1296 they ordered that farmers who grew cotton could pay very lower taxes. Soon everybody loved cotton better than ramie on hemp. Cotton was warmer and softer and much more stronger and cheaper you could make it, thin for summer, or you can make thick padded clothes out of it that were warm for winter.

COLOR Traditional Chinese clothing is used for color by symbolism. Colors represented the seasons with green signifying spring, red signifying summer, and white signifying winter. Dark colored clothing with bright designs in tapestry was used for ceremonial clothing, while the common people conventionally wore lighter colors. Red, the color of blood was a symbol for life and its happiness, wealth, Fame and good luck.

CLOTHING WORN IN CHINA While western dress such as business suits and jeans may be seen in china. Much of the clothing in china today reflects a mixture of traditional designs and modern fashion design elements. Classic symbols such as many animals like lions, Chinese masks are common, along with dragons, Phoenixes, clouds, and lightning. For a special occasion, Chinese men and also women may wear traditional garb