| China is an ancient country with a very rich heritage. | | | | Chinese being an agriculture-based nation are very |
| The thousands of years of history have laid a rich | | | | dependent on water. So, the dragon is associated with |
| basis for the lives of its inhabitants today. While some | | | | the weather and is the bringer of rain and water in |
| of the ancient Chinese myths and cultural traditions | | | | China. The dragon is also the embodiment of the yang |
| have been forgotten or are no longer observed, many | | | | (male). The female counterpart is known as the |
| of them are still remembered and incorporated into | | | | Fenghuang. |
| everyday life. Taking a look into the cultural traditions of | | | | Some of the other popular motif designs are willow |
| China can reveal a lot about the way that the people | | | | trees, chrysanthemums, cranes and bamboo. These |
| live. One of the most interesting bits of Chinese lore | | | | are depicted on pottery, paintings, vases and of course |
| can be found in what is known as the Jade Culture. | | | | clothes. Imagine owning a piece of Ancient Chinese |
| Jade was a very fashionable emblem of ancient | | | | Clothing complete with rich and elaborate patterns that |
| Chinese culture. From very ancient times, during the | | | | once belonged to the rulers of this splendid civilization. |
| Western Zhou Dynasty, jade has been used as a | | | | No Chinese object is complete without a depiction of |
| decoration that used to hang from the sash holding the | | | | at least one of the four favourite plants - the bamboo, |
| Hanfu (a garment that was a part of the Ancient | | | | the Chinese plum, chrysanthemum and orchid. Of |
| Chinese Clothing) closed. Jade was important in China | | | | these, the bamboo is used in the most versatile |
| not only because of its beauty, but also for its virtue | | | | manner. From tableware - chopsticks and utensils - to |
| and cultural significance. According to Confucius, jade | | | | flutes to paintbrushes and even hair accessories. |
| had 11 virtues, some of which include beauty, purity and | | | | Combs made of bamboo, ivory, jade and other |
| grace. Jade is of two types, soft jade, known as | | | | materials further enhanced the ensemble of Ancient |
| nephrite, which is native to China, and hard jade | | | | Chinese Clothing of women. Headgear in ancient times |
| (jadeite) which was imported from Burma starting in | | | | included hats for men and hairpieces for women. |
| the 1200's. | | | | Traditionally, the Chinese wear their hats indoors as |
| One of the most recognizable symbols of china is the | | | | well as outdoors unlike their Western counterparts. |
| dragon. A derivative of the serpent, it had a scaly | | | | This is mainly because most hats are too impractical |
| body and five claws. It is a symbol of auspicious | | | | to take off and carry around. |
| power and has been even Chinese folklore. This | | | | Fashion of ancient China has constantly evolved |
| symbol is very obviously found in Ancient Chinese | | | | through the various dynasties. For example, during the |
| Clothing particularly on imperial robes. The rulers | | | | Sui Dynasty in the 500 AD, the emperor declared that |
| considered themselves descendants of the dragon | | | | only the rich people could wear colors while the poor |
| and so the scenes pertaining to dragons on their | | | | people had to be dressed in blue or black. |
| clothes were indicators of their power. Traditionally, the | | | | |