Traditional Chinese dresses for girls are called qipaos. During the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911), the loose-fitted gowns made of silk brocade, frog knots and mandarin collars became popular. Today, these dresses are worn for formal occasions, such as, weddings and Chinese New Year. The colors of the dresses have different meanings. The first emperor was caller the yellow Emperor and the color yellow is linked to the imperial service. Blue and green are colors of spring, while purple is linked to wealth and winter.
During the Ching Dynasty, boys had to wear a long ponytail and cutting the tail off marked the boy as a rebel. After the revolution in 1911, the qipao was still worn by boys. When China opened to global trade again in 1975, qipaos were worn for special occasions and a ponytail or queue is attached in the hat. The color black is the color traditionally worn by young boys and it is the symbol of the beginning.
During the 1920s qipao dresses were used to design cheongsam dresses or Mandarin gowns, which are stylish, often tight-fitting, dresses. The cheongsam dresses were created in Shanghai and they became popular among upper class women. There are long and short dresses and they come in a range of vibrant colors and they can be plain or finely decorated with traditional Chinese embroidery, such as, butterfly, plum blossom, peony or peacocks.
A Buddhist monk, Da Mo, came to China from India in the 5th Century. His mission was to teach physical and breathing exercises. A comfortable special suit was used to carry out animal poses for the kung fFu exercises. Kung fu suits consist of a loosely fitted jacket and pair of trousers. Today, you can find kKung-fu suits with embroidered dragons, which is a symbol for the emperor. There are also suits for girls in a range of colors with pretty flowers and animal motifs. Hats are decorated with symbols to promote health. Traditionally, mother's wishes and moral teachings were embroidered on the hats. Symbols are important in Chinese clothing and there are hats with dragons, clouds and Chinese signs.