Hanfu movement

Hanfu movement (simplified Chinese: 汉服运动; traditional Chinese: 漢服運動), or the Hanfu subculture, is a 21st-century movement that developed in China; its advocates want to reintroduce the wearing of hanfu for all Chinese in daily life as a way to stress values and support unity. This term encompasses the historical clothing styles worn by the Han Chinese before the Qing dynasty (1644–1912). While the Han Chinese comprise the largest ethnic group in China, there are 55 other ethnicities with their own traditions.

According to Asia Times Online, the Hanfu movement may have begun around 2003. Wang Letian from Zhengzhou, China, publicly wore Hanfu. Wang and his followers inspired others to reflect on the cultural identity of Han Chinese. They organized the Hanfu movement as an initiative in a broader effort to revive and preserve the Han Chinese identity.

The Hanfu movement has been controversial since its initiation. While supporters often applaud its reviving of Han culture, some others criticize its exclusiveness. The Han Chinese society as a whole has not accepted revival of wearing Hanfu for daily wear. People who wear Hanfu in public, rather than what is now the more common western dress, are often considered eccentric.

Hanfu enthusiasts often hold events to encourage the public to wear this traditional clothing. Major events in recently years include Guan Li's and Ji Li's (Chinese coming of age ceremonies). Activists in this movement also wear Hanfu in numerous public and private ceremonies.

"Hanfu" is a non-academic, non-official noun associated with the historical dress of the Han Chinese people before the Qing dynasty. Throughout China's long history, the clothing of the Han people has undergone many changes. Each dynasty had different styles, reflecting the varying interests of each period. The traditional clothing expressed its close relation to the traditional ritual teaching.

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