Shenyi
The term shenyi, or the deep clothing worn by Chinese deities, is derived from two Chinese characters, shen and yi. Together, they mean “deep clothing.” In early Confucian ethics, shenyi is an important way to conceal the body and cultivate character and comportment.
Shenyi is a formal style of clothing, fitting both men of letters and warriors. The material used is simple and functional, so it is very versatile. You can see examples of this style in ancient tomb paintings and on wooden and clay figurines. These fabrics can be made of mostly linen, but they are also decorated with colorful bands.
The Shenyi is composed of two main pieces: an upper garment and a lower garment. The upper garments are shaped to resemble the body of the deity, while the lower garments are tailored to fit. There are certain rites that govern how Shenyi should look, such as the proper square and round shapes. Likewise, the length must be just right, so that it does not show skin and is not dragged on the floor. The forepart of the Shenyi is elongated into a large triangle, while the lower part is cut to allow ease of movement.
The traditional Chinese style featured a large front panel positioned on the wearer’s left side. The front panel covered the entire body, while the right side was bare. This simple clothing style was compensated for with the richness of decoration and the intricate fabrics used.
Shenyi, which is a cross between the traditional Chang Pao and Pien Fu, was developed in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (771-256 B.C.E. It was widely worn by all classes and professions during the time. Shenyi is a combination of a skirt and tunic. It was a highly regarded garment during Ancient China and was often worn by government officials.
Chang Pao
The Chang Pao is a robe that covers most of the body. It was originally a type of man’s garment that was worn during the cold winter months. It was made of one piece of material, with four cutouts for ease of movement. This was a common costume for men, including the Manchus, who came from the northern parts of China.
The Chang Pao has evolved from its earliest form to the modern day qipao, which is primarily worn by women. Shenyi, which combines the characteristics of the Chang Pao and Pien-fu, was invented in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. It consists of a tunic and skirt sewn together to form a long suit.
Chang Pao was traditionally worn by male literati, though it has since spread to the masses. It was a versatile garment that was worn by students, housewives, and prostitutes. Its popularity in the 1920s reflected a desire for equality in the public sphere.
A Chang Pao is one of the oldest forms of ceremonial clothing in China. It was used for religious ceremonies. It is a two-piece garment that is used for worship. It has several ornaments. In fact, this clothing was so important to the Chinese culture that generations of clothing designers dedicated themselves to building this culture.
Pien Fu
Pien Fu, the clothing of a Chinese deity, originated in ancient China. The ancient Chinese used silk to make their garments, and the oldest silk cloth was discovered in China in 3630 BCE. Although silk was a luxury material, cheaper alternatives such as hemp and linen were also used. The Pien Fu was first worn in ceremonial settings during the Han Dynasty, 206 BC to 220 AD. It was comprised of two pieces, a tunic with a skirt that reached the ankle. A bian was worn with the garment, to cover the head.
The Cao Guojiu deity was worshipped as a god of wealth and prosperity. The deity was believed to extend the life spans of mortals. It is believed that he was carried in the womb by his mother for ten years. His clothing was designed to resemble an imperial court official, and he carried a peach as a symbol of immortality. In addition, the God of Longevity was often friendly, and was often depicted with a gourd filled with the Elixir of Life.
Fu is the personification of wealth, happiness, and success, and is usually depicted wearing the clothes of a scholar. Sometimes he holds a child in his arms. He is associated with the star of LU, which is also known as the Lu star. This star symbolizes prosperity, rank, and influence, and was worshipped separately from the other stars.
Hanfu
Hanfu is a type of traditional Chinese clothing worn by the Han ethnic group. It served as the characteristic clothing of the Han people for three millennia. However, it was banned during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Traditionally, hanfu is a long flowing robe with belts on the waist and loose sleeves. Its styles and designs have changed throughout the ages.
The modern hanfu also bears some characteristics that have special cultural significance. For example, the girdle that fastens the garment represents the moral concordance of human creative power and nature. In addition, Han culture restricts its members from committing acts that violate morality.
The Hanfu Huazhao Festival culminated in a group performance called “Flowers of Different Colors in Full Blowing.” The show consisted of 20 candidates who wore traditional clothing from different historical periods, including the Han, Wei, Jin, Tang, and Song dynasties. The candidates also had to dress properly and conduct themselves in a manner that honored the Chinese deities.
In the first Hanfu Huazhao festival, held last October in Chongqing Garden Expo Park, twelve Hanfu beauties were chosen to represent flower goddesses. The judges comprised five influential people from show business and academia. The top three winners were Wang Wanqing, Han Xue, and Maiheliya Yakepu.
Lei Gong
Lei Gong is the Minister of Thunder and Storm. He is also the protector of the sky. One time, he accidentally hit an old woman. She was not killed, but her right arm was badly injured. After the accident, Lei Gong apologized to the old woman and gave her ointment to rub on the wound.
Lei Gong wears the clothing of a Chinese deity. His skin is dark blue, and he has dragon-like features, including claws and wings. He also carries a drum and mallet to create thunder. In addition to this, he sometimes carries a hammer to strike down evildoers.
Chinese history has a rich cultural heritage. For two thousand years, Confucianism was the dominant culture. People didn’t think of the supernatural, but they worshiped dead ancestors and propitiated them. Even today, many Chinese still practice traditional beliefs and practices.
In Chinese folklore, Guanyin first appeared as a fierce and ruthless goddess. However, by the eleventh century C.E., she had metamorphosed into a beautiful woman, and took on incarnations to experience the human world. In one incarnation, Guanyin was executed by her father and reincarnated as a human. Later, a man named Yan Wang rescued her from hell. Eventually, Guanyin lived on Fragrant Mountain, where she watched over humanity. She could even see the perils of the sea.
Chinese ancestor worship has long been the dominant element in Chinese culture. It lacks real love for God. There are still some fervent believers, but they are not conventional Christians. As Chinese culture evolves, the role of ancestor-worship in Chinese society is likely to diminish.
