Changshan
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The Cheongsam (simplified Chinese: 长衫; traditional Chinese: 長衫; pinyin: chángshan; Shanghainese: Zǎnze; literally "long dress") is the male equivalent of the women’s qipao. The word Cheongsam entered western vocabulary through the Cantonese dialect, in which dialect it refers to both male and female dresses of this type. A distinction between the male cheongsam and female qipao should therefore be maintained when communicating with Chinese who do not speak the Cantonese dialect.
History
Cheongsams, along with the Qipao, were introduced during the Qing dynasty (17th century-20th century). The Manchurian Qing dynasty ordered that all Han Chinese to adopt Cheongsams and Qipao styles of dresses - or face execution. Thus, the traditional Chinese Hanfu style of clothing were gradually replaced. Over time, the Manchurian styles of dresses gained popularity.
Cheongsam were the formal dress for Chinese men before Western-style suits became common in China; they are not often worn today, except during traditional Chinese celebrations or as stylish party dresses.
The cheongsam (the Cantonese term later popularized by Hong Kong) went well with the western overcoat and scarf, and portrayed a unique East Asian modernity.
The 1949 Communist Revolution ended the cheongsam and other fashions in Shanghai, but the Shanghainese emigrants and refugees brought the fashion to Hong Kong where it has remained popular. Recently there has been a revival of the Shanghainese cheongsam in Shanghai and elsewhere in Mainland China; the Shanghainese style functions now mostly as a stylish party dress (see also Mao suit).
It is also important to note that a black cheongsam was and sometimes still is the burial attire for Chinese men, along with a rounded black hat. However, one must not mistake the cheongsam as burial attire exclusively, as it is worn in pictures, weddings and other more formal historically Chinese events.
Cheongsam in Popular Culture
- In older Wong Fei Hung films, the kung fu master was always portrayed as a well-dressed gentleman in cheongsam.
- In the movie Kill Bill, Sofie Fatale wore a typical male black cheongsam.