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A hand-held fan is an implement used to induce an airflow for the purpose of cooling or refreshing oneself. Any broad, flat surface waved back-and-forth will create a small airflow and therefore can be considered a rudimentary fan. But generally, purpose-made hand-held fans are shaped like a circle segment made of a thin material (such as paper or feathers) mounted to slats which revolve around a pivot so that it can be closed when not in use.
The movement of a hand-held fan provides cooling by increasing the airflow over the skin which in turn increases the evaporation rate of sweat droplets on the skin. This evaporation has a cooling effect due to the latent heat of evaporation of water. Fans are convenient to carry around, and the folding kind in particular are compact to carry.
Like porcelain, fan is not only an article for daily use but part of Chinese culture. That is why the collectors of all succeeding generations have been particularly interested in fans, and the artistic pieces on the fan-covers put under a separate category by the connoisseurs.
In China, screen fans were used throughout the country. The earliest known Chinese fans are a pair of woven bamboo side-mounted fans from the 2nd century BC. The Chinese character for "fan" is etymologically derived from a picture of feathers under a roof. The Chinese fixed fan, pien-mien, means 'to agitate the air'.
19th century depiction of a Japanese folding fan.
Hokusai's Five Fans.Fans were part of the social status for the Chinese people. A particular status and gender would accord a specific type of fan to an individual. During the Song Dynasty, famous artists would often be commissioned to paint picture on the surface of a fan.
In China, the folding fan came into fashion during the Ming dynasty between the years of 1368 and 1644, and Hangzhou was a center of folding fan production. The Mai Ogi (or Chinese dancing fan) has ten sticks and a thick paper mount showing the family crest. Chinese painters crafted many fan decoration designs. The slats, of ivory, bone, mica, mother of pearl, sandalwood, or tortoise shell, were carved and covered with paper or fabric. Folding fans have "montures" which are the sticks and guards. The leaves are usually painted by craftsman. Social significance was attached to the fan in the Far East. The management of the fan became a highly regarded feminine art. The function and employment of the fan reached its high point of social significance (fans were even used as a weapon - called the iron fan, or tie shan in Chinese, tessen in Japanese). Simple Japanese paper fans are sometimes known as "harisen". In Japanese current pop culture, Harisen are featured frequently in animation and graphic novels as weapons.
Printed fan leaves and painted fans are done on a paper ground. The paper was originally hand made and displayed the characteristic watermarks. Machine made paper fans, introduced in the 19th century, are smoother with an even texture.
The folding fan was invented in Japan in the 8th century and taken to China in the 9th century. The Akomeogi (or Japanese folding fan) originated in the 6th century. These were fans held by aristocrats of the Heian period when formally dressed. They were made by tying thin stripes of hinoki (or Japanese cypress) together with thread. The number of strips of wood differed according to the person's rank. They are used today by Shinto priests in formal costume and in the formal costume of the Japanese court (they can be seen used by the Emperor and Empress during coronation and marriage) and are brightly painted with long tassels. The Chinese dancing fan was developed in the 7th century. The Chinese form of the hand fan was a row of feathers mounted in the end of a handle.
Folding fans (Japanese "sensu", Chinese: "shanzi") continue to be important cultural symbols and popular tourist souvenirs in East Asia. Geisha of all types (but maiko most often) use folding fans in their fan dances as well.
Japanese fans are made of paper on a bamboo frame, usually with a design painted on them. The fan is primarily used for fanning oneself in hot weather.
The fan symbolizes friendship, respect and good wishes. They are given on special occasions, and they are also an important stage prop in Japanese dance.
It was also used in the military as a way of sending signals on the field of battle, however fans were mainly used for social and court activities. They were used by warriors as a form of weapon, actors and dancers for performances, and children as a toy.
The fan stands for many things, the Japanese believe that the handle of the fan symbolizes the beginning of life and the ribs are for the roads of life going out in all directions.
Wedding flavors are a personalized way to have a little keepsake of your special day. And now Chinese flavors for weddings come as one of the trends for weddings. Steeped in tradition, Chinese weddings feature bright red shades to the fullest. From wedding favors, invitations to dresses, red color always pops out. Red, in Chinese Culture, is festive and pleasing to eyes. For the happiest occasion, red shades are sure to be considered the first choice by Chinese. From wedding favors, invitations, to dresses, red is visible for certain.
One will find that the traditional Chinese wedding dress is a little different from the typical American dress. It is generally much more decorative, and much more work is put into it. The type of dress that is worn usually has something to do with the region that the family is from. Those who are in the north may wear the Qi Pao, and those who are from the south would wear the Cheongsan. There are many other examples from within china which are shown in the styles of dress, which could be Mongolian, Tibetian, or even Taiwanese. There are many other groups as well which we will not have time to go into.
The dress's color is also important. Most often, women wear red because this signifies happiness. Traditionally, brides do not wear white, because white symbolizes death in China. However, lately, Chinese brides have begun to embrace Western traditions, and are wearing more white.
Chinese Wedding dresses can really be masterpieces when considering both the fabrics and embroideries. The traditional bridal gowns are Qi Pao, which is a one-piece frock, similar to a sheath. Red Qi Pao with refined Phoenix embroideries, that tightly hugs the curvy body, looks really beautiful. Actually until today Qi Pao is also considered as a work of art to show off the perfect proportion of human body. In Southern China, brides would wear a two-piece, referred to Cheongsam. This red bridal Cheongsam are adorned elaborately by golden dragon and phoenix.
Red shades adorned with some golden dragon or phoenix in Chinese tradition are believed to herald good luck and protection from evil spirits. Traditionally dragon and phoenix dress designs also symbolize the balance of female and male power. To add some Chinese flavor to your wedding, red color as well as gold dragon or phoenix elements can be never the better choice!
To complete an over-all look, a red veil piece is traditionally the part of the bride' s outfit for covering her face in the ceremony procession. Usually made of precious silk fabrics, Chinese bridal dresses would be the prominent features and there would be nothing can match the passion and charm of red Chinese wedding dresses in the wedding ceremony.
Traditionally, the Chinese Culture value family ties a lot. There is a saying that "It is natural to get married when you grow up." in Chinese society. Chinese people place special emphasis on marriage and have many traditions associated with it. Red is an important color in China, therefore it is obvious that it will play a big role in such a significant ceremony.
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The Halloween season is almost upon us again. It’s interesting as you study cultures around the world how different things are celebrated. In traditional Chinese cultures, costumes are used in many rituals, plays and dances. It’s not uncommon to see the two-man dragon dance during the open ceremony of a business or around the New Years time. Likewise, you’ll find a rich history of costumes used in various opera productions, such as the Monkey King and his Pig Lord sidekick.
Chinese costumes, can also be worn during days that signify happiness and festivity, like the Halloween. Be a Chinese princess or a Chinese girl-warrior by wearing the Chinese dresses. Boys can be Bruce Lee, the Monkey King or be an animal in the Zodiac.
The Basics
The Chinese national costume is pretty and festive used on its own. However, for those who want to celebrate in their favorite Chinese story personalities, handy things around the house can be added to the basic Chinese costume.
1. Chinese Dress - Qi Pao
Qi Pao - This Chinese Dress is elegant and festive in its own right. Qi Pao means banner dress when translated. It usually has a high neck and slits on the sides. Designs can vary to flatter the woman's good features and hide the less than perfect features. Qi Pao for young girls can also be gotten in different colors and materials. For active young girls a Qi Pao dress-pants is a good idea.
Decide what impact you want to have when you walk into the room before you look at any Halloween costumes. Do you want heads to turn or do you want to look sexy, devilish, funny or impish? Once you have chosen your outfit, think of what shoes, hairstyles, accessories and makeups you'd like to go with.
Fushion east-west of UGG boots or sneakers, docile traditional slippers or mary jane, or daring high heels or leather boots?
Bun hairdo with our hair pins or chopstick? pony-tail or bob-cut for the cutsie chinagirl visage? or dyed streaks, and sadako style?
Do not forget the lipstick! Deep red, or a lite pink is recommended to compliment our dresses for the Halloween
Don’t forget the Bling. Get some costume jewelry for your Halloween dressing up secession. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, ankle bracelets, clip on earrings and maybe even an umbrella are all good suggestions for dressing up as a China girl for Halloween.
2. Chinese pants set for boys
For boys, the traditional costume pants set is a must-have set. The top has a mandarin collar with long sleeves. Pants are loose and flowing. Some costume sets include hats with pigtails or hoods.
Dressing up
It is a good idea to gather the following from around the house before starting to mix and match.
Getting sequined Chinese slippers or kung fu shoes from a nearby department store can be a good idea. It can be worn several times if you like wearing costumes for every event (or regularly, since they are comfortable). These can also be ordered online.
Mom's silk skirts in shiny fabrics, dad's silk robes may also be looted. If your family has wigs lying around the house, keep those. It may turn out useful for completing your desired look. Beautiful fabrics, scarves, bead necklaces, even table runners can be added to your collection of materials. Craft flowers, satin ribbons can also be added to the hair.
Chinese Princess
Do this with: girl's empire cut long dress/ other long dresses in plain design, in shiny fabric and plain design can also be used as a base garment when dressing up as a Chinese princess. An empire cut spaghetti strap will also do nicely. This can be topped over by a long robe/ blouse with butterfly sleeves(These tunic blouses were in fashion 3? 4? Years ago so mom may still have one in her closet.)
Hair can be fixed in a double bun, one on each side of the head, or let some of the hair flow. Beads can also be strung through the hair. Sashes can be tied around the waist, or can be used as hang down designs for the belt.
2. Lady White Snake
Similar to the Chinese Princess, although wear a white costume. May also bring a toy snake and put a pillow by the tummy to look pregnant.
3. Chinese Girl-Warrior
Like Mulan or Yu Shu Lien/ Jen Yu in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Do this with :
-Cheongsam dress-pants set
-Toy Sword or toy bows and arrows
-Kungfu shoes/ other shoes
Wear the pants set and shoes, sling over the toy weapons and youre done. Mom may also fix Warrior's hair into a neat hair style fit for battle.
4. Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee is one of my favorites to see. Strong, mysterious, and handsome, what girl wouldn’t swoon for this guy. A costume to look like him is also quite easy to recreate. The easiest version of him is to go topless with a pair of black Kung Fu pants and Kung Fu shoes (or if those are hard to get, black wrestling shoes and black sweat pants).
But some of us aren’t fortunate enough to live in a warm environment, so another option is Bruce Lee in a yellow and black sweat suit as he wore in Game of Death. Or you could go for the Kato look from his appearance in the TV show, Green Hornet
5. Monkey King
Do this with :
-Boys Traditional Black Kung Fu pants set
-Monkey mask or face crayons
-Stick
GoodOrient has evolved back from 1998 as a hobbyist Asian theme webstore to what is now one of the leading fully-fledged Asian Specialty E-stores in the world. Proud to say, we are undeniably the earliest pioneers who first brought about the greatest range of delightful Eastern wares onto the Internet. With fanciful selections of traditional and modern Asian-inspired apparel, exotic home decor as well as unique gifts and souvenirs, we have gradually become the one-stop shop for those who aspire to bring home something a little different. Having served thousands of online customers from every corner of the globe,we can truly say that our vast experience in selling Asian specialty goods as well as meeting our customer expectations is second to none.Our website offers an exciting range of Oriental apparel, accessories and home accents from countries around Asia, especially China. Our specialty lies in distinctive Eastern-style apparel with a strong historical influence such as the "Cheongsam", "Qipaos" or "Long Dress" worn by women of royal status back in the Manchu era and has gained popularity even up till today. However, times have changed and so will styles of cheongsam and the way it is worn. Nowadays, many of our qipaos are infused with a twist of western modernity whilst maintaining its ethnic charm, thus giving birth to the term "Asian-Inspired". Since 1998, GoodOrient has been centre of the movement to bring stylish qipao garments with a modern twist onto the Internet. Our clothing designs are constantly innovated according to latest.
Formal Gowns, Geisha Dress, Gothic Wedding Dresses, Gowns Wedding, Hong Kong Clothing, Informal Wedding Dress, Jade Jewelry, Japan Clothing
GoodOrient has evolved back from 1998 as a hobbyist Asian theme webstore to what is now one of the leading fully-fledged Asian Specialty E-stores in the world. Proud to say, we are undeniably the earliest pioneers who first brought about the greatest range of delightful Eastern wares onto the Internet. With fanciful selections of traditional and modern Asian-inspired apparel, exotic home decor as well as unique gifts and souvenirs, we have gradually become the one-stop shop for those who aspire to bring home something a little different. Having served thousands of online customers from every corner of the globe,we can truly say that our vast experience in selling Asian specialty goods as well as meeting our customer expectations is second to none.Our website offers an exciting range of Oriental apparel, accessories and home accents from countries around Asia, especially China. Our specialty lies in distinctive Eastern-style apparel with a strong historical influence such as the "Cheongsam", "Qipaos" or "Long Dress" worn by women of royal status back in the Manchu era and has gained popularity even up till today. However, times have changed and so will styles of cheongsam and the way it is worn. Nowadays, many of our qipaos are infused with a twist of western modernity whilst maintaining its ethnic charm, thus giving birth to the term "Asian-Inspired". Since 1998, GoodOrient has been centre of the movement to bring stylish qipao garments with a modern twist onto the Internet. Our clothing designs are constantly innovated according to latest.
Formal Gowns, Geisha Dress, Gothic Wedding Dresses, Gowns Wedding, Hong Kong Clothing, Informal Wedding Dress, Jade Jewelry, Japan Clothing
GoodOrient has evolved back from 1998 as a hobbyist Asian theme webstore to what is now one of the leading fully-fledged Asian Specialty E-stores in the world. Proud to say, we are undeniably the earliest pioneers who first brought about the greatest range of delightful Eastern wares onto the Internet. With fanciful selections of traditional and modern Asian-inspired apparel, exotic home decor as well as unique gifts and souvenirs, we have gradually become the one-stop shop for those who aspire to bring home something a little different. Having served thousands of online customers from every corner of the globe,we can truly say that our vast experience in selling Asian specialty goods as well as meeting our customer expectations is second to none.Our website offers an exciting range of Oriental apparel, accessories and home accents from countries around Asia, especially China. Our specialty lies in distinctive Eastern-style apparel with a strong historical influence such as the "Cheongsam", "Qipaos" or "Long Dress" worn by women of royal status back in the Manchu era and has gained popularity even up till today. However, times have changed and so will styles of cheongsam and the way it is worn. Nowadays, many of our qipaos are infused with a twist of western modernity whilst maintaining its ethnic charm, thus giving birth to the term "Asian-Inspired". Since 1998, GoodOrient has been centre of the movement to bring stylish qipao garments with a modern twist onto the Internet. Our clothing designs are constantly innovated according to latest.
Formal Gowns, Geisha Dress, Gothic Wedding Dresses, Gowns Wedding, Hong Kong Clothing, Informal Wedding Dress, Jade Jewelry, Japan Clothing
GoodOrient has evolved back from 1998 as a hobbyist Asian theme webstore to what is now one of the leading fully-fledged Asian Specialty E-stores in the world. Proud to say, we are undeniably the earliest pioneers who first brought about the greatest range of delightful Eastern wares onto the Internet. With fanciful selections of traditional and modern Asian-inspired apparel, exotic home decor as well as unique gifts and souvenirs, we have gradually become the one-stop shop for those who aspire to bring home something a little different. Having served thousands of online customers from every corner of the globe,we can truly say that our vast experience in selling Asian specialty goods as well as meeting our customer expectations is second to none.Our website offers an exciting range of Oriental apparel, accessories and home accents from countries around Asia, especially China. Our specialty lies in distinctive Eastern-style apparel with a strong historical influence such as the "Cheongsam", "Qipaos" or "Long Dress" worn by women of royal status back in the Manchu era and has gained popularity even up till today. However, times have changed and so will styles of cheongsam and the way it is worn. Nowadays, many of our qipaos are infused with a twist of western modernity whilst maintaining its ethnic charm, thus giving birth to the term "Asian-Inspired". Since 1998, GoodOrient has been centre of the movement to bring stylish qipao garments with a modern twist onto the Internet. Our clothing designs are constantly innovated according to latest.
Formal Gowns, Geisha Dress, Gothic Wedding Dresses, Gowns Wedding, Hong Kong Clothing, Informal Wedding Dress, Jade Jewelry, Japan Clothing
GoodOrient has evolved back from 1998 as a hobbyist Asian theme webstore to what is now one of the leading fully-fledged Asian Specialty E-stores in the world. Proud to say, we are undeniably the earliest pioneers who first brought about the greatest range of delightful Eastern wares onto the Internet. With fanciful selections of traditional and modern Asian-inspired apparel, exotic home decor as well as unique gifts and souvenirs, we have gradually become the one-stop shop for those who aspire to bring home something a little different. Having served thousands of online customers from every corner of the globe,we can truly say that our vast experience in selling Asian specialty goods as well as meeting our customer expectations is second to none.Our website offers an exciting range of Oriental apparel, accessories and home accents from countries around Asia, especially China. Our specialty lies in distinctive Eastern-style apparel with a strong historical influence such as the "Cheongsam", "Qipaos" or "Long Dress" worn by women of royal status back in the Manchu era and has gained popularity even up till today. However, times have changed and so will styles of cheongsam and the way it is worn. Nowadays, many of our qipaos are infused with a twist of western modernity whilst maintaining its ethnic charm, thus giving birth to the term "Asian-Inspired". Since 1998, GoodOrient has been centre of the movement to bring stylish qipao garments with a modern twist onto the Internet. Our clothing designs are constantly innovated according to latest.
Formal Gowns, Geisha Dress, Gothic Wedding Dresses, Gowns Wedding, Hong Kong Clothing, Informal Wedding Dress, Jade Jewelry, Japan Clothing
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