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Chinese QiPao Cheongsam Dress History

Girl's traditional Chinese dresses are called QiPao's or qi pao and is the traditional Chinese clothing that worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD), which was established by the Manchu people who were from Northern China. It is now worn for formal occasions such as weddings, engagements, and on the Chinese New Year. The Ching Dynasty in also spelled Qing Dynasty. Traditionally elements include brocaded cloth, frog knotts, and mandarin collars. Cheongsam is the Cantonese word, that is often used in English for QiPao. After the communist took over, wearing of the QiPao in China was seen as capitalistic during Mao's era.

After the Ching Dynasty took over, men were required to wear a queue, or a long pony tail as a mark of subservance. If the queue was cut off, this marked them as a rebel. The Ching Dynasty was overthrown in the revolution of 1911, but the QiPao was still worn in China and survived in Taiwan and Hong Kong as fashionable dress after the revolution of 1949. After the opening of China in 1976 QiPao's have again become common wear for special occasions including weddings in China! The boy's QiPao's have a Queue attached in the hat.

Traditionally Chinese Color Symbolism - Meanings for Colors

Red is the color of good luck, happiness, joy, and for brides, since it is of energy as symbolized by fire. Yellow traditionally the color used for imperial service and the first Emperor is called The Yellow Emperor. Blue is the color of immortality. Blue and Green are the symbols of Spring. Black is a color for young boys, since it's the beginning. White is the end, so it's the color of mourning, More information on Chinese Color Symbolism including pictures of examples.

Modern QiPao's

QiPao's are made out of many materials, with the high end ones made out of beads (like the one I wore for my wedding) and are often custom made. Custom made QiPao can cost up to $5000 dollars. In weddings, the bride will often have multiple QiPao's. The traditional color for weddings is Red (a good luck color in Chinese). In the movie, In The Mood For Love, the female protagonist wears beautiful QiPao's.

Further Resources on QiPao's:

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Girl's Purple QiPao Traditional Chinese Dress

Girl's Purple Traditional QiPao Chinese Dress

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Purple is symbolic of wealth and winter in the Chinese Culture!
Dark purple fabric is brocaded with shiny purple bamboo and plum blossoms
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Girls Purple Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

Girl's Purple Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

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Girl's beautiful purple traditional Chinese dress pants set
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Girl's Purple Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set - Zipper-less

Girl's Purple Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set - Zipper-less

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Frog Knots and snaps on top (instead of zippers)
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Girl's Red QiPao Chinese Dress Traditional qi pao

Girl's Red Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress

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Red is symbolic of good luck, vitality, and the New Year in the Chinese Culture!
Gold brocaded Red Cloth of bamboo and plum leaves which are also symbolic of longevity
Available in baby sizes and girls' sizes

This Red Chinese dress is perfect for your lucky charm!

Girl Red QiPao Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

Girl's Red Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress/Pants Set

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satin fabric is patterned/brocaded with beautiful golden plum blossoms and bamboo leaves
mandarin collar, cap sleeves, and hand sewn Chinese knotted buttons

This elegant Red Chinese pants set will transform your little girl to a beautiful and elegant Chinese princess!

Girl's Red Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress/Pants Set - Frog Knots and Snaps instead of Zipper

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Frog knots and snaps instead of zipper
Satin, brocaded fabric
Size 1-4 available

Make your daughter a pretty, stylish and a charming Chinese princess

Girl Pink Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

Girl's Pink Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

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Mandarin collar, cap sleeves
Easy dressing with the back zipper, and elastic waist pants
Hand sewn Chinese knotted buttons (frog buttons)

Very Girlie and popular Chinese Pants set. Place your order now!

Girl's Pink QiPao Traditional Chinese Dress

Girl's Pink Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress

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high-quality soft pink fabric brocaded with hot pink and cream bamboo and plum blossoms
Easy dressing with the back zipper
Available in Baby Sizes and Girls' sizes

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Girl Pink QiPao Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

Girl's Pink Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress/Pants Set - Frog Knots and Snaps instead of Zipper

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Size 1, 2 left
Uses Frog Knots and snaps instead of zipper
high-quality baby pink fabric brocaded with fuchsia bamboo and blossoms

Great color for a Chinese princess during her Chinese immersion, her Chinese inspired party and so much more!

Girl's Hot Pink Traditional QiPao Chinese Dress Costume

Girl's Hot Pink Traditional QiPao Chinese Dress Costume

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Easy dressing with the back zipper
Mandarin collar, cap sleeves, side slits
Baby Sizes Available

Not just a cheap costume but a high quality dress!