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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 Red QiPao Chinese Dress Traditional qi pao

Girl's Red Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress

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Girl's beautiful red traditional Chinese dress (QiPao or qi pao).
Red is symbolic of good luck, vitality, and the New Year in the Chinese Culture!
Gold brocaded Red Cloth of bamboo and plum leaves are symbolic of longevity.

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.
Bamboo and plum blossoms symbolize long life.
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Girl Red QiPao Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

Girl's Red Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress/Pants Set

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Girl's beautiful red traditional Chinese dress pant set.
This style was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD).
This elegance red Chinese dress/pants set will transform your little girl to a beautiful and elegant Chinese princess!

Girl Pink Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

Girl's Pink Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

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Girl's beautiful Pink traditional Chinese dress pants set.
This style was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD).
The elegance of this Pink Chinese dress/pants set will transform your little girl to a beautiful and stylish Chinese princess!

Girl 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.
This style was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD).
The elegant Purple Chinese dress/pants set will transform your little girl to a beautiful and stylish Chinese princess!

Girl's Pink QiPao Traditional Chinese Dress

Girl's Pink Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress

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Our Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $9.99
You save $20.00!

Girl's beautiful Pink traditional Chinese dress (qi pao).
Qi Pao was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD).
The elegance of this Pink Chinese dress will transform your little girl to a beautiful and stylish Chinese princess!

Girl's Hot Pink Traditional QiPao Chinese Dress Costume

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Girl's beautiful hot Pink traditional Chinese dress (qi pao).
Qi Pao was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD).
The elegance of this Pink Chinese dress will transform your little girl to a beautiful and stylish Chinese princess!

Boy's Chinese Black with Red High Lights Traditional Costume Pants Set

Boy's Chinese Black with Red High Lights, Traditional Costume Pants Set

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Boy's Black Traditional Chinese Pants Set with frog buttons (embroidered), mandarin collar, dragon brocade, red edging on cap, and includes a hat with a pigtail!
Price reduced and moved to similar inventory types

Boy's Chinese Dark Blue with with Kung Fu Symbol, Traditional Costume Pants Set

Boy's Chinese Dark Blue with with Kung Fu Symbol, Traditional Costume Pants Set

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Boy's Dark Blue Traditional Chinese Pants Set with frog buttons (embroidered), mandarin collar, dragon brocade, red edging on cap, and includes a hat with a pigtail! Size 3 left

Girl's Purple Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

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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