cultural identity

The Chinese dress, often referred to as the cheongsam or qipao, is more than a fashion statement. It carries layers of history, national identity, and politics. Over the years, this traditional garment from RobesChinoises has moved through dynasties, revolutions, and global fashion trends—shaped by and shaping how people see Chinese culture.

The Origins of the Chinese Dress

The qipao has its roots in the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). Originally worn by Manchu women, the early version was loose and covered most of the body. It became more fitted and stylized in the 1920s and 1930s, especially in cities like Shanghai. During this time, it started to reflect a more modern and urban lifestyle.

This period saw China experiencing strong political changes—Western influences were growing, and local intellectuals were calling for modernization. As women began to step out of traditional roles, their clothing changed too. The new version of the qipao became a symbol of the modern Chinese woman—independent, educated, and worldly.

Fashion as a Political Statement

Clothing often reflects political ideas, and the Chinese dress is no exception. After the Communist Revolution in 1949, the qipao was viewed by some as a sign of old or capitalist China. It was seen as bourgeois, linked to elite lifestyles that the new government wanted to leave behind. During the Cultural Revolution, most people were encouraged to wear simple, uniform clothing like the Mao suit.

At the same time, overseas Chinese communities and fashion designers in Hong Kong and Taiwan kept the qipao alive. In these places, it continued to evolve. It became a cultural symbol, proudly worn during festivals, beauty pageants, and international events to showcase Chinese identity. The difference in how the qipao was treated in different political systems highlights how one piece of clothing can take on very different meanings.

Global Perception and Controversy

Today, the qipao is recognized around the world as a key symbol of Chinese culture. It often appears at diplomatic events, in films, and on global fashion runways. Celebrities and politicians have worn it to show respect or interest in Chinese culture. But this can sometimes lead to controversy.

For example, when non-Chinese people wear the qipao, especially in Western countries, debates about cultural appropriation often follow. Some argue it is disrespectful if worn without understanding its meaning or history. Others say fashion is global, and sharing styles is a way of building cultural bridges.

Even within China, wearing the qipao can carry different political messages. In recent years, there has been a rise in hanfu—another traditional Chinese style from the Han dynasty—driven by nationalist pride. This movement encourages people to embrace older, “purer” forms of Chinese clothing as a sign of cultural revival. The choice to wear qipao versus hanfu can sometimes reflect political or social views.

The Role of the Qipao in Modern Politics

Chinese political leaders and public figures still use traditional clothing, including the qipao, as a soft power tool. First ladies and female diplomats often wear the qipao when representing China abroad. This promotes a graceful, unified image of Chinese culture and reinforces national pride.

At the same time, modern versions of the dress are being reclaimed by younger generations. They are styled in new ways, mixing traditional designs with modern fashion trends. This has allowed the qipao to become part of a larger cultural conversation about what it means to be Chinese in a changing world.

Social media has also played a role. Young people in China and across the world now use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share their own takes on the qipao. Sometimes it’s used to support political causes, highlight heritage, or push back against stereotypes.

Politics, Identity, and the Power of Clothing

In the end, the Chinese dress reflects the complexity of identity and politics. It reminds us that fashion is not just about what we wear—it’s also about what we believe, where we come from, and how we want to be seen. Whether it’s worn on the global stage or in everyday life, the qipao continues to carry messages that go far beyond its fabric.

As China continues to shape its place in the global order, expect to see more cultural symbols like the qipao being used in political, diplomatic, and media settings. What once started as everyday wear has become a powerful part of national identity and international conversation.

Traditional dried flower wreath Wreaths have been used for centuries to mark power, mourning, unity, and memory. From the laurel crowns of ancient Rome to the floral wreaths laid at memorials today, they convey powerful messages that extend far beyond mere decoration. Their shapes and materials may vary, but the symbolism remains strong, offering comfort, pride, and collective memory across nations.

In Germany, wreaths are often part of solemn state events, remembrance days, and public holidays that commemorate historical milestones. Their quiet presence speaks volumes. Handcrafted wreaths, like those offered through natural floral decor online at Farbenkranz, demonstrate how traditional crafts continue to hold cultural significance in modern society. These designs are more than aesthetic—they echo identity, tradition, and respect.

Wreaths and Political Rituals

Political symbolism depends heavily on visuals. Wreaths play a recurring role in events that seek to evoke dignity, loss, or unity. At state funerals, wreaths are placed by political leaders as a mark of honor. During national remembrance ceremonies, such as Volkstrauertag in Germany or Remembrance Sunday in the UK, wreath-laying by military officials and political figures serves as a collective expression of mourning and memory.

The circular form of the wreath, with no beginning or end, symbolizes eternity and continuity. This is why it often appears in ceremonies that address historical memory, national sacrifice, or even victory. The act of laying a wreath isn’t merely symbolic—it’s a performance of values: respect for the fallen, reverence for tradition, and unity across political lines.

Symbols That Unite and Divide

Throughout history, political groups have co-opted symbols to reinforce their identities or evoke emotional responses. In times of political tension or change, wreaths have been used in protests as both a peaceful gesture and a silent critique. For example, laying a wreath outside a government building can draw attention to a perceived injustice or a forgotten tragedy. The symbolism is gentle but firm. It delivers a message without the need for banners or slogans.

During anti-war demonstrations in the 20th century, protesters would lay wreaths at war memorials to highlight the cost of conflict. The gesture connected past and present, urging society to reflect on national decisions. In this way, wreaths became a visual protest—one that used tradition to ask difficult questions.

Germany’s Wreath Traditions and Cultural Identity

Germany’s relationship with wreaths runs deep. Seasonal and holiday wreaths are woven into everyday culture—from the festive Advent wreaths hung during Christmas to the grave wreaths carefully laid each November. These traditions reflect a national rhythm, one that values continuity and remembrance.

What makes German wreath-making particularly unique is its balance between precision and creativity. The wreaths from regions like Bavaria or Saxony showcase regional flora and traditional craft techniques. They reveal not just artistic style, but regional identity. When these crafts are revived or preserved, they become a form of cultural resistance to mass production and globalization. Supporting local makers also helps maintain an artistic voice.

Wreaths as Modern Political Tools

Though they are rooted in tradition, wreaths are far from outdated. Political campaigns, public commemorations, and international peace events continue to rely on them to convey messages of solidarity. When political figures from opposing sides join together to lay a wreath, it signals unity. When foreign dignitaries participate in wreath-laying at historical sites, it can mark reconciliation or diplomatic respect.

The use of flowers in these wreaths is also carefully considered. Red poppies, white lilies, or native blooms each carry coded meanings. A wreath filled with native wildflowers may subtly promote national pride, environmental values, or rural heritage. These design choices—intentional or not—form part of the message.

Traditional Crafts in Modern Politics

Far from being a forgotten art, wreath-making is finding new relevance. Whether created for a political ceremony or home decor, a wreath ties the present to the past. When these are made by hand—as with the dried floral designs of Farbenkranz—they offer more than beauty. They offer symbolism. They speak to our values, our heritage, and the meanings we assign to moments. Some people are also finding ways to explore cultural traditions beyond political narratives, where crafts like wreaths become symbols of community, rather than controversy.

As society leans toward fast, digital, and disposable, handcrafted symbols like wreaths provide a grounding contrast. They remind us that meaning is often built slowly, woven with care, respect, and thought. Political messages may evolve, but symbols like wreaths will continue to hold space in public life, quietly reminding us of who we are and what we value.

Conclusion

Symbols shape how people view themselves and their nation. Wreaths—profound yet straightforward—carry political weight that transcends language and party lines. Whether placed in honor, in protest, or celebration, they offer a visual language that resonates with cultural memory. In the hands of artisans and leaders alike, they remind us that tradition is not static—it speaks, it adapts, and it continues to influence the stories we tell as nations.

Politics and the Chinese Dress: A Look into Culture, Identity, and Power