For something different this year, however, you might want to consider donning the hanfu instead, to usher in the Year of the Boar.
In 2007, non-governmental organisation Young Malaysians Movement (YMM) Taman Sri Petaling branch in Kuala Lumpur started the Hanfu Movement as they were keen to spread awareness of hanfu, Han etiquette and traditional Chinese culture.
YMM member Sin Chen Yeong said most Chinese in Malaysia are of Han descent and hanfu is the traditional outfit of the Han.
“Pioneer YMM members started the movement with hopes that local Chinese would more learn about Chinese culture.
“Many think the cheongsam is traditional Chinese attire, but it is actually Manchurian.
“The form fitting cheongsam you see today is a modified version of the loose-fitting Manchurian qipao.
“Many Han-Chinese adopted the Manchurian hairstyle and clothing to conform and avoid persecution during the Qing dynasty,” he said of the Manchus who were an ethnic minority in China then.
He stressed that YMM was not against wearing the cheongsam as it was also a variation of a Chinese outfit.
“We have nothing against the cheongsam.
“It is a free country and people can dress as they like as it is a personal choice.
“We just want to raise awareness that the hanfu was around even before the cheongsam came about,” said Sin.
He added that while it was nice to see the Malays and Indians wearing their traditional costumes regularly, it was a pity that the Chinese no longer do so.
“We have received positive feedback from other races who think our hanfu is beautiful. Some of them also enjoy trying it on during our events,” Sin said.
Appreciating the hanfuAccording to Sin, hanfu is a general term referring to the clothing of the Chinese, encompassing its many variations, similar to the baju melayu, a general term for Malay clothing.
“The basic form is the ‘Y’ collar.
“This style has also influenced the Japanese and Koreans as they are part of the Sinosphere (East-Asian cultural sphere).
“The robes of monks also have the same collar,” he said.
The was no obvious difference for men and women in the basic design, but women tend to prefer flowery patterns on their hanfu, said Sin, citing examples of theshuheand ruqun.
“It is important to note that the left lapel is draped over the right as the opposite direction is only used when one is deceased,” he said.
Sin also dispelled several misconceptions about the Han.
“Some think the hanfu originated from the Han dynasty, but this is not so. The hanfu was worn by the Han-Chinese throughout the various dynasties up till the end of the Ming dynasty,” he explained.
“People have this notion that the hanfu is bulky, but there are variations, worn according to the four seasons.
“There are even hanfu designs suitable for our hot climate.
“We can opt for cotton and lightweight materials, and a simpler sleeve design (as opposed to the ones with large sleeves),” he said.
Those interested in getting a hanfu can either get it tailor-made or purchased online, Sin shared.
“Previously, we could only get it from China, but these days, there are local tailors who are able to make the hanfu.
“Most Malaysian tailors are skilled in western cutting for clothes.
“To make a hanfu, you need tailors who know how to follow oriental designs and sew the clothes properly,” said Sin.
He was happy to see more people were embracing the hanfu, and the trend is growing.
“Of late, I have noticed people wearing the hanfu in areas where we have not been to promote them.
“Like in Melaka where I am from, I have noticed people wearing the hanfu.
“Some may think only the older generation are interested in traditional culture, but we were surprised to see youths joining us as they are interested to learn about more Chinese culture too.”
He added, “Ten years ago, you would get stares if you wear a hanfu, but in recent years, there has been more acceptance among the public.
“Some people mistake the hanfu for the traditional Japanese yukata or kimono, or the Korean hanbok,” he said.
He also related an incident where he was once mistaken for a monk in Melaka when wearing a hanfu to a Chinese temple.
“The temple caretaker thought I was a monk and clasped his hands together to greet me!” he laughed.
Traditional greeting stylesAside from clothes, the members also showed several ways of greeting people in the olden days.
The common form is gong shou, whereby one hand is wrapped over the fist, similar to how one would wish gong xi gong xi during Chinese New Year.
For men, the practice is to wrap the left hand over the right while for women, it is the other way round.
Ping yi is another greeting gesture, similar to gong shou except the palms are open and face inwards, not clenched into a fist like the gong shou.
A more formal way is to have your arms stretched further.
YMM Taman Sri Petaling branch chairman Wong Chin Loong said to promote hanfu and Chinese culture, the association organises several activities throughout the year such as etiquette workshops, hanfu tailoring workshops, archery classes and an annual cultural camp.
These activities are usually held in August or September.
The association will have its annual Han Feast in March to raise awareness of Chinese dining etiquette.
