The Inheritance and Development of Traditional Chinese Clothing Among Overseas Chinese Under the Culture of Etiquette

Abstract

Chinese clothing encompassed both traditional attire and modern garments that reflected various Chinese cultures and contemporary fashion trends. The clothing of the Chinese not only mirrored the rich historical legacy but also integrated with global fashion trends.. This paper aims to investigate how the overseas  Chinese communities preserved or modernized aspects of traditional Chinese clothing within the context of traditional etiquette. The study examines traditional Chinese clothing such as phoenix crown and rosy robe, coat and skirt, long robe, qipao, Tangzhuang , and hanfu, as well as traditional decorative patterns such as peach-shaped decorations, dragons, and phoenix motifs. It also explores the modernization and cultural significance of these elements in the contemporary world, including the traditional costumes used in Chinese festival performances. Furthermore,  this research investigates the adaptability and preservation of these cultural items in the multicultural environments of the United States and Singapore. The relevance of these cultural items in rituals and performance is examined in this research to provide insight into how Chinese diaspora populations maintain and adapt their cultural heritage through clothing and accessories. Based on a balance between cultural preservation and adaptation of new societal standards, the findings underscore the continued importance of traditional Chinese wedding decoration and clothes among overseas Chinese. The maintenance of these customs across generational and geographic divides depends heavily on cultural interchange and preservation initiatives.