An online petition calls for traditional Han-dynasty costumes to be the official uniform of the Chinese delegation during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Han costume or "Shenyi" designed for men is a full-length, one-piece robe which links the Yi and Chang together to wrap up the body. It is cut separately, but sewn together. Shenyi was named because when worn "the body is deeply wrapped up".[Xinhua]

"We have submitted our petition to the Beijing Olympic Committee(BOCOG)" said Fu Lujiang yesterday, who initiated the suggestion. He is from an old-style Ming De private school in Hebei Province. Fu claimed his proposal has the support of a group of famous Chinese scholars, as well as many people across the country who echoed the idea online.

BOCOG today said it hadn't received any proposals, but confirmed Chinese elements will definitely be integrated into the delegation uniform design. 

The suggestion says that "As China is the host of the Olympic Games, it is absolutely necessary to demonstrate our unique centuries-old culture by dressing up in ethnic outfits and saluting our ancient customs. It will impress both domestic spectators and overseas guests." 

Advocates: embodies Chinese tradition  

Large-robed garments tied with a sash, bow and scrape could take back people to ancient periods.

The Han costume, or "Shenyi," originated from the Shang Dynasty (17th - 11th century B.C.), and long served as formal clothing for Chinese people until the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 A.D.).


"There exists a misunderstanding that some think a Han-style costume was only worn during the Han dynasty," said an unidentified online petitioner. "But we just aim to evoke Chinese traditional culture." 

It is not only the instance where the public has shown an interest in reviving traditional culture through Han-style fashion. This style of dress can also be seen on young people at weddings, concerts and even a Han costume-themed restaurant made its debut in Beijing last year.

The petition, titled "Making Chinese hear our own voice and see our own symbols at the upcoming Olympic Games" also highlights a proposal brought forward by China National People's Congress (NPC) member Ye Hongming to nominate the Han-style dress as the "Chinese national costume," hoping "Chinese people can demonstrate their ethnic charm."

Han costume or "Shenyi" designed for the female is a full-length, one-piece robe which links the Yi and Chang together to wrap up the body. It is cut separately, but sewn together. Shenyi was named because when worn "the body is deeply wrapped up". [Xinhua]

Opponents: a profit-making scheme

But those against the idea don't understand the obsession with old-style attire, criticizing the proposal of Han-style dress as a way to make profits.

One netizen, Xiao Li, said Han costume is "nice as the uniform for Chinese athletes" during the Beijing Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies but questioned whether the ancient-style outfits resembled the Japanese Kimono a little?

Xiao is not the only one with concerns of making the Chinese uniforms stand out from other Asian countries, like Japan, Korea and India.


Experts: Reviving the tradition or just for show?

Cultural expert Wang Xudong thought the trend of Han-style costumes is neither a classical culture renaissance, nor a series of superficial "shows."

Traditional etiquette, on the one hand,is too old to be revived completely; on the other, today's contemporary society is absorbing the exotic civilization and burgeoning internal elements, says, Zhang Yiwu, a well-known Chinese literature professor at Peking University, of the current Han costume mania.

While most cultural scholars stress that if a style of costume is named as the national costume, it should be at first widely recognized by the whole country, not just by a governmental body.