The exceptional creativity of the Chinese people has seen them having a symbol for everything, including longevity, death, and life. Chinese art encompasses all the aspects of life and uses them to tell a story without the need to use words. When it comes to symbolizing longevity, deer, pine, gourd, peach, bamboo, and the Crane are used.
The cranes play a huge role in the mythology of the Chinese people, especially as the prince of all creatures with feathers. It holds legendary status and embodies peace and longevity. The crane motif was used on civil officials’ robes to show rank in imperial times. Its ability to fly high and also for long distances saw its wings used as amulets to protect against exhaustion.
The crane posture and settings meaning
Cranes are very common not just in artifacts but also in the Chinese Hanfu. There are yellow, blue, black, and white cranes. However, the color only holds a little significance as the posture of the birds is presented.
- When shown with wings stretched out with one leg raised, it symbolizes longevity
- A crane under a pine tree near spotted deer shows prolonged life
- When among peony flowers, prosperity and longevity are the indications
- When among lotus flowers, it stands for purity
- When flying toward the sun, social advancement desire is signified
- When perched on rocks looking towards the sun, it shows authority ruling everything
- When the red-crested Crane is shown flying among roses and clouds, it symbolizes nobility, and wisdom
The Crane is highly regarded because the Chinese believe it carries spirits to heaven after people die. They are also considered pure and clean for the fact that they love flying in clear blue skies above the dusty, polluted earth. Whichever posture you get on your hanfu, it is clear that it will only symbolize and spread good vibes. When you are aware of what you are wearing, the positives have a way of rubbing on you. Don’t be surprised, therefore, if you feel full of life and hopeful for the future when wearing a crane hanfu.
If you feel the cranes are the birds you want to relate with, especially on a hanfu, check out the hanfu dresses below to find the perfect one.
1. Cloud Crane
The fully printed Crane, cloud and wave pattern skirt is calming to the senses; it almost feels meditational. The inner garment and overcoat are white and beautifully embroidered with red crested cranes flying over the landscape. This hanfu has a cool, thoughtful outlook that looks appealing in outdoor and indoor settings. Of course, being a couple’s costume, you can match in unison to those events you have been invited to.
2. Qixiong Dress
The fluidity of this one-piece dress makes it a dance dress you will have a swift time swinging in. The skirt is a pale blue embroidered with cranes flying down to the water below as if to catch some food. It also has turquoise green flower embroidery completing the neutral colors softly. The pink edge on the collar adds a little pop to the dress and harmoniously works with the rest of the tones. This is easy to wear dress suitable most for summer.
3. White Hanfu
The white color of the hanfu gives it a refined look that would be ideal for religious ceremonies. The underskirt is pinkish and matches the waist ribbons. The cranes and white and black with red crests flying among flowers. The skirt is particularly crowned with the cranes on the front bottom part, whereas the top has the cranes on the shoulders. The green belt is also adorned with the graceful bird, yet all these details do not overwhelm the pristine look of the hanfu. The frilly hem adds some beautiful flattery to the dress, which is also on the top sleeves. You can expect comfort when wearing this stunning dress because the fabric is light and airy.
4. Vintage Hanfu Robe
The acetate fabric of this green hanfu is shiny and pleasing to the eye. It is a solid color robe with crane embroidery on the chest. The Crane is standing among flowers, looking sideways as though searching for something, or paying attention to something. The round neck and big sleeve robe can be worn by both men and women, although it has a very masculine appearance overall.
5. Jacket Hanfu
This hanfu dress is delicate in terms of color and embroidery. The peach skirt and coat, with the white top, are clean and pure. The embroidery is also done in sweet yellows and reds. The cranes are at the bottom front of the skirt, coat sleeves, and collar. They are blue feathered, and you will find your eyes attracted for a closer look. Other Chinese elements are also present in this hanfu, including the temple, flowers, and rivers on the coat’s back. The black and white colors are stylish. The cranes flying over the towers and mountainous, floral landscape are amazing, especially because they are done on the sleeve parts of the jacket, giving them a pop.
Conclusion
The hanfu is not only a cultural symbol but has also become a fashion garment. Textile developments have seen the evolution of the hanfu, making it possible to find it in all sorts of colors, embroideries, prints, patterns, fabrics, and designs. Modern hanfu dresses are even designed short of matching the preferences of the younger generation, which tends to be more inclined toward fashion, but still wants to associate with the rich hanfu heritage and culture.
When buying your first hanfu, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with a little history. This will be very helpful in choosing a style that you love most or that matches your personality. The options are so many, dive right in and start searching for your perfect set.