By Li Yuting

The Han clothing dressers from Han Wei Yang started their stroll from People’s Square at about 18:00p.m February 27, one day before this year’s Chinese Lantern Festival. Photo: Tang Hongbin

On February 27, a row of 30 people dressed in traditional Han clothing strolled along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall in Shanghai in an advance celebration of the Chinese Lantern Festival (which is celebrated on February 28 this year). They all come from a civil group named Han Wei Yang, which aims to promote traditional clothing and cultural etiquette of the Han ethnic group.

With snow-white rabbit lamps leashed to their hands, colorful silky skirts reaching to their feet and the traditional black hat of ancient scholars on their heads, they stand in stark contrast to the onlookers wearing modern clothing. They strolled comfortably and confidently among the crowds.

“We dress and walk in this way to make ourselves noticeable and to popularize the culture of Han clothing and the Chinese Lantern Festival, as well as answer questions anyone showing interest in us,” said Ni Liu, the leader of Han Wei Yang and organizer of this activity. Mr. Ni told Global Times that this is the third year Han Wei Yang celebrated Lantern Festival in this way. They also regularly hold activities on Chinese lunar festivals such as Dragon Boat Festival and the seventh eve of the seventh lunar month（which is called Qi Xi in Chinese).

Starting from People’s Square and arriving at Yu Garden, they walked in an orderly formation, with lanterns in hand. Their distinctive dress caught the attention of lots of pedestrians passing by, many of whom stopped to stare at the group, often with looks of astonishment or confusion. When they stopped at Century Plaza, they played with their rabbit lamps and took photos with curious pedestrians.

“I’m so surprised to see these people dressed in Han Clothing at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall. It is like ancient people have come into the modern city. Anyway, they reminded me that Lantern Festival is coming and its traditional customs are very interesting,” said a passing college student surnamed Wang.

Manuel, a Spanish man who is now studying Chinese in East China Normal University, was passionately taking photos of the procession of people garbed in Han clothing. He followed them from People’s Square to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall. “The clothes are so beautiful and I’m quite interested in these Chinese traditions,” he said.

Sun Youmei, associate leader of Han Wei Yang, is displaying her beautiful Han dress to the onlookers.

However, there are doubtful whispers popped up constantly. Some thought they were wearing Kimonos or Hanboks, others judged that they were participating in cosplay or performing a show. When asked, members of the Han Wei Yang will explain what they wear and why. “Many people mistake Han clothing for other clothes, so it’s our obligation to make it recognized and more accepted by our people, especially on this Chinese traditional lunar festival.” said Xi Yadan, a bamboo flute wielding member of Han Wei Yang.

Dennis, a Canadian architect, said it was his first time hearing about Lantern Festival, also followed the strolling group for the entirety of their journey. He said it was the eye-catching traditional Han clothing that stimulated his interest in the Chinese lunar festival. The organizer also told Global Times they are planning to make some informational material in English for foreigners.

The Chinese Lantern Festival, which is also called Yuanxiao in Chinese, falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and it also marks the end of the Chinese New Year festival. On that day people traditionally hang lanterns, play with rabbit lamps, ask and solve riddles and eat tangyuan, a ball shaped Chinese food made of glutinous rice flour with various fillings served on the Chinese Lantern Festival.
 

Xuan Nong, who was once selected as Miss Han Wei Yang, is hanging a DIY lantern at Century Plaza in Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall.

Sun Youmei, associate leader of Han Wei Yang, is playing with a DIY rabbit lamp at Century Plaza in Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall.

Four young girls dressed in Han clothing walking in a line on the street with lanterns in hands. (From left to right: Si Rong, Duan Murong, Zi Ji, Lv Zhi)