Hanbok: The Best Traditional Attire of Korea |
Posted: June 9, 2020 |
Traditions are an important part of society. It reminds us of our history and ancestors. These cultures and traditions that started decades or even some centuries ago make us feel like we are a part of our rich heritage. They are also often used to showcase togetherness and patriotism. Now, as there is a change in the thinking of the people, the traditions areno longer followed as often. People are making changes according to the trends and needs of the time. Koreans, however, particularly take their culture and traditions seriously, and they follow them with all their respect. One of the cultures and traditions that are still widely kept and respected today is Korean style of clothing, called “hanbok”. Here is an introduction to the hanbok, Korea's traditional attire. Hanbok It's a semi-formal traditional dress of Korea that is worn by men, women, and even children. It is mostly worn in traditional ceremonies like weddings and New Year's celebrations, festivals, and associated with vibrant colors. Women's hanbok consists of a jacket or a blouse, jeogori, and a wrap-around skirt, also known as chima, and this dress is also known as chimajeogori. The men's ensemble consists of jeogori and loose-fitting trousers, also known as baji. There are also hanboks for children as well, and they are expected to wear it on the Korean New year's celebration or on their first birthdays. The children's ensemble is complete with a jacket or blouse, jeogori, vest, skirts, headgears, and other accessories. These are for both young boys and girls. Colors and Material of Hanboks In Korean culture, the colors of Hanbok hold meaning. They showcase the social and marital status of the people. The vibrant colors of children's Hanbok contrast the less vibrant colored hanboks of adult wearers. Single women wear a combination of red chima and yellow jeogori, while the married women and mothers are expected to wear green and red combination hanbok. The materials of the Hanbok also speak volumes about the people like their position in society. The upper classes' Hanboks are made by weaving expensive light cloth material. It even includes patterned silk. A more common version of the hanbok is made out of cotton or synthetic fabric. Premium hanbok is also custom-tailored to fit the wearer. Embroidery on Hanboks The Hanboks are traditionally embroidered as well. Hanboks have special embroidery designs for special occasions, like peonies for weddings that convey the message of prosperity. Lotus flowers are there for hope for nobility, while phoenixes, tigers, and dragons are there only on hanboks of the royals and officials. Conclusion Hanboks are still popular in Korean culture. The men, women, and children all wear Hanboks according to their marital and social statuses. Also, they pair the Hanbok attire with the traditional headdresses and hairstyles. Unmarried women and even men are expected to pile their braided head on their head. The men can also wear their hair into a knot on their head. With the rise of Koreans immigrating out of South Korea and growing roots in other areas of the world, Koreans are still holding onto their tradition of hanbok by purchasing hanbok from online retailers like the Korean in Me. With the internet, people all across the globe can now easily buy traditional clothes and other items that used to be exclusively Korean.
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