The Chinese Hanfu is experiencing something of a revival in modern communist China. A beautiful relic of a graceful time in Imperial Chinese history, the flowing garments represent a point of pride for the descendent’s of an ancient activity.

The majority of the Chinese population consider themselves Han. The Han Dynasty ruled the country from 206 BC until 220 AD. Their culture and the associated clothing were outlawed by brutal repression.

The coming of the communists in the mid 20th century brought even more efforts to erase the past history of China. That was a lot of history since china is the oldest continuous country in the world.

The communists still rule China and have no plans to relinquish control anytime soon. What has changed is the amount of wealth coming into the country. More importantly, a portion of that wealth is landing in the pockets of individual citizens.

Even with heavy taxes and strong economic controls the communist government still cannot prevent the growth a middle class and even a few wealthy individuals. Capitalism is finding a home in the largest communist country on Earth.

Many modern Chinese are spending their excess income not on decadent western consumerism (as their ruling party calls it). Instead they have turned their attention inward, beginning to explore their cultural identity.

Many Americans enjoy dressing in period costumes. Whether it be colonial settlements in the east or Civil War reenactments in the North and South, or Old West culture in the desert southwest, history comes alive from coast to coast.

Europeans also have cultural costumes from their past, from the English tournament jousts to Bavarian villages in Germany. Looking back helps give a nation and its people a sense of themselves, a link to their ancestors.

The Han Chinese are searching for that link. The advent of the Internet has presented opportunities to them previously unavailable. Han enthusiast can communicate in forums (fora?) and exchange information. They can order, design and purchase beautiful replicas of Han period clothing.

Now the Olympics are approaching. It is common for the host country to put their finest cultural heritage on display. What do the communists have to show? Vast hordes of people in ranks wearing identical gray with small red stars. Hardly an impressive display.

The government might consider reaching back to a colorful pint in their history, to the graceful Hanfu with the voluminous sleeves the scholarly, beaded hats and boat-toed shoes. Likely Chinese citizens would welcome the opportunity to parade national pride on the streets of the city while the eyes of the world are on it.

Their is no valid reason for the communist government to object and nothing to gain but prestige. Don’t expect them to say “no” to the Hanfu.