The Zhuang nationality is the most populous ethnic minority in Guangxi and the country, mainly living in Nanning, Liuzhou, Chongzuo, Baise, Hechi, Laibin, Fangchenggang and other cities. The Zhuang people are widely distributed, so there are also differences in the style of traditional clothing. According to Luo Shujie, a professor at the School of Public Administration of Guangxi University and author of "Minimalist History of the Zhuang Nationality", the main color of the traditional clothing of the Zhuang people is black or dark blue.
Black elegance carved into the DNA
In the fashion world, black is an elegant, timeless classic without risk.
Some Zhuang people also love black, such as the Zhuang people in Napo County, Baise City, who like to wear black clothes.
Traditional Zhuang men's and women's costumes on display in the Guangxi Museum of Nationalities
The Zhuang costumes of Napo County, Baise City are mainly black, embellished with magenta, cyan, yellow, etc., and the women wear simple silver jewelry, which is elegant and generous as a whole. Qin Wenwu/photo
The color of the Zhuang costume in Napo County is black as the beauty, regardless of men and women, young and old, from the headscarf to the clothes, pants, skirts, and shoes are all black, which can be said to be black to the end, and other colors are only used as clothing modifications. Women wear silver jewelry and other accessories, which has its own unique exquisite beauty. The silver necklace they wear is in the shape of a fish, resembling a double fish kiss, representing the importance that the people attach to water.
Among the traditional Chinese five colors "green, yellow, red, white and black", black represents "water", symbolizing tolerance, solemnity, mystery and tranquility. Black is the aesthetic expression of the Zhuang people, and it is also their desire for peace and life.
Silver jewelry worn by the Zhuang people in Napo County. Guangxi University for Nationalities Qin Wenqiu/Courtesy photo
Tunlitun, Napo County, Baise City, is a natural village inhabited by the Zhuang people. Pictured in March 2024, tourists wearing Zhuang costumes handmade by local villagers. Guangxi University for Nationalities Qin Wenqiu/Courtesy photo
The clothes, skirts and trousers of the Longlin Zhuang people in the collection of the Guangxi Museum of Nationalities show three levels, also known as the "three-story building". The overall color is mainly black and blue. Wan Jing/photo
Among the traditional costumes of the Zhuang people, the more typical Zhuang people in Wuming District, Nanning like to wear blue clothes, and the costumes are dark blue, light blue, white and blue. Women's clothing is decorated with lace and is beautiful.
Modern Zhuang costumes fully integrate the elements of Zhuang brocade, the fabrics are more exquisite, the patterns are more complex and gorgeous, including performance costumes, daily improved clothes and other styles, presenting colorful beauty.
On April 2, 2024, a little girl of the Zhuang nationality played in the two alleys of the third street in Nanning City. Lan Hua/photo
The little brother of Beihai shows the Zhuang costumes. Source: Beihai Daily
Source: Guangxi Cloud Client