Conversation 3
A: How nice these robes are! What do you call them in Chinese!
B: We Chinese call them "Qipao", a long robe with a split at each side seam.
A: Could you tell me the meaning of different patterns and designs on them?
B: Sure. The pattern of peony and phoenix symbolizes fortune and nobility. This fabric has an interesting pattern with mandarin ducks, which is typically Chinese. In China the design of dragon and phoenix means a very happy family, it also means authority.
A: I see. I can't decide which color is better.
B: In China yellow was for a long period of time considered to be of noble value symbolizing central authority. Kings and officials were entitled to wear yellow. Look, the yellow color and the design of dragon and phoenix are very harmonious.
A：哦，这些长袍多漂亮啊！用中文怎么说的？
B：我们中国人称之为“旗袍”，它的两侧开叉。
A：请告诉我旗袍上不同花纹和图案的含义好吗？
B：当然可以。这种牡丹凤凰图案象征着富贵。这种料子印着有趣的鸳鸯图案，非常有中国特色。在中国“龙凤呈祥”图案象征家庭幸福，也象征着权力。
A：我明白了。我不知哪种颜色更好。
B：在中国，黄颜色在很长一段时间里被视为高贵权势的象征，过去只有国王和大臣们才有资格穿用。看，这种黄色和“龙凤呈祥”图案非常协调。 |