Women clad in hanfu, a type of traditional Chinese clothing dating back thousands of years, celebrate the Flower Festival at Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on April 14. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn] Nearly 200 women clad in hanfu, a type of traditional Chinese clothing, took part in the Huazhao Festival, or traditional Flower Festival, at Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on April 15. With a history of over 2,000 years, Huazhao Festival is held in celebration of the flower goddess' birthday. Because the climate varies drastically in different parts of China, people will hold celebrations on the second, 12th, or 15th day of February in the Chinese lunar calendar. The event commenced with a ceremony to honor the flower goddess, with 200 young women clad in hanfu performing a series of rites, including presenting incense, flowers and fruits to the goddess to pray for good luck. Apart from the ritual ceremony, hanfu lovers also held dances, parades and various shows for visitors to display the charm of Chinese traditional culture. The festival runs until May 12. |