Mangfu (Chinese: 蟒服; pinyin: mǎngfú; lit. 'python clothing/python garment'), also known as mangpao (Chinese: 蟒袍; pinyin: mǎngpáo; lit. 'python robe'), huayi (Chinese: 花衣; pinyin: Huāyī; lit. 'flower clothing'), and python robe, sometimes referred as dragon robe although they are different garments, in English, is a type of paofu, a robe, in hanfu. The mangfu falls under the broad category of mangyi (Chinese: 蟒衣; pinyin: mǎngyī; lit. 'python clothes'), where the mangfu is considered as being the classic form of mangyi.[1] The mangfu was characterized by the use of a python embroidery called mang (Chinese: 蟒; pinyin: mǎng; lit. 'python') although the python embroidery is not a python snake as defined in the English dictionary but a four-clawed Chinese dragon-like creature.[2] The mangfu was derived from the longpao (simplified Chinese: 龙袍; traditional Chinese: 龍袍; pinyin: lóngpáo; lit. 'dragon robe') in order to differentiate monarchs and subjects; i.e. only the Emperor is allowed to wear the long, five-clawed dragon, while his subjects wear mang.[3][4]: 18, 20 The mangfu was worn in the Ming and Qing dynasties.[2][5] They had special status among the Chinese court clothing as they were only second to the longpao.[1][6]: 204 Moreover, their use were restricted, and they were part of a special category of clothing known as cifu (simplified Chinese: 赐服; traditional Chinese: 賜服; pinyin: cìfú; lit. 'bestowed clothing'), which could only be awarded by the Chinese Emperor (or by the Empress Dowager on the behalf of the Emperor) in the Ming and Qing dynasties, becoming "a sign of imperial favour".[1][4]: 18, 20 People who were bestowed with mangfu could not exchange it with or gifted it to other people.[1] They were worn by members of the imperial family below of crown prince, by military and civil officials, and by Official wives.[2][4]: 18, 20 As an official clothing, the mangfu were worn by officials during celebration occasions and ceremonial events.[2][4]: 18, 20 They could also be bestowed by the Emperor to people who performed extraordinary services to the empire as rewards, to the members of the Grand Secretariat and to prominent Daoist patriarchs, imperial physicians, tributary countries and local chiefs whose loyalty were considered crucial to secure the borders.[1] The mangfu is also used as a form of xifu, theatrical costume, in Chinese opera, where it is typically found in the form of a round-necked robe, known as yuanlingpao.[7]: 300 In Beijing opera, the mangfu used as xifu is known as Mang.[8]
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