Refer China: Foreigners Mistake Funeral Clothes for Traditional Wear

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Foreign Tourists Mistake Funeral Clothes for Traditional Wear—What the Shopkeeper Did Next

A recent viral video has sparked both amusement and reflection as it shows a group of foreign tourists in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, mistakenly shopping for Chinese funeral attire, believing it to be traditional clothing.

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According to a report by Huashang Daily, the shopkeeper, whose store specializes in shouyi (clothing used for burial, specifically burial clothes worn to dress the deceased), recounted the unusual encounter.

"A large group of foreigners came into the store, eagerly trying on funeral garments. I was baffled. When I saw them wearing the outfits, I knew something was off," the shop owner explained. Due to the language barrier, she struggled to communicate the intended use of the garments.

Despite her efforts to politely refuse their purchase — fearing they misunderstood the cultural significance — some of the visitors persisted, believing the refusal was a negotiation tactic. "They thought I was trying to hike the price," she said. In the end, the shopkeeper agreed only to sell them a few hats traditionally worn by centenarians, which she deemed appropriate and respectful.

The incident drew a mix of reactions online. Some joked that the tourists might have mistaken the funeral outfits for Tang suits, or interpreted "shouyi" as "longevity-enhancing clothes." One netizen even shared a past encounter with a foreign woman wearing funeral attire while out shopping.

Image of shouyi on Taobao

Despite the confusion, the shopkeeper emphasized the importance of integrity: "Even if they don't understand our culture, we do. We can't take advantage of that." Her principled stance earned praise across Chinese social media platforms.

Source: 红星新闻