In China, when a person reaches the age of retirement, he dons a red vest. This is meant as a badge of honor, an announcement of his high status in the culture. One of the key effects of donning this ritual garment is that it helps pave the way for the man to release his need to behave in a socially sanctioned manner. He is emancipated, free to act more in accordance with his heart than his head. It's a time for living in the land of myth and mystery, a time to build bridges back to the dreams and ideals of his youth.
— Kathleen Wall, Gary Ferguson, Rites of Passage