Silver in the life of the Red Dao people - Cao Bang Electronic Newspaper

In the cultural life of the Red Dao people, silver plays an important role, not only expressing aesthetics but also carrying many religious ideas associated with customs, rituals and community identity.

For the Red Dao people, silver is not only a precious metal but also considered an “inseparable object” of women, becoming an indispensable part of rituals and daily activities. In particular, white silver is used as an indispensable jewelry in the costumes of Dao ethnic women. Most of the silver jewelry is handcrafted by Dao artisans using traditional manual methods.

Ms. Trieu Mui Nai, Thuong Thac hamlet, Tam Kim commune, who has many years of experience making traditional costumes of the Red Dao people, said: The Red Dao people are famous for their traditional costumes with distinct features, expressed in the delicate layout and ingenuity in each needle and thread. On traditional costumes, silver is crafted into round coins, stars, flowers... sophisticatedly. The most elaborate is the bib, which is completely hand-embroidered with red and white threads and meticulously attached with small silver flowers around the neck. From the collar down is a row of rectangular silver buttons, on the surface of the buttons are beautifully carved moon and sun flowers. Accompanying that is a set of silver relics with images of: fish, small knives, tweezers... and also objects depicting images close to, closely associated with the daily life of the Dao people.

Along with the colorful traditional costumes, decorated with delicate silver details, the indispensable highlight is the bracelets also made of white silver, contributing to the unique beauty of the costume. Red Dao women often wear one to two large silver bracelets, handcrafted by the local people. To complete a solid silver bracelet, the craftsman must spend 2-3 days meticulously from melting silver, pouring molds, shaping to carving patterns, creating a durable product with high aesthetic value.

For the Red Dao people, silver is not only a precious metal but also considered an "inseparable object" of women.

The Red Dao believe that when a woman marries, she will take care of the family’s affairs on her husband’s behalf. Therefore, the mother-in-law often gives her daughter-in-law a silver bracelet as a token of responsibility and affection. The bracelet is both a dowry and a symbol of the bond between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Not only is silver a piece of jewelry that highlights traditional costumes, it also symbolizes abundance, health and prosperity. Wearers believe that silver brings luck, fortune, peace and happiness to the family, and at the same time represents the wealth and prosperity of the owner. Therefore, they always work hard and save to buy silver to store and use for important occasions. Families that do not have it will buy it or exchange it with other families, turning silver into a bond that connects the clan and the community.

According to the elders, when children are born, their mothers and grandmothers will put on a hat with a silver bell, the first ringing sound in the baby's ear is also a warm greeting from the family, as a way to mark the presence of a new member in the family. Growing up, on every stage of life from childhood to adulthood, silver is present as an indispensable part of the lives of the Red Dao people... In each family, silver is kept as a precious treasure, a "savings" used to marry children, to prepare for old age, illness and when passing away, placing a silver coin in the mouth is a ritual to help the soul return to the ancestors, sending good words and beautiful wishes to bless the descendants with luck and peace.

In particular, Red Dao women are always careful in preserving silver jewelry. Each item is carefully wrapped in newspaper to avoid tarnishing. Costumes are stored in boxes or hung high to avoid mold, and are occasionally brought out to dry in the sun. In each family, silver is kept as a treasure. Many jewelry sets have survived through many generations, leaving a deep mark on generations, grandparents, and ancestors.

Although in the flow of modern cultural exchange, the life of the Red Dao people has changed a lot, causing many traditional values to gradually fade away, but silver still retains its sacred value. It is not only a symbol of the past, but also a strong bridge between old memories and the current pace of life. Therefore, through many generations, the Red Dao people have always cherished and preserved this heritage, so that the national cultural identity will forever be passed down and shine.

Thanh Tu

Source: https://baocaobang.vn/bac-trang-trong-doi-song-cua-nguoi-dao-do-3179636.html