Weaving brocade in the Central Highlands in the new rhythm of life

Giang Thi Pang's skillful hands weave costumes imbued with the traditional features of the H'Mong people. (Photo: Xuan Son)

The Central Highlands, a highland region, is not only famous for its majestic nature, but also for preserving the rich cultural traditions of ethnic minorities. Among them, brocade weaving, especially the traditional costume making of the H'Mong people, is considered a symbol of identity, preserving cultural memories through every needle and thread. The story of Giang Thi Pang, a 23-year-old girl in village 5, Ro Men commune, Lam Dong province, is a vivid testament to the efforts to preserve and restore that traditional value.

Not just for living

Giang Thi Pang became involved in the traditional costume sewing profession of the H'Mong people a year ago. Unlike many young people who leave their villages to seek new opportunities in the city, Pang chose to return to her village, with the loom, needles and threads, and brocade patterns that have nurtured her soul since childhood.

She shared that at first learning the profession was not difficult because "this is the job I love", although her parents objected, but thanks to the encouragement of her two older sisters, especially her third sister, who also sewed ethnic costumes for the family, Pang was determined to pursue her passion.

The Hmong costumes she makes not only bear a strong cultural imprint, but also demonstrate meticulous techniques with elaborate patterns and beading. Depending on the complexity, a costume can take from 1 to 4 days to complete. Although orders are not frequent, the value of each product is enough to help her maintain a stable income.

What is admirable about Pang is that she not only does this job to make a living, but also wants to build trust with buyers. “In my village, people often order things online but are afraid of being cheated, so I want to sew them myself so that anyone who wants to can come and see, and if they like it, they can buy it,” Pang shared. That simple thought shows the desire to affirm the value of traditional products, made by the hands and passion of people in the community.

Hmong costumes not only bear a strong cultural imprint, but also demonstrate meticulous techniques with elaborate patterns and beading. (Photo: Xuan Son)

New life

However, the reality shows that there are not small challenges in preserving and developing the profession. As the President of the Women's Union of Ro Men commune, Ms. Nguyen Thi Trang, commented, although the village still has an embroidery team of 16 women, most of them only do it in their free time.

The struggle for survival, lack of output and the gap between effort and income make many people no longer interested in the profession.

To solve this problem, the locality is implementing a number of practical policies. The Commune Women's Union has mobilized the establishment of a women's weaving group, organized intergenerational craft transfer, and supported women in accessing digital technology to introduce products on social networks.

In addition, the eco -tourism model associated with traditional cultural experiences is also being oriented for development. Although the terrain of village 5 is not as favorable as other areas, cultural life, including brocade weaving, village conventions, and festivals, is still a unique resource to attract tourists.

A notable highlight is that ethnic festivals are still held annually, especially during Tet. Traditional games such as top-spin, tug-of-war, and stick-pushing not only help unite the community but also create a space to introduce costumes and brocade products.

Giang Thi Pang’s journey is not only a small slice of the brocade culture of the Central Highlands, but also suggests a bigger picture: Cultural heritage cannot be preserved without the participation and companionship of the younger generation. In a society that is changing at a dizzying pace, young people like Pang, though few, are still a smoldering flame that preserves national identity.

Only when culture is not kept in glass cabinets but lives in everyday life, is trusted and chosen by young people, will the colors of Central Highlands brocade continue to shine brightly on the ancient red basalt soil.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/det-sac-tho-cam-tay-nguyen-giua-nhip-song-moi-317135.html