The embroidery craft of the Dao ethnic people in Thach An village, Cam Lien commune (Cam Thuy district) has been passed down through generations. The products made by the women not only showcase the skill, finesse, and creativity of the women but also reflect the lifestyle and beliefs of the Dao people.
The women of Thach An village are taught embroidery by local artisans.
Thach An village has 88 households with 426 inhabitants, mainly of the Dao ethnic group. According to the elders in the village, embroidery is closely linked to the lives of the Dao people. In the past, all Dao women knew how to embroider; girls learned from the age of 10 to 13 and by their twenties were proficient in embroidering costumes for themselves and their family members. In recent years, due to the impact of the market economy , the embroidery craft of the Dao ethnic group in general, and in Thach An village in particular, is gradually being forgotten. To preserve and promote the embroidery craft, in recent years, the Party Committee, along with the village's Front Committee and other organizations, have intensified efforts to encourage people to preserve the traditional embroidery craft of their ancestors; and to encourage families with children who are getting married to wear their ethnic costumes on their wedding day. At the same time, we encourage artisans to actively pass on their skills to future generations in order to continue preserving the unique cultural characteristics of their ethnic group.
Ms. Phung Thi An, one of the passionate Dao ethnic group's traditional embroidery artisans in Thach An village, said: "Since I was little, my mother always told me that Dao girls must know how to embroider. Therefore, I always strived to learn the craft, and by the age of 10, I was already embroidering clothes for myself and my family members. However, some young people in the village are not enthusiastic about the traditional clothing of our ethnic group. This is something that worries me and those who love traditional embroidery. I, along with some other women, went to each house to encourage young people to learn embroidery, teaching them the craft while also educating them about the value of the traditional craft passed down from our ancestors. Currently, there are about 50 women in Thach An village who know how to embroider. These are the successors who will preserve the embroidery craft of the Dao ethnic group."
It has been learned that the embroidery craft of the Dao ethnic people in Thach An village not only serves their daily lives but also holds sacred significance in their culture. The patterns and designs on their clothing, belts, headscarves, etc., originate from and are closely associated with their daily lives and work, reflecting the beliefs, customs, and traditions of the Dao people. Although the embroidery craft of the Dao ethnic people in Thach An village is facing difficulties, the love and dedication of the women here will play an important role in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.
Mr. Cao Van Tinh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Cam Lien commune, said: "With the method of elders teaching younger generations, and those with more knowledge teaching those without, the embroidery craft of the Dao ethnic people in Thach An village has seen many positive changes. However, to elevate traditional embroidery products beyond the family sphere and turn them into marketable goods, the attention of the district and relevant agencies is essential. This will contribute to preserving the traditional cultural identity of the ethnic group while creating jobs and increasing income for local people."
Text and photos: Xuan Anh
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