Discover My Lam craft village - the symbol of Hue's poem conical hat

The conical hat is not only a familiar symbol of Vietnam but also a close companion of workers. With its pure white color, the conical hat also symbolizes the grace and modesty typical of Vietnamese women.

It is not simply an item to protect from the sun and rain, but more than that, it has become a typical symbol associated with the gentle beauty of Hue girls.

The image of the conical hat has been deeply imprinted in poetry, highlighting the unique cultural features of this poetic, dreamy land.

The craft of making conical hats in Hue has existed for centuries, with many famous traditional craft villages such as Da Le, Sia, Phu Cam, Kim Long, Doc So or Trieu Tay.

Among them, My Lam conical hat craft village is particularly prominent, having preserved the conical hat making craft for nearly 160 years.

1. A few words about My Lam conical hat village

My Lam village, one of the oldest traditional craft villages in Hue, is famous for its conical hat making industry. This craft not only provides the main source of income for local people but also plays an important role in preserving and promoting the unique cultural beauty of the ancient capital.

From natural materials such as palm leaves, bamboo fibers and conical hat frames, talented artisans have crafted conical hats that are light, durable and full of artistry.

My Lam conical hats not only serve daily needs but also become a symbol of simplicity and sophistication in the Vietnamese soul.

Located along the Nhu Y River, My Lam village is in Phu My commune, Phu Vang district, about 8 km east of Hue city center. Tourists can easily visit the conical hat village by convenient means of transportation such as motorbike, taxi or bus.

2. History of My Lam conical hat village

My Lam conical hat village, with a history of nearly 160 years, is one of the bright spots of traditional craft villages in Hue.

Not only playing an important role in creating a source of livelihood for local people, the hat making profession here has also become a profound cultural symbol, especially with the unique image of the poem hat.

Materials for making My Lam conical hats. (Photo; Vietnam Pictorial Newspaper)

The My Lam branded conical hats are meticulously and skillfully crafted, showing sophistication in every detail. Thanks to the love and enthusiasm for the traditional hat making craft, up to now, about 80% of households in My Lam are still attached to and continue this meaningful work.

Conical hats are not only a simple handmade product but also reflect the rustic beauty and resilience of Hue people in daily life.

2013 marked an important milestone when My Lam conical hat village was officially recognized as a traditional craft village of Hue. This event breathed new life into the local community, as more and more people participated in preserving and promoting the value of conical hat making, sustainably preserving cultural quintessence.

3. The impressive beauty of My Lam conical hats

The craft of making conical hats in My Lam village requires sophistication and meticulousness from the artisans, from choosing the materials to completing the product. The main materials to make these typical hats are coconut leaves or light green pine leaves - leaves with high durability and beautiful natural colors.

The artisans have to iron the leaves many times to make them straight and flat, creating the perfect aesthetic effect when completing the hat.

Hat sewing process. (Photo: Vietnam Pictorial Newspaper)

In the process of sewing hats, the skillful skill of the craftsman is the decisive factor. The stitches need to be done meticulously and skillfully to ensure that the crochet thread is hidden, not revealing any details, bringing sophistication to the product.

A standard conical hat must have 16 even layers, creating a balanced and eye-catching shape. The unique feature of the My Lam poem hat is the hidden pattern layer inside. These patterns are often simple but extremely sharp and sophisticated images, cleverly hidden between two layers of leaves.

When the hat is held up to the sunlight, the patterns appear, giving this handmade product a unique appeal.

Besides the aesthetic value, the sophistication of each conical hat also lies in the symbolic images such as Truong Tien Bridge, Ngu Binh Mountain, Thanh Toan Tile Bridge, Ngo Mon Gate or Phu Van Lau, which are inserted between two layers of fragile leaves.

These famous architectural works and landmarks are not only associated with the beauty and history of the ancient capital, but also demonstrate the creative talent of the craftsmen. Through each meticulously cared-for detail, viewers can feel the soul of Hue imbued in each product.

In addition to architectural and natural symbols, poems about Hue are often engraved on the conical hats. They are meticulously cut from colorful glossy paper and inserted between two layers of leaves.

On the pure white background of the leaves, the gentle verses about the love for the homeland and the people of Hue appear full of emotion. The combination of verses with symbols has created a balance of aesthetics and unique cultural values.

When wearing the hat and holding it up to the light, a vivid picture of Hue seems to appear clearly. From the hidden patterns to the lyrical words, each work creates amazement for the viewer.

My Lam conical hats are loved by many tourists. (Photo: Vietnam Pictorial Newspaper)

Thanks to this sophistication, My Lam conical hat is not only a simple handmade product but also a symbol of art and culture, deeply reflecting the charming identity of Hue.

With its unique beauty and outstanding cultural value, My Lam conical hats are loved by many domestic and foreign tourists. Many people buy the hats not only for their own use but also as gifts, as a meaningful souvenir associated with the poetic and cultural image of Hue./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/kham-pha-lang-nghe-my-lam-bieu-tuong-non-la-bai-tho-xu-hue-post1036987.vnp