An Phu people preserve the traditional beauty of Mid-Autumn Festival

Mrs. Nhi is one of the few artisans who still make clay figurines in Hoang Duong village.

Hoang Duong's colorful figurines

In Hoang Duong village, the craft of making clay figurines has existed for a long time. Every August of the lunar calendar, many families in the village are busy preparing rice flour, colors, and bamboo frames to make hundreds of small, pretty clay figurines.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhi (60 years old) is one of the few artisans who still keep the profession. “From the 10th day of the 8th lunar month, I started making to he. In the past, children had few toys, so on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, every family had to buy 1-2 to he for their children and grandchildren. Now there are many modern toys, but to he still has its own unique features, both rustic and attached to childhood memories,” Ms. Nhi shared.

With nimble hands, Mrs. Nhi quickly molded a chicken-shaped clay figurine.

The process of making to he is very elaborate and completely manual. From soaking rice overnight, pounding the dough until smooth, steaming it and then mixing it with natural colors. When the dough reaches the right consistency, the craftsman begins to mold it into vivid shapes, such as chickens, buffaloes, fruit trays, and even winding dragons.

Mr. Pham Xuan Phuc (82 years old), who has been involved in the profession since his youth, still recalls with emotion: “During the subsidy period, the whole village made clay figurines. Thanks to this profession, many families were able to buy gold. I hope that my descendants will not let this profession disappear, because it is the culture of my hometown.”

Although he is old this year and no longer makes to he figurines, Mr. Phuc and his wife still keep all the tools to make to he figurines.

Nowadays, Hoang Duong to he is not as developed as before, but it is still the pride of An Phu people. The artisans who are still strong still work hard, teaching children and students at museums or festivals to preserve this beauty.

Giant Paper Doctor

If Hoang Duong to he brings the colors of childhood, An Dong village, An Doai is bustling with the custom of making giant paper doctors every Mid-Autumn Festival. This is a beautiful tradition that has existed for decades, showing the tradition of studiousness and the desire to become successful of the local people.

Mr. Le Dinh Hai, Head of An Dong village, said that every night on the 14th of the 8th lunar month, people carry the paper doctor around the village. People believe that this is a prayer for their children to study well, pass exams, and be successful.

A 2-3 meter tall paper doctor, made of an iron frame, cloth, and colored paper. The face, shirt, and motifs such as dragon, betel, moon, and parasol frame were all created by the villagers. From the end of the 7th lunar month, young men, women, and children in the village shared the work. Some built the frame, some pasted the paper, some painted the face, and some decorated. The working atmosphere was both joyful and close-knit.

Mr. Ngo Van Phuong (35 years old in An Dong village) shared: “Since I was a child, I have been involved in being a doctor. Now that I have children, I teach them. Not only to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival, but also to hope that my children understand the meaning of studiousness and effort in the new school year.”

During the procession night, the lion drums were bustling, and children eagerly ran after the procession carrying the doctor. It was a moment when the community turned towards knowledge, nurturing faith in the future of their children.

The harmony of two beauties of Mid-Autumn Festival

Mr. Phuong has been used to making these paper doctors since he was a child.

Mid-Autumn Festival in An Phu commune has a very unique character. While people in Hoang Duong village preserve traditional toys associated with childhood memories, people in An Dong and An Doai villages have a desire to learn through the custom of welcoming paper doctors. These two cultural features blend together to create a brilliant Mid-Autumn Festival, both innocent and rich in humanistic meaning.

Although modern society is flooded with plastic toys and electronic entertainment, An Phu people still persistently maintain traditional customs. For them, it is not only the joy of a full moon festival, but also a bond that connects the community, reminding children to appreciate the cultural values of their ancestors.

Many opinions suggest that these traditional Mid-Autumn Festival activities should be included in cultural experience programs in schools, festivals or promoted at tourist destinations. This is not only a way to preserve, but also opens up economic development associated with traditional culture.

Each small figurine, each giant paper doctor contains the love for their homeland, the faith and aspirations of the people of An Phu. Preserving these customs is not only to preserve a Mid-Autumn Festival, but also a way to pass on culture and nurture the souls of future generations.

LINH LINH

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/nguoi-an-phu-gin-giu-net-dep-trung-thu-truyen-thong-522711.html