Under the scorching sun, salt farmers in Hoa Loc commune are still diligently harvesting salt in the fields.
In the midday heat of summer, the salt fields in Hoa Loc commune resemble a giant mirror reflecting the sunlight. Not only do the salt farmers endure the heat from the sky, but they also face the heat radiating from the salt flats and the dazzling reflection of the white salt crystals. Despite these harsh weather conditions, the salt workers diligently rake, gather, and transport the salt. For them, the heat is both a challenge and a condition for the survival of the salt-making profession.
Mr. Le Van Loc, a salt farmer in Hoa Loc commune, shared: "Salt farming is extremely hard work. You have to wake up early in the morning, and the sun is strong enough to produce salt, so the hotter it is, the more we have to work in the fields." Mr. Loc's words reflect the unique nature of salt production. Unlike many other professions that avoid the sun, salt farmers hope for long sunny days so that the seawater evaporates quickly. The more intense the sun, the faster the salt crystallizes, and the higher the yield. Therefore, even under the scorching sun, people still have to wear conical hats, long-sleeved shirts, and masks, covering their bodies completely to work in the fields. Their footsteps on the burning hot salt fields have become a familiar sight in Hoa Loc salt village for generations. Mr. Le Van Thuan, 72 years old, from Hoa Loc commune, said: "Those who are new to the profession often suffer from sunstroke and dizziness, but the villagers are used to it. Some days, the sun is so intense that people become thin and weak, only having the strength to crawl back home."
Despite the hardships, salt production in Hoa Loc has existed for about 300 years, becoming an integral part of the cultural memory of the coastal residents. Through many changes, the salt fields remain a testament to the diligence and perseverance of the people here. Currently, the Tam Hoa Salt Cooperative manages two salt fields with a total area of about 26 hectares. Although it once flourished, only about 80 households still maintain the profession. Production only lasts about 6-7 months each year, entirely dependent on the weather. On rainy days, all activities must stop. The biggest challenge for salt production today is not only the harsh weather but also the income problem. The price of salt has remained relatively stable for many years, fluctuating between 2,100 and 2,300 VND/kg.
Mr. Le Van Kien, Director of Tam Hoa Salt Cooperative, said: "A household producing about 5 salt pans each day can harvest more than 100 kg of product, equivalent to more than 200,000 VND for two workers. This income is quite low compared to the effort put in under the scorching sun of the salt fields." Therefore, nowadays, no young people choose to stay in the profession. On the salt fields, only the figures of older workers remain. They continue to cling to the profession not only for their livelihood but also because of their love and responsibility to preserve the traditional craft of their homeland.
While salt workers face the heat of nature, blacksmiths in Trieu Loc commune endure the heat of a miniature "volcano." The heat from the charcoal furnaces and red-hot metal, combined with the outdoor temperature, creates a constantly stifling atmosphere inside the workshops.
Mr. Pham Tri Hung, 65 years old, a blacksmith who has been involved in the trade for many years, said: “This job is very hard. In winter, sitting next to the furnace makes your face crack, and in summer, it's unbearably hot. Especially during peak heat waves, it's so hot it burns your face, sweat pours down like a shower, and sometimes you're so hot and tired you can barely breathe, you have to rest after working for a while.” In the blacksmiths' forges, the temperature from the charcoal stove can reach about 1,000 degrees Celsius. The constant heat keeps workers sweating profusely. Their clothes are soaked after only a few minutes of work. According to Mr. Nguyen Van Long, owner of the Long Ka blacksmith workshop, if the outside temperature is around 38 degrees Celsius, the furnace area in the workshop can reach 44-45 degrees Celsius. The heat from the furnace fire and red-hot metal makes the already strenuous work even more difficult.
To cope with the high temperatures, blacksmiths often have to adjust their working hours. They start work very early, taking advantage of the cooler times of the day. Around 10 a.m., when the sun becomes intense, many workshops temporarily close and only resume operations around 4 p.m. Electric fans are used continuously in the workshops. However, according to many blacksmiths, this is only a partial solution as it cannot significantly reduce the heat from the forge. Besides the heat, workers also face many health risks. Working in high temperatures easily leads to dehydration, sunstroke, and heat exhaustion. Coal smoke and metal dust also directly affect the respiratory system. Therefore, most blacksmiths cover their faces with towels and wear wet towels on their heads to minimize the impact of the temperature.
On one side are the dazzling white salt fields under the scorching sun of the coastal region, and on the other are the year-round blazing forges. Everywhere is steeped in sweat, hardship, and the struggles of making a living. In reality, many traditional craft villages are facing a shortage of young workers as income doesn't match the effort put in. Yet, amidst the blazing summer heat, when many seek refuge from the sun, the people of Thanh Hoa's craft villages continue to cling to their traditional trades, preserving the cultural values and livelihoods that have been intertwined with their homeland for generations.
Text and photos: Phuong Do - Hoang Dong
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nguoi-dan-lang-nghe-muu-sinh-giua-chao-lua-mua-he-290118.htm
