The Giay ethnic group in Meo Vac mainly lives in the communes of Tat Nga, Nam Ban, Niem Son, Niem Tong... with 1,108 households and 5,438 people. Different from the brilliance of the Mong people's costumes or the sophistication of the Lo Lo ethnic costumes, the Giay people's costumes have a quiet and elegant beauty. For them, costumes are not simply a means of covering the body, but also a way to express a modest lifestyle, polite beauty and a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

The costumes of the Giay people in Meo Vac have a quiet and elegant beauty.
Women's clothing includes a short, five-panel shirt with a round neck and long sleeves, indigo or purple.

The traditional female costume of the Giay people consists of a short, five-panel shirt with a round neck and long sleeves, indigo or dark purple. The shirt is tailored to fit the body, the dark indigo sleeves blend with the body of the shirt, creating a modest, discreet and elegant look. The collar and sleeves are often edged with brightly colored floral fabric strips - a subtle accent in the otherwise somber color scheme. The light blue belt is not only a decorative detail but also helps to flatter the figure, keeping the shirt neat when moving. Below, Giay women wear short black skirts with small stripes, and a black scarf that covers their hair.

Women's costumes are also combined with silver jewelry and a conical hat with ethnic patterns, adding a solemn, noble yet rustic look.
The black headscarf hugs the hair, keeping it neat and warm – an indispensable feature.

The outfit is completed with silver bracelets, necklaces and a straw hat printed with ethnic patterns – simple but exudes a very unique elegance and nobility.

Men's clothing is simpler, usually consisting of an indigo tunic, wide-leg pants and a head scarf. Depending on age, position in the family or festival, the way the turban and accessories are worn also differs to show the role and status in the community.

Mr. Luc Thanh Minh, a resident of Nam Ban commune, shared: "On holidays, village festivals or weddings, we Giay people wear traditional costumes as a way to show respect to our ancestors and pride in our ethnic cultural roots."

Giay ethnic men's costumes are simpler with indigo long shirts, wide-leg pants and headscarves.

On traditional holidays such as Tet and traditional festivals, the Giay people in Meo Vac always wear traditional costumes.

In the modern pace of life, amidst the constant changes in the highlands, the image of Giay women in elegant indigo dresses still strides through the markets and festivals like a silent but persistent flow of traditional culture. Those dresses seem to tell the story of the mountains, of the village, of the people – simple but not monotonous, quiet but proud.

Preserving traditional costumes is not only protecting a cultural image, but also preserving the national soul in the midst of the great forest. It is also a part of the solid people's heart position, contributing to building an advanced Vietnamese culture, imbued with national identity in the Fatherland's border.

Article and photos: KIM THU

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/nguoi-giay-vung-cao-meo-vac-giu-hon-nui-rung-qua-tung-ta-ao-830679