The love fruit

Pao throwing (pó po) is a traditional folk game, unique to the Mong ethnic group in Northwest Vietnam in general and Son La province in particular. Pao throwing is usually organized during Tet (Lunar New Year), holidays, traditional festivals, and joyful occasions in the village. The pao ball is considered a symbol of the hope for happiness in love.

We invite you to visit the Northwest highlands during Tet (Lunar New Year) to join author Trinh Thong Thien in learning about and participating in this traditional game through the photo series "The Pao Ball of Love". This photo series was submitted by the author to the "Happy Vietnam" Photo and Video Contest , organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications .

The Hmong people in Northwest Vietnam have many unique folk games such as tu lu (a traditional game), stick pushing, tree climbing, and chicken badminton... but the most popular is still the pao throwing game. The pao ball is associated with the Hmong people from childhood to the end of their lives and becomes an enduring symbol of longing in love.

This is an ancient game that has been passed down to the present day. For the H'Mông people, the pao ball is ageless, closely associated with their lives, and it also serves as a sacred symbol to prove the love between couples.

With this game, the fatigue and hardships of daily life are dispelled, and for many H'Mông people, the pao ball is not just a game but also a nostalgic reminder of romantic love.

During the festivities, if a girl likes a boy, she usually subtly hides her feelings through her eyes and smile, while if a boy likes a girl, he keeps the pao ball to himself.

To make the pao (lu po), women usually sew together pieces of linen fabric to form a round ball, about the size of an orange, stuffed with flax seeds, because according to the Hmong people's belief, flax seeds symbolize fertility and growth. When sewing, the fabric must be rolled very tightly, then another large piece of fabric is sewn around it, sewing around the outside 2-3 times until it is full and round. The pao made by young women is more eye-catching and colorful, while the pao made by teenage girls is simpler, smaller, and usually black.

Pao throwing usually takes place in the village cultural center's yard, a football field, or any suitable area. Players are divided into two teams, male and female, with 3-10 people on each side, standing opposite each other, about 5-8 meters apart. The skill of the pao thrower lies in preventing the pao from falling to the ground. The pao flies back and forth, carrying with it the glances and smiles exchanged between the young man and woman. If a young man likes a girl, he keeps the pao as an excuse to take it to her house or to meet her to express his feelings.

The pao throwing game is simple, but with its unique characteristics, strong sense of community connection, and great spiritual value in social life, the Mong ethnic group has preserved and continues to preserve it.

Vietnam.vn