Indigo preserves cultural memories, awakens the inspiration of young people

The Color of Memory

“Indigo shirt brings farewell/Holding hands, what to say today”, the verses of poet To Huu seem to engrave the image of a memory, where indigo is not only a dye, but also the breath, the soul of many Vietnamese people.

For the Thai, Mong, Dao, Nung, Tay ethnic groups, indigo is a dye, a cultural breath, a lasting memory passed down through the hands of grandmothers and mothers for generations. The journey to preserve that beauty is being continued today by young people of Gen Z through the project "Indigo - Memory of Hands", a project that strives to bring traditional colors into contemporary life through inspiring stories and experiences.

Photo caption — Young people perform the play "Indigo Memories" recreating the story of human memories and the journey of continuing tradition.

Hmong ethnic artisan Hang Y Co shared that, although they all use indigo, each ethnic group keeps its own secret to create unique shades for each piece of fabric. For the Thai people, indigo is created through a meticulous soaking, drying, and dyeing process, creating a color that lasts over time. For the Hmong people, the indigo soul is put into the sophisticated beeswax painting technique. The Dao people combine indigo dyeing with intricate pattern printing, creating a beauty that is both rustic and luxurious. All blend together, creating an "indigo symphony" of the mountains and forests.

For the Muong people, indigo is not bright but deep and durable. Ms. Vuong Thi Trang (a daughter of Phuc Sen craft village, Cao Bang province) calls it "the beauty of perseverance". A Muong costume must go through 8-9 dyeing times, lasting 2-3 months. The black indigo color is simple, but contains within it the diligence and traditional aesthetics of women.

In the midst of the deep green mountains and forests, indigo ponds quietly incubate the color, while the workers patiently stir the indigo, dip it, and wring the fabric... Indigo is the result of labor, but it is also the breath of time, a memory passed down from generation to generation. In each meter of indigo fabric is a story about the harmony between humans and nature, a memory preserved over time.

In the memory of the Mong ethnic artisan Hang Y Co, indigo is not only a color, but also the scent of Tet, the hands of grandmothers and mothers beside the deep blue indigo pond. When Tet is near, women in the village dye clothes for their families together, a bustling atmosphere fills the villages.

However, to make indigo products for Ms. Y Co also has many difficulties and challenges: The most difficult step is "raising indigo" and drawing beeswax. The temperature must be right for the drawing to be even and not damaged... The step of drying the fabric also creates many challenges, because it depends on the weather; harsh sunlight will melt the beeswax, easily causing the product to bleed... But with the meticulous, patient hands of the grandmothers and mothers, indigo has its own beauty, surpassing all limits of trends, becoming a source of inspiration for young people...

Inspiration for young creativity

Originating from the love for rustic indigo and the desire to preserve the beauty of traditional indigo dyeing, a group of young GenZ people have carried out the project "Indigo - Memory of Hands" to bring an inspiring journey of discovery , breathing new life into traditional values in contemporary life.

Huong Giang, Head of the Organizing Committee of the project “Indigo - Memories of Hands” shared that the project introduces many rich cultural experiences: From stories behind artifacts and paintings displayed in the exhibition; indigo dyeing and beeswax painting workshops; to conversations with artisans and people who love art and traditional culture. “Indigo” is aimed at young people who respect culture, are passionate about art and want to find their own identity in unique experiences.

“We realize that Vietnamese traditional culture, both tangible and intangible heritage, is extremely rich and beautiful. As students of an interdisciplinary school of Science and Arts (Hanoi National University), we see more clearly the mission of spreading those values more widely, especially in the context of the strong development of creative cultural industries…”, Huong Giang confided.

In particular, the exhibition “Memories of Hands” (part of the “Indigo Color” project) brings viewers into the cultural space through exquisite handicrafts, stories about artifacts that are associated with and preserve “indigo color” over time. Indigo dyeing and beeswax painting workshops open up an interesting experiential space, helping participants directly feel the characteristic indigo scent, draw patterns by themselves, operations that require sophistication and high concentration.

In addition, the mini show “Indigo Color - Memories of Hands” brings professional stories told by the artisans themselves, combined with a musical performance inspired by indigo, helping the audience feel the beautiful blend between tradition and contemporary art.

Hue Chi, a participant in the experience in Hanoi, shared: Before, I only knew about indigo dyeing through social networks. When I directly painted with beeswax and dyed fabric, I saw how elaborate and delicate it was. The finished products were as beautiful as art paintings. In the midst of a busy life, we easily forget the simple yet soulful values. But when I had the opportunity to meet and talk with the artisans, my knowledge and experience were enriched.

Sharing about the project implementation journey, Huong Giang said that the biggest difficulty is the geographical distance: "Indigo dyeing belongs to the highland people. We study and live in Hanoi so we have few opportunities to interact directly. Therefore, the group had to organize many field trips to Cao Bang, Phu Tho... to listen to people's sharing and experience the profession in the most authentic way."

But those trips became a great source of motivation, when the group of young people received the trust and support of artisans, teachers and the community. “When the project spread more widely on social networks, we received a lot of encouragement and expectations. That was the motivation for the group to continue pursuing the project long term,” Huong Giang expressed.

Huong Giang also shared: “As young people, we need to be responsible for spreading the beautiful cultural values of the nation to the community. Preserving and spreading culture cannot rely on just one individual or a small group, but requires the cooperation of the whole community. We have the advantage of social networking platforms, thanks to which we can spread more strongly and contribute a small part to bringing Vietnamese cultural heritage closer to international friends. That is the desire and hope of the whole group when implementing the project to contribute to preserving and spreading cultural values to everyone.”

Indigo is not only a communication project, but also an affirmation of the vitality of national culture in the modern flow. Indigo dyeing is both a traditional craft and a memory and story passed down through many generations. Indigo exists in tourism products, enters real life, sows inspiration and becomes a sustainable material to nurture a creative economy, thereby contributing to enhancing social responsibility and spreading the spirit of sustainable living to the community.

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