OCOP products "boost" culture and tourism in mountainous regions.

Amidst the highland villages of Thanh Hoa province, many familiar products of the local people are now entering the market with a new look. From the brocade fabrics of the Thai people, jars of mac khen salt to Chau Lang longan candy... each OCOP product not only carries economic value but also tells the cultural story of the mountains and people of the mountainous region.

The traditional brocade weaving craft in Lan Ngoai village, Pu Luong commune, has become a highlight attracting tourists.

Among the many factors that make Pu Luong community tourism attractive, the culture of the Thai ethnic group always leaves a lasting impression on visitors. And amidst the stilt houses nestled on the mountainside, the traditional brocade weaving craft in Lan Ngoai village, Pu Luong commune, quietly maintains its unique place. When asking about brocade weaving villages in Pu Luong, many people will immediately point you to Lan Ngoai village. The products here have long ceased to serve only the daily needs of the local people and have become popular souvenirs for tourists.

The craft of brocade weaving in Lan Ngoai village dates back to around the 18th century. In 2021, the village was recognized as a traditional craft village. For the Thai women here, weaving is not simply a means of livelihood but also a way to preserve the culture of their ancestors. According to the village elders, from a young age, girls are taught by their mothers and grandmothers how to spin yarn, weave fabric, and embroider. Before getting married, Thai girls must personally prepare blankets, mattresses, and dresses to bring to their husband's home. Therefore, each loom in every family not only produces products but also preserves family traditions and the cultural memories of the community.

Weaving a beautiful brocade fabric requires many meticulous steps. From growing cotton and spinning yarn to dyeing, everything is done by hand. People go into the forest to find leaves, bark, and roots to create natural colors for the yarn. After soaking and drying to the right degree of firmness, the yarn is then placed on the loom. The most difficult part is creating the patterns. Each motif, such as eight-petaled flowers, rhombuses, birds, or plants, carries its own meaning, reflecting the close relationship between the Thai people and nature. Mr. Lo Van Thuc, a resident of the craft village, shared: "Weaving a beautiful piece of fabric requires patience and skill. From finding the plants for dyeing to weaving the fabric, everything is done by hand. Each type of plant gives a different color, and combining them creates the beautiful shades for the brocade."

In recent years, along with the development of community tourism in Pu Luong, the weaving craft in Lan Ngoai village has become more well-known. Many tourists, especially foreigners, enjoy watching the locals weave, trying their hand at the loom to take photos, or choosing to buy scarves, bags, and cushions with distinctive highland patterns. Currently, the village has 86 households participating in brocade weaving, with 120 workers, generating an income of about 6 to 7 million VND per person per month. The products are also becoming increasingly diverse, ranging from scarves, hats, bags, and pillows to decorative items for tourism.

Mr. Ha Van Tung, Head of the Economic Department of Pu Luong Commune, said: "The locality is developing a community tourism model associated with traditional weaving. Tourists coming here not only visit but also get to experience weaving, participate in festivals, and enjoy local dishes. In particular, in 2024, Muong Khoong brocade scarves were recognized as a 3-star OCOP product at the provincial level."

Not only in Pù Luông, but many other highland products are also gradually becoming "cultural representatives" of the locality. In Bản Vặn, Yên Thắng commune, Ms. Hà Thị Xem chose to bring the flavors of the mountains and forests into her OCOP product with "Mường Đeng Mắc Khẻn Salt". Familiar ingredients such as mắc khẻn, dổi seeds, roasted salt, lime leaves, chili peppers... are mixed according to a unique formula and then packaged systematically, with traceable origins. Each jar of salt carries the characteristic spicy aroma of the mountains and forests, as well as the story of the life of the Black Thái people here. From a product made for family use, "Mường Đeng Mắc Khẻn Salt" has become the first 3-star OCOP product of Yên Thắng commune. Mr. Vũ Văn Vinh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Yên Thắng commune, affirmed: "Each OCOP product not only creates economic value but also contributes to promoting the unique culture of the local Black Thái people."

In Linh Son commune, Chau Lang longan candy is gradually becoming a familiar souvenir for many tourists visiting Ma Hao waterfall or Nang Cat village. This traditional candy is made from upland glutinous rice, golden flower glutinous rice, chicken eggs, sesame seeds, etc. From selecting ingredients, grinding the flour, shaping, to frying the candy, everything is done carefully. The golden, crispy candies carry the distinctive aroma of the highlands. In 2022, Chau Lang longan candy was recognized as a 3-star OCOP product. From a simple, rustic gift from the countryside, the product is now available in many stores and supermarkets and has become a specialty that tourists seek out after each trip.

Many OCOP products from the highlands today are not just about their commercial value. Behind each product lies a cultural story, a traditional craft preserved by the people for generations. The province and mountainous localities are also focusing on promoting community tourism, connecting OCOP products with tourist destinations, and developing experiential tours in the villages.

From brocade fabrics in Pu Luong, jars of mac khen salt in Yen Thang to Chau Lang longan candy, OCOP products are contributing to helping people in the highlands increase their income right in their homeland. More importantly, it is also a way for local cultural values ​​and traditional crafts to be continued, preserved, and spread in today's life.

Text and photos: Dinh Giang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/san-pham-ocop-tro-luc-cho-van-hoa-du-lich-vung-cao-288339.htm