Indigo shirt in the middle of the green forest

From the rocky mountainsides to the deep green hillsides of Tuyen Quang, the indigo shirt of the Giay people has quietly accompanied the years, like a cultural source silently flowing through the vast forest. Simple, restrained yet sophisticated, the traditional costume of the Giay people is not only everyday clothing, but also a symbol that encapsulates cultural values, aesthetics, beliefs, and attachment to the land and the indigenous people.

Giay ethnic girls compete in making cakes during the festival.

Indigo - white - red: beauty from simplicity

According to data from the 2019 Population and Housing Census, the Giay ethnic group has 67,858 people, accounting for about 0.07% of the country's population. They are scattered in the northern highland provinces, with more than 50% concentrated in Lao Cai, followed by the area now belonging to the new Tuyen Quang province (after the merger), along with small groups living in Lai Chau and Cao Bang . With a continuous community, the Giay people here create a unique cultural identity, contributing to highlighting the ethnic identity in the colorful picture of the northern mountainous region.

At first glance, the Giay people’s costumes are somewhat similar to the Tay people’s. But when looking closely, one can see the sophistication in every stitch. Giay women often wear indigo shirts with round necks, open chests, and no elaborate embroidery. On the simple indigo fabric are just enough highlights: a white bib, a red belt, and a pleated head scarf. The colors, although not bright, are harmonious and soft, creating the graceful, dignified appearance of the women of the mountainous region.

Giay girls are radiant in their highland festival costumes.

Ms. Ma Thi Nhan (Giay ethnic group, Thuong Lam commune, Tuyen Quang province) shared: “I learned to weave when I was eight years old. At first, I just wove strings, then learned to soak the thread, dye indigo, and weave fabric. Each traditional outfit can take a month to complete, but when I put it on, I feel like I carry my ancestors on my back.”

Not only worn in daily life, this outfit is also an indispensable part of Long Tong festivals, New Year forest worship, wedding ceremonies, coming of age ceremonies... In many Giay villages, the indigo shirt is also passed down from mother to child as a sacred treasure.

Keep the thread, keep the whole village

The Giay people’s weaving and embroidery skills have been passed down through many generations. From flax and cotton, Giay women spin and weave the fabric themselves, then dye it indigo with forest leaves. They do not need to sketch patterns on paper, but embroider from memory, from memories that have been deeply imprinted in their minds since their childhood springs.

Graceful dance of the Giay ethnic group during the festival.

Ms. Mai Thi Sinh (67 years old, Chiem Hoa commune, Tuyen Quang province) said: “In the past, my mother taught me how to sew when I was 5 years old. Now I teach my granddaughter the same way. I just hope that my children and grandchildren will know how to keep the profession and be proud of the clothes they wear. Although the indigo shirt is not shiny, it has soul, because it is the effort and memory of a family lineage.”

Nowadays, in Na Tong, Ban Bien, Phu Luu villages, many Giay women's groups have established brocade weaving groups, making souvenirs and decorations to serve tourists . Homestays in the localities also proactively introduce the traditional culture of the Giay people, from dishes, "phuong" folk songs to spaces for trying on costumes, taking photos, and experiencing weaving. These experiences not only create a distinct highlight in highland tourism , but also help people preserve their identity right on the land they live on.

The future is extended

Currently, in many localities, the Party Committee and the government are directing the construction of Giay ethnic cultural spaces right in the villages. These spaces not only have creaking looms, deep singing, and colorful indigo shirts, but also contain a vibrant community spirit. Preserving culture is not only preserving the past, but also the key to opening the door to sustainable, in-depth community tourism.

Giay ethnic boys in traditional shield dance.

Amidst the changes of modern life, many Giay people have become successful, becoming commune, district and provincial officials. They still remember their roots, still cherish their traditional costumes as an irreplaceable part of their identity. From their mother's simple indigo shirt, from the rustic loom on the porch of the stilt house, a new generation is continuing the path of preserving and promoting traditional values, looking towards the future.

The Giay ethnic costume does not need to be noisy to stand out. It quietly asserts itself in the mountains and forests, in everyday life and even on the festival stage. In that indigo shirt, there is not only fabric and embroidery but also history, culture, pride and the desire to preserve identity in a land that is strongly developing in the journey of developing green - sustainable - humane tourism.

Article and photos: Duc Quy

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/202507/tam-ao-cham-giua-dai-ngan-xanh-72644ba/