Black teeth dyeing custom - Cultural tourism highlight of Lao people in Lai Chau

NDO - The custom of blackening teeth of the Lao ethnic group in Na Hieng village, Na Tam commune, Tam Duong district, Lai Chau province is a unique expression of traditional aesthetics. Not only that, this custom also reflects the beliefs and outlook on life of the community living in the highland border area.

The main ingredient for tooth dyeing is a type of forest tree that grows in high mountainous areas, has a strong trunk and a lot of resin. After harvesting, people dry it for later use.

Burn the wood to get the material to dye teeth.

To prepare to dye teeth, the woman will burn a wooden stick, use a piece of cast iron or a knife to catch the black smoke, use her index finger to rub the soot on the surface of the cast iron and then rub it on her teeth.

The process of preparing tooth dyeing materials.

According to the concept of Lao ethnic women, black teeth are not only considered the standard of physical beauty but also bring good luck. According to middle-aged women in the village, in the past, the custom of blackening teeth was often performed when women were over 30 years old.

In the past, some elderly people dyed their teeth from the age of 13. During this time, people who dyed their teeth had to avoid eating hot and hard foods to keep their teeth shiny and durable.

The main ingredient for tooth dyeing is burned tree trunks into charcoal.

With the change of modern aesthetic trends, the custom of blackening teeth is no longer popular in the lives of young people. However, in Lao villages in Tam Duong, many middle-aged and elderly women still preserve and are proud of their traditional black teeth. Not only that, grandmothers and mothers are also the bridge to help the next generation understand and appreciate the traditional customs of their people.

Lao ethnic women dye their teeth for beauty.

Aware of the profound and unique cultural value of the black tooth dyeing custom, local authorities and functional agencies in Lai Chau have implemented many activities to preserve and introduce this unique cultural feature to tourists and the community.

Within the framework of ethnic cultural festivals, black tooth dyeing performances combining experiences of traditional crafts and cuisine are held annually to bring cultural colors closer to local people and the public.

Due to modern aesthetic tastes, only middle-aged women maintain the custom of tooth dyeing.

From the perspective of tourism development associated with cultural preservation, the custom of blackening teeth can completely become a unique highlight in Lai Chau's typical cultural tourism products.

Lao villages with their beautiful customs, traditional architecture, and primitive lifestyle are valuable resources for developing community tourism associated with heritage conservation. Combining original cultural activities in experiential tourism models will contribute to creating livelihoods for the people and promoting the colors of Lao culture.

The custom of tooth dyeing originates from the aesthetic concept of the Lao ethnic people in Lai Chau.

The custom of blackening teeth of the Lao people in Tam Duong is not only a traditional custom but also a symbol of cultural identity.

In the era of integration, preserving traditional cultural values ​​such as tooth dyeing is a way to affirm identity and continue the flow of national culture through generations.

Lao ethnic women in traditional costumes.

Preserving the custom of blackening teeth is not simply preserving an ancient custom but also preserving the unique beauty of the Lao people in the Northwest mountains, a living testament to the cultural diversity of the Vietnamese ethnic community.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tuc-nhuom-rang-den-diem-nhan-van-hoa-du-lich-cua-nguoi-lao-o-lai-chau-post878564.html