Thứ Tư, 20 tháng 4, 2016

The Significance of the Red Dao Headdress

Source: Kyle Sandilands, CBT Vietnam Team
In Vietnam, the Dao ethnic minority is an umbrella to a variety of groups, including the Red Dao; The Red Dao are the second largest ethnic minority, following the Hmong who are the first largest. Researchers say that the two groups have quite close relationships; the differences can be easily recognized by appearance, costumes, and way of life. A unique characteristic of this minority is their vibrant costume. The women wear long indigo blouses over trousers, which are endowed with many different red and white decorations at the collar and the lap. In the Sapa market, their costume is often considered one of the most beautiful.1

Source: http://sapatoursfromhanoi.com/exploring-the-red-dao-ethnicity-culture-in-ta-phin-village-sapa/
One of the most important features of the Dao woman’s identity is their headdress known as the Huong. When a young girl reaches about 13 years old, she is gifted a headdress from her parents. It is at this age that she is old enough to go to the market, and to begin courtship.2 Aside from being experts in silver-smithing, the Red Dao are also exceptionally skilled in brocade. In fact, the craftsmanship of brocade is a focal point of their marital system; unless a girl has mastered the art, she will not be married.3

Source: https://vickychong.wordpress.com/2014/03/13/vietnam-trekking-in-sapa-with-red-dao-tribes/
As you can see, the actual appearance of the gorgeous headdress is quite distinct. It is also normal for the headdress to be adorned with coins, silver bells, and tassels and to have about 20-25 layers of red cloth. Once folded, tucked, and tied, the headdress becomes a round, puffed shape. Hair is tucked inside the cloth to ensure that no strands are to be exposed.2 Because of Sapa's (sometimes) harsh weather, the headdress is not only beautiful but functional! So, if you ever find yourself in Sapa, Vietnam, you may just be lucky enough to see this craft yourself!




 References:

1. About Red Dao people in Sapa. (2015). Retrieved April 19, 2016, from http://www.dirtbiketravel.com/news/about-red-dao-people-sapa

2. Dao - Taphin, Sapa. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2016, from http://www.craftlink.com.vn/projects/ethnic-groups/Dao-Taphin-Sapa.html

3. The Red Dao in Ta Phin. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2016, from http://www.taphin-sapa.info/Home/Our-Ta-Phin/History/The-Red-Dao.php



Related Posts:

  • The stars of the CBT Vietnam projectFor nearly a decade I have been fortunate to be a part of a community based tourism project through Capilano University. I have worked on this transformational project in Vietnam in varying capacities and have many people to … Read More
  • I Need to Get My Name on that Book!Even though technology has left its mark on most households, nature still rules in the village of Ta Phin. There is a story behind every custom and tradition. Dao people have learned from their parents how things should be do… Read More
  • TaPhin: Where Life Goes by Different RulesThere is a road in SaPa that goes all the way from the mountain down to the valley. I once called it the stairway to heaven. If SaPa is the stairway to heaven, TaPhin is heaven itself! We left SaPa on Monday morning and … Read More
  • Marketing the MarketImagine walking through a market in another country. As a tourist, we tend to just browse through the selection and ignore the people trying to sell to us, afraid that if we talk to them we'll have to buy something. Usually t… Read More
  • The Significance of the Red Dao HeaddressSource: Kyle Sandilands, CBT Vietnam TeamIn Vietnam, the Dao ethnic minority is an umbrella to a variety of groups, including the Red Dao; The Red Dao are the second largest ethnic minority, following the Hmong who are the fi… Read More

0 nhận xét:

Đăng nhận xét