Located 15 km from the center of Quang Binh district (Ha Giang province), Xuan Giang commune is home to the Tay people, accounting for 85% of the commune's population. Not only famous for its poetic nature, Xuan Giang is also known for its Hai Me hat making craft - a unique cultural symbol of the Tay people. In 2023, the Hai Me hat making craft was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, marking an important turning point in efforts to preserve and promote traditional values.
The Hai Me hat, with its pointed top and wide brim, is not only a familiar item in daily life but also bears the cultural mark of the Tay people. Each hat is the result of diligent and skillful labor. From choosing materials, weaving bamboo, wrapping leaves to finishing, all demonstrate the quintessence of traditional handicrafts.
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The brim sewing process is done carefully. |
Ms. Hoang Thi Yem, an artisan who has been involved in the profession for many years, shared: “Making Hai Me hats is not only a job but also a way for me to preserve the spirit of national culture. Every time I complete a hat, I feel proud because I know that our traditional craft is still being kept alive.” For Ms. Yem, each hat is a living testament to the Tay people’s attachment to their traditional craft, while also inspiring younger generations to continue preserving and developing the craft.
Faced with the challenges of the times, the authorities and people of Xuan Giang commune have made constant efforts to preserve the flame of hat making. Hat making classes are held regularly, arousing passion and responsibility in the younger generation. Hat making is also closely linked to local cultural events such as festivals, markets and trade fairs, helping traditional products become closer to the community and tourists.
Comrade Nguyen Hoai Thanh - Chairman of Xuan Giang Commune People's Committee, shared: "The recognition of Hai Me hat making as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage is not only a source of pride but also a motivation for us to continue to preserve this traditional craft. Through promotional programs and experiential tourism activities, we hope that Hai Me hat products will become a bridge between the past and the present, between local culture and friends from all over the world".
Currently, Xuan Giang commune is actively integrating the Hai Me hat making craft into experiential tourism activities, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the unique culture of the Tay people. Here, visitors not only admire the hat making process but also participate firsthand, feeling the meticulousness and cultural significance in each product.
Being recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage is a testament to the enduring vitality of the Hai Me hat making craft. It is not only a flame kept alive in the community but also a driving force for Xuan Giang to develop sustainably, linking traditional culture with modernity. The Hai Me hat making craft - a symbol of national identity - is increasingly shining, becoming the pride of the people of Xuan Giang and the land of Quang Binh rich in tradition.
Trung Hau (Ha Giang Newspaper)
Source: https://baophutho.vn/non-la-hai-me-niem-tu-hao-cua-nguoi-dan-xuan-giang-226042.htm
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