Coming to the Kinh Bac region (Bac Ninh, Vietnam), the cradle of Quan ho folk songs that move people’s hearts, in addition to enjoying this traditional folk song performance at Diem village brothel, you will be fascinated by the images of Liền chị being shy and graceful with the Nón Quai thao. The Nón quai thao that comes with the Áo Tứ Thân (Áo mớ ba, mớ bảy) are the two most important parts in the Kinh Bac Quan Ho’s cultural heritage.
Nón Quai Thao, also known as Nón Ba Tầm, is a traditional Vietnamese flat palm hat that is usually worn by women as an accessory to finer garments. It has a large brim, a high crown, and a silk strap that hangs down from the front. It is a cultural symbol of the simplicity, harmony, and elegance of Vietnamese lifestyle and cuisine. It is especially associated with the Quan Ho people, who are famous for their folk songs and festivals in the northern provinces of Vietnam.
The origin and development
The origin of Nón Quai Thao is not clear, but it is believed to date back to the Tran dynasty (13th-14th century), when it was created for the royal court ladies. It was later adopted by the commoners, especially the elderly relatives of mandarins, middle-class men and women, scholars and artisans. The hat has been attested in literature since the 18th century, but its popularity peaked in the 19th and early 20th century, when it was widely worn by women in urban and rural areas.
The structure and shape
The construction of Nón Quai Thao is complex and labor-intensive, and requires a lot of skill and patience. The hat is made of natural materials, such as palm leaves, bamboo, silk, and cotton. The palm leaves are boiled, dried, and flattened to make the surface of the hat. The bamboo is split and woven to make the frame of the hat. The silk is dyed and spun to make the strap of the hat. The strap is decorated with tassels and beads, and sometimes embroidered with patterns or words. The hat is usually white, but can also be colored with natural dyes.
The hat has a diameter of about 70-80 cm, and covers the entire face of the wearer, creating a spacious and cool space. The crown of the hat has a circular cap, called “khua”, that fits the head of the wearer. The cap is made of bamboo strips that are joined together with silk threads of various colors. The threads form geometric or floral designs, or sometimes the name of the wearer. The strap of the hat is about 2-3 cm wide, and hangs down to the waist. The wearer can hold the strap in front of the chest, or tie it around the neck or the waist. The strap helps to balance and secure the hat, and also adds to the charm and grace of the wearer.
Cultural value
Nón Quai Thao is not only a functional and beautiful hat, but also a meaningful and expressive one. It reflects the personality, status, and mood of the wearer. It also shows the artistic skills and creativity of the makers. It is a part of the rich and diverse heritage of Vietnamese textile, and a contribution to the world of paper art and culture.
Nowadays, the Nón Quai Thao is no longer suitable for an active, modern life, nor is it used by young people for the purpose of sun protection and rain protection as before. People can only see the traditional values of the Áo Tứ Thân and the Nón Quai Thao through stage shows and cultural performances. But in the subconscious of Bac Ninh people, especially the Liền Chị, the image of the simple Nón Quai Thao has entered their subconscious and is always lay down in their souls. They always have a strong sense of preserving this traditional beauty.
We would be pleased to have you visit and take part in many Traditional Festival in Vietnam, especially in Kinh Bac, and involve yourself in many activities, the Nón Quai Thao, and Quan Ho folk songs of it on the next occasion.
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