Ao Yem (Áo Yếm) is a traditional Vietnamese costume that was worn by women in the past, especially in the northern and central regions of Vietnam. It is a simple and elegant garment that consists of a square piece of cloth with a hole in the middle for the head, and two strings to tie it around the chest and back. Ao Yem has a long history and cultural significance, and it is considered a symbol of beauty, modesty, and femininity for Vietnamese women.
Styles of Ao Yem
Ao Yem has different names and styles, depending on the region and the period of time. Some of the common names are Yem, Yem Dao, Yem Nhu, and Yem Thuong. Some of the common styles are Ao Yem Co Xay, which has a round collar, Ao Yem Co Xe, which has a V-shaped collar, and Ao Yem Co Canh Nhan, which has a wing-shaped collar. Ao Yem can also have different colors and patterns, depending on the occasion and the preference of the wearer. Some of the common colors are white, pink, red, yellow, and brown. Some of the common patterns are flowers, birds, dragons, and geometric shapes.
Ao Yem in Vietnam Culture
Ao Yem was usually worn with a skirt or trousers, and a scarf or a hat. It was suitable for both daily activities and special events, such as festivals, ceremonies, and weddings. Ao Yem was also a part of the traditional costumes of some ethnic minority groups in Vietnam, such as the Khmer, the Muong, and the Tay. Ao Yem was not only a dress, but also a means of communication and expression for Vietnamese women. It could convey their social status, marital status, personality, and emotions. For example, a white Ao Yem could indicate purity, innocence, and youth, while a red Ao Yem could indicate passion, love, and happiness.
Today, Ao Yem is no longer worn as a daily dress, but it is still preserved and appreciated as a cultural heritage and a national costume of Vietnam. It is often displayed in museums, exhibitions, and fashion shows, and it is worn by some women on special occasions, such as Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, or the Mid-Autumn Festival. Ao Yem is also a source of inspiration and creativity for many designers and artists, who have modified and modernized it to suit the contemporary taste and style. Ao Yem is a unique and meaningful feature of the Vietnamese culture, which reflects the history, identity, and spirit of the Vietnamese people.
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