Weaving the traditions of Central Highlands brocade into modern living

The skillful hands of Giang Thi Pang weave traditional H’Mong garments rich in cultural identity. (Photo: Xuan Son)

The Central Highlands is not only renowned for its majestic landscapes but is also a cradle of rich traditional cultures belonging to Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. Among these, the art of brocade weaving, particularly the craft of making traditional H’Mong clothing, is regarded as a cultural emblem, one that carries memories stitched into every thread and needle. The story of Giang Thi Pang, a 23-year-old woman from Hamlet 5, Ro Men Commune, Lam Dong Province, is a vivid testament to the efforts to preserve and revive this heritage.

More than a livelihood

Giang Thi Pang began sewing traditional H’Mong garments just a year ago. Unlike many young people who leave their villages in search of new opportunities in the city, Pang chose to return home, to her loom, her thread and needle, and the intricate brocade patterns that had nurtured her soul since childhood.

She shared that learning the craft was not too difficult, "because I love it". Although her parents initially disapproved, the encouragement of her two older sisters, especially the third, who also makes her own traditional clothes, helped Pang stay committed to her passion.

The garments Pang creates are deeply imbued with cultural identity, featuring meticulously crafted designs and carefully beaded details. Depending on complexity, a single outfit can take between one to four days to complete. Though orders are not constant, each piece holds enough value to provide her with a stable income.

What is truly admirable about Pang is that she does not pursue this craft merely as a way to earn a living. She also wishes to build trust within her community. “In my village, people often order clothes online but are afraid of being scammed, so I want to sew them myself, so if anyone’s interested, they can come see the clothes and buy them if they like,” Pang explains. This simple desire reflects a quiet but strong aspiration to affirm the worth of traditional products, made by the very hands and hearts of people within the community.

A new vitality emerging

Nonetheless, preserving and advancing the craft is not without its challenges. As noted by Nguyen Thị Trang, Chairwoman of the Ro Men Commune Women’s Union, although there is still a weaving group of 16 women in the village, most only practice the craft in their spare time. The pressure of making a living, limited market access, and the disparity between effort and earnings have caused many to lose interest in the trade.

To address these issues, local authorities are implementing practical support measures. The Women’s Union has mobilized the creation of a brocade sewing group, organized mentorships across generations, and helped women access digital tools to promote their products on social media.

H’Mong garments not only embody deep cultural significance but also showcase meticulous craftsmanship through intricate patterns and carefully beaded embellishments. (Photo: Xuan Son)

At the same time, an ecotourism model tied to traditional cultural experiences is also being developed. Although Hamlet 5’s location is not as favourable as other areas, its cultural life, including brocade weaving, customary village regulations, and local festivals, remains a distinctive resource for attracting visitors.

A highlight worth mentioning is that traditional ethnic festivals are still held annually, especially during the Lunar New Year. Traditional games like spinning tops, tug of war, and stick pushing not only strengthen community bonds but also offer a platform to showcase traditional costumes and brocade products.

The journey of Giang Thi Pang is not merely a glimpse into the brocade culture of the Central Highlands, but also a window into a broader truth: Cultural heritage cannot survive without the engagement and companionship of the younger generation. In a rapidly changing society, young individuals like Pang, though few, are the glowing embers that keep the flame of ethnic identity alive.

Only when culture is not locked away behind glass, but is lived, loved, and chosen by the youth, can the vibrant colours of Central Highlands brocade continue to flourish, radiant as ever on the ancient red basalt soil.

President Ho Chi Minh holds special position in modern world history: Japanese Professor WVR/VNA - President Ho Chi Minh holds a special position in modern world history and national liberation movements around the globe in the 20th century, ...

Merger to turn Gia Lai into a growth pole of Central-Central Highlands region: General Secretary To Lam WVR/VNA - Merging the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai and the south central coastal province of Binh Dinh into a new administrative and economic ...

An economic miracle in a mountain commune of the Central Highlands WVR - Amid the harsh sun and wind of the vast Central Highlands, one can witness the resilient vitality of the people of Lieng S'ronh ...

Gia Lai in Central Highlands to export agro-products to Japan, ASEAN A trade promotion conference was held in Pleiku city, the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai on June 5, aiming to foster trade links between ...

Religious and spiritual life in Lam Dong: Connection, harmony and development WVR - Lam Dong – a highland province rich in cultural identity – is home to a convergence of diverse communities, each with their own ...