Located in the middle of the vast alluvial fields of Thai Binh, Hoi mat weaving village not only preserves the quintessence of traditional culture but also preserves stories about the diligence and love of the craft of the people here. Nguyen Hong Son, a person passionate about exploring culture and traditional craft villages, had memorable experiences here.
Peaceful scenery of Hoi mat weaving village
First Impressions
The first time he set foot in Hoi mat craft village, Mr. Son shared: “I felt very excited and curious. Immediately, I was impressed by the peaceful atmosphere and the hard work of the people here. The sounds of the looms and the fragrance of sedge and jute created a very special feeling.”
Before the trip, Mr. Son had heard about Hoi mats through familiar folk songs and stories about traditional craft villages. However, when he witnessed it with his own eyes, he truly felt the uniqueness and sophistication in each stage of making the mats.
Traditional weaving looms in Hoi mat village - Where artistic handmade mats are created, closely associated with the lives of Thai Binh people
The Process of Creating Exquisite Mats
To make a complete Hoi mat, the craftsman must go through many meticulous steps. The main materials are sedge and jute, carefully selected from the alluvial lands along the Red River and Luoc River. Although today, local raw materials are gradually becoming scarce, people have flexibly imported sedge from the Southwest region to continue maintaining the traditional craft.
The delicate, colorful patterns are created by the talented hands of craftsmen.
After harvesting, the raw materials are processed and then woven on a vertical loom – a traditional technique that requires skill and patience. The delicate, colorful patterns are created by the talented hands of the craftsmen. After weaving, the mats are dyed and steamed to keep the color beautiful, then dried in the sun.
After weaving, the mats will be dyed and steamed to keep the color beautiful, then dried in the sun.
Hand weaving is very elaborate, each day only one pair of mats can be made. But each product carries passion and love for the craft. Meanwhile, machine weaving workshops can produce up to 20 pairs of mats per day, but the sophistication and cultural value of handmade mats are still irreplaceable.
Hoi Project in Cultural Life
Hoi mats are not simply handicrafts but also a symbol of the ingenuity and diligence of Thai Binh people. Folk songs such as “Eat Hom rice, sleep on a Hom bed, cover with Hoi mats” have affirmed the value of this product in the hearts of Vietnamese people for generations.
Not only does Hoi mat have a practical value, it also has a profound cultural significance. From the mats spread on the ancestral altar during Tet holidays to village festivals, Hoi mats are always closely associated with the spiritual life of the people. “Hoi mats give me deep feelings about the culture and people of my hometown Thai Binh. The meticulousness and dedication in each mat reflects the traditional values and love of the people for the craft. Experiencing the craft village helps me better understand the connection between people and traditional crafts, as well as the cultural values that they have preserved for many generations,” said Mr. Son.
Indispensable items in the process of making Hoi mats
However, the craft of weaving Hoi mats by hand is facing many challenges. The number of households still maintaining the craft of hand weaving is decreasing, with only a few households like Mrs. Huong’s family remaining to persevere in preserving the spirit of the traditional craft.
Destination Evokes Hometown Memories
Coming to Hoi mat craft village, visitors can not only learn about the mat making process but also experience weaving mats on traditional looms. This is an opportunity for everyone to feel the skill, meticulousness and dedication of the artisans. Hoi mats are also meaningful gifts, imbued with the soul of the countryside, that visitors can bring home after the trip.
Colorful Hoi mats - Unique handmade products imbued with the soul of Thai Binh countryside
Hoi mat craft village is not only the pride of Thai Binh people but also a living testament to the long-standing cultural values of Vietnam. Once you set foot here, you will surely feel the soul of the countryside settling in each mat, each smile and story of the honest, hard-working people.
