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Nestled amidst the vast alluvial plains of Thai Binh province, Hoi mat-making village not only preserves the essence of traditional culture but also holds stories of the diligence and love for the craft of its people. Nguyen Hong Son, a passionate explorer of culture and traditional crafts, had memorable experiences here.
The peaceful scenery of Hoi mat-making village.
First Impression
Upon his first visit to Hoi mat-making village, Mr. Son shared: “I felt very excited and curious. Immediately, I was impressed by the peaceful atmosphere and the diligence of the people here. The clicking sounds of the looms and the fragrant smell 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 the traditional craft village. However, only when he saw them firsthand did he truly appreciate the uniqueness and sophistication in each step of the mat-making process.
Traditional looms in Hoi mat-making village - the place where artistic handcrafted mats are created, closely linked to the lives of the people of Thai Binh.
The Process of Creating Exquisite Mats
To create a complete Hoi mat, the craftsman must go through many meticulous steps. The main materials are sedge and jute, carefully selected from the alluvial soils along the Red River and Luoc River. Although local resources are becoming increasingly scarce today, the people have flexibly imported sedge from the Southwestern region of Vietnam to continue maintaining the traditional craft.
These intricate and colorful patterns are created by the skillful hands of the craftsmen.
After harvesting, the raw materials are processed and then woven on a vertical loom – a traditional technique requiring skill and patience. Intricate, colorful patterns are created by the skilled hands of the weavers. The finished mats are dyed and steamed to preserve the color, then dried in the sun.
After weaving, the mats are dyed and steamed to preserve the color, then dried in the sun.
Hand weaving is a very laborious process, with only one pair of mats produced each day. But each product embodies dedication and love for the craft. Meanwhile, machine-made weaving workshops can produce up to 20 pairs of mats a day, but the sophistication and cultural value of handcrafted mats are still irreplaceable.
The Hới Festival in Cultural Life
Hoi mats are not merely a handcrafted product, but also a symbol of the skill and diligence of the people of Thai Binh. Folk verses like "Eat Hoi rice, sleep on a Hoi bed, cover yourself with a Hoi mat" affirm the value of this product in the hearts of Vietnamese people through generations.
Beyond its practical use, Hoi mats also hold profound cultural significance. From mats spread on ancestral altars during Tet (Lunar New Year) to those used in village festivals, Hoi mats are intimately connected to the spiritual life of the people. “Hoi mats evoke deep feelings in me about the culture and people of my hometown, Thai Binh. The meticulousness and dedication in each mat reflect the traditional values and love for the craft of the people. My firsthand experience at the craft village helped me better understand the connection between people and traditional crafts, as well as the cultural values they have preserved through generations,” Mr. Son expressed.
Essential items in the Hoi mat-making process.
However, the traditional Hoi mat weaving craft is facing many challenges. The number of households still practicing hand weaving is decreasing, with only a few families like Mrs. Huong's still persistently preserving the spirit of the traditional craft.
A Destination Evoking the Soul of the Countryside
Visiting Hoi mat-making village, tourists can not only learn about the mat-making process but also directly experience weaving mats on traditional looms. This is an opportunity for everyone to appreciate the skill, meticulousness, and dedication of the artisans. Hoi mats also make meaningful gifts, imbued with the spirit of the countryside, that tourists can take home after their trip.
The vibrant Hới mats – unique handcrafted products embodying the soul of Thai Binh province.
Hoi mat-making village is not only a source of pride for the people of Thai Binh province but also a vivid testament to Vietnam's long-standing cultural values. Once you set foot here, you will surely feel the soul of the countryside reflected in each mat, each smile, and each story of the honest, hardworking people.
