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In a vast, acidic soil region covered with lush green sedge grass, the lives of the people of Long An (now Tay Ninh) are closely intertwined with this wild grass, which they cherish like gold. From the early morning hours, the sounds of laughter and conversation fill the fields. Hands nimbly cut the grass, bundles of sedge grass are neatly tied, and carried slowly back home as the sun reaches its zenith... all creating a vivid portrayal of the resilient and vibrant rhythm of life in the Southern Vietnamese countryside.
The sedge grass field seen from above – a rustic depiction of labor in the Long An countryside.
From an aerial perspective through the lens of Nguyen Hai Trieu – a young photographer born in 2000 from Tay Ninh – the sedge grass harvesting season appears like a vibrant painting. The endless green of the grass, dotted with the figures of diligent laborers, creates a beautiful yet simple image.
Sharing with Travellive, Hai Trieu said: "Even though I'm a stranger from far away, when I hold the camera to capture this moment, I always feel a sense of warmth and closeness. The aunts and uncles, despite working hard under the midday sun, always have smiles on their faces. They often ask: 'Does the photo turn out well?' Their simple words truly moved me. It is this genuine, optimistic spirit that creates a unique beauty for this land, and it's what I want to preserve through each photograph."
The figures of people amidst the green fields are like vibrant brushstrokes against the backdrop of the saline, acidic natural landscape.
During the flood season, the sedge grass grows lush and green, and the people excitedly begin the harvest.
Locals typically harvest sedge grass during the flood season, when the plant is at its most vigorous. Sedge grass, also known as sedge reed, has a tubular stem and grows naturally in acidic soil. When mature, it can reach nearly 2 meters in height. Depending on the terrain, people either shake the grass directly in the field or bring it ashore by boat for processing. After harvesting, the grass is sorted by height and quality and then sold to traders who transport it to handicraft villages.
Sedge grass is not just a means of livelihood, but also acts as a "green thread" connecting people to the land, seasons, and memories. On the acidic, hard-to-cultivate soil, this grass has sustained many generations. Despite the rapid pace of urbanization, these green carpets of grass persistently cover the low-lying areas, as an inseparable part of the Long An countryside.
Mature sedge plants can grow up to 2 meters tall, with tubular stems and brown flowers – a specialty of acidic soil regions.
After being pressed and dried, sedge grass becomes a raw material for traditional craft villages specializing in the production of handicrafts such as mats, mattresses, bags, and hats. In addition, many brands utilize it to produce biodegradable straws, a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. From these simple bundles of grass in the fields, through the hands of farmers and artisans, new value is created, preserving traditional crafts while opening the door to export to domestic and international markets.
Despite the acidic soil, the sedge grass remains lush and green, a true reflection of the soul of Long An countryside.
The low-lying land, seemingly barren, is where sedge grass thrives persistently.
The locals shake the grass on the bank to clean it before drying and pressing it.
After being crushed and dried, sedge grass becomes the raw material for export handicrafts.
More than just a means of livelihood, sedge grass is also a way of life and a memory of the Mekong Delta.
These humble, quiet farmers cultivate greenery on barren, acidic soil.
And so, the life cycle of this humble grass quietly continues, from windswept fields to handcrafted Vietnamese products reaching out to the world.
