400 year old craft village
Hue is known as the cradle of Vietnamese traditional culture and arts. Among the heritages associated with this ancient capital, Thanh Tien paper flower village creates a special place in the picture of folk art and traditional Tet rituals.
Thanh Tien village is located in Phu Mau commune, Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province. Thanh Tien village has been involved in the craft of making paper flowers for over 400 years. This craft originated from the need to arrange flowers on altars during Tet holidays, ancestor worship anniversaries or religious ceremonies.
Legend has it that the craft of making paper flowers originated when the king and mandarins of the Dang Trong dynasty ordered the people of Thanh Tien to make flowers to decorate the royal court. Over time, Thanh Tien paper flowers became a traditional craft, imbued with folk identity.
Paper flower makers in Thanh Tien must spend a lot of effort and skill to create beautiful and sophisticated products. The process includes many steps.
First is choosing the paper. The chosen paper should be soft, durable and easy to dye. Next is dyeing with natural dyes to ensure brightness.
Then cut and attach to shape the petals, stamens and pistils and then assemble them with delicate craftsmanship. Finally, decorate small details such as pistils or leaves to make the flowers look natural like real flowers.
Thanh Tien paper flowers have a unique beauty not only in their shape but also in their symbolic meaning. Flowers such as lotus, lily, and apricot blossoms are often chosen because they are associated with the sacredness and spiritual culture of Vietnam. The colors are harmoniously combined, bringing a radiant, fresh beauty.
Good luck and prosperity for the new year
Thanh Tien paper flowers play an important role in the spiritual and cultural consciousness of Hue people. During Tet, paper flowers are often used to decorate the family altar, meaning to honor ancestors and show respect. Paper flowers also symbolize luck, fortune and success in the new year.
Families often choose the most beautiful bouquets of paper flowers to pray for a prosperous and peaceful new year. In addition, Thanh Tien paper flowers also contribute to preserving traditional beauty and affirming the value of folk art in modern life.
Despite its unique value, Thanh Tien paper flower making is facing many challenges. The emergence of artificial plastic flowers and industrial decorations has reduced the demand for paper flowers. In addition, natural materials are increasingly scarce and prices are increasing.
Currently, Thanh Tien paper flower village has about 20 households producing paper flowers, of which only a few households produce year-round, the rest mainly operate during Tet season due to lack of output.
In recent times, the local government has taken measures to support the preservation and development of this traditional craft village. Accordingly, Thanh Tien paper flower craft village was recognized as a traditional craft village by the People's Committee of Thua Thien Hue province in 2013.
At the same time, Thua Thien Hue province has also had many policies and solutions to support people in preserving and promoting the value of craft villages such as: Preserving and reproducing the knowledge and skills of craftsmen. Ensuring the transmission of crafts to the younger generation, maintaining traditional techniques.
Calling for investment, expanding the consumption market: Developing both traditional and modern product lines, meeting diverse market needs. Promoting the value of paper flower making. Cooperating with tourism and travel centers to attract visitors and consume products...
These efforts have shown positive signs in protecting and developing Thanh Tien paper flower craft village, preserving the traditional cultural beauty of Hue.
Thanh Tien paper flowers are not only a unique art product but also a symbol of Hue’s spirit and culture, especially during the traditional Tet holiday of the nation. In the flow of modern life, the craft of making paper flowers still plays a role in remembering the bridges connecting the past and the present.
Preserving and developing this traditional craft is not only the responsibility but also the pride of the people of Hue!
