Preserving Dao Identity through Traditional Attire
For Dao ethnic women, creating traditional clothing is a time-consuming process that can take up to a month to dye a piece of fabric and two to three years to complete a full set of clothes.
In Van Ho commune, Son La province, Dao women continue to craft their intricate costumes to preserve their identity. For instance, Mrs. Dang Thi Hoa started sewing her son's coming-of-age ceremony outfit three years in advance.
Coming-of-Age Ceremony
The coming-of-age ceremony is a significant ritual for the Dao, marking a boy's transition to adulthood. During the ceremony, the young man wears new, elaborately embroidered clothes.
Mrs. Hoa's son's outfit featured red and white motifs depicting plants, flowers, and animals, as well as silver coins symbolizing good fortune. This special outfit would be worn only once in his lifetime.
We cannot abandon Dao traditions. Women must learn to embroider. Before making a skirt or a blouse, I have to dye indigo fabric.
Author's summary: Dao women preserve their identity through traditional attire.
- Time-consuming process: up to a month to dye fabric and 2-3 years to complete a full set of clothes
- Coming-of-age ceremony: significant ritual marking a boy's transition to adulthood
- Traditional clothing: intricately embroidered with natural motifs and silver coins