The Beauty And Diversity Of Vietnamese Traditional Costumes

Vietnam is a country with a rich and diverse culture, which is reflected in its traditional costumes. Each region and ethnic group in Vietnam has its own distinctive style of clothing, which expresses its identity, history, and values. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and unique traditional costumes of Vietnam, and how they showcase the beauty and diversity of this nation.

1. Ao Dai

The "ao dai" ("flowing tunic") has been the traditional dress for Vietnamese women long, long ago. There are many different kinds of ao dai: the four-part flowing tunic had two equal front flaps that women tied together, while the five-part flowing tunic had an additional small front flap that buttoned up onto the right side of the dress.

Ao dai is a traditional costume of Vietnam

Different regions of the country have their own styles of flowing tunic. In the north, Vietnamese women usually wear the four-part flowing tunic, refers to as "Ao Tu Than", with a long skirt. The hat is called "Non Quai Thao".

On the right, instead of wearing "non quai thao", Nothern women just simply wear a scarf as a variety.

In the Central Region, and in the South of Vietnam, "ao dai" is worn. It is a long flowing tunic that consists of only 2 parts and is worn over a loose-fitting pair of either white, black, or colored pants. However, the white pants are usually preferred over the others. The dress splits into a front and back panel from the waist down. It is also buttoned down on the 1eft side to the waist. There are many stylish variations in color and collar design.

The ao dai is a symbol of the national identity and pride of Vietnam. It is worn on formal occasions such as weddings, festivals, and ceremonies, as well as in everyday life by students, teachers, and workers. The ao dai can be customized with different colors, patterns, and accessories, depending on the preference and personality of the wearer. Some of the most common motifs on the ao dai are flowers, birds, dragons, and geometric shapes, which represent the natural and cultural elements of Vietnam. The ao dai is also a representation of the beauty and femininity of Vietnamese women, as it accentuates their curves and movements.

2. Non La

The cone-shaped hat is called "non la". Non la in these two pictures is more for posing and decorating. In reality, non la is more functional than decorative. It is used indeed like a hat to protect one from the heat and the sun in everyday life situation. However, in weddings (brides), festivals, or any formal event, a headdress (a diadem - as in the middle picture) is usually preferred. Note: neither non la nor the headdress is required to be worn with ao dai.

The non la is a product of the creativity and skill of the Vietnamese people, who have been making and using it for centuries. The non la can be decorated with embroidery, painting, or poetry, depending on the occasion and the taste of the wearer. Some of the most famous types of non la are the non quai thao, which has a high and pointed top, and the non bai tho, which has verses of poetry written on the inside. The non la is not only a hat, but also a musical instrument, a fan, a basket, and a souvenir. The non la is a symbol of the simplicity and elegance of the Vietnamese lifestyle.

Non La is worn by Vietnamese women

3. Men Attire

Anyone who has seen the exquisite costumes worn by Vietnamese women will recognize similarities in the traditional dress of the male. Men's costumes are worn with the conventional snug collar and buttoned down on the 1eft side to the waist, with no crease in front or back. The male dress extends only to the knees and is more loose-fitting.

There are many variations on the basic theme. At the top of the list is the elaborate dress of the emperor and the mandarins. Their rank was shown in the display of color in the brocade and embroideries. Gold brocade with embroidered dragons was for the emperor only. Gold is the national color and the dragon heads the fabulous mythical animal world. Purple is the color reserved for high-ranking court mandarins, while blue is for those of lower rank.

Costumes worn for religious ceremonies also have their special colors. Dresses for ceremonial occasions usually have very wide and ample sleeves. Wedding dresses are similar to popular fashions, and the color is usually purple or blue brocade. Dresses for mourning have frayed fringes or a line up the back and may be either black or white in color.

Men Attire in Vietnam

4. Ao Tu Than: The Four-Flapped Dress

The ao tu than is a traditional costume of the northern region of Vietnam, especially among the Kinh ethnic group. It is a four-flapped dress that consists of a plain white blouse, a long black skirt, a bodice, and a silk belt. The ao tu than is usually worn with a large hat made of leaves called non quai thao, and wooden shoes or sandals. The ao tu than is a modest and graceful outfit, which reflects the characteristics of the northern people.

The ao tu than has a long and interesting history, which is linked to the legend of the four immortals: the dragon, the unicorn, the turtle, and the phoenix. According to the legend, these four creatures helped the Vietnamese people fight against foreign invaders and natural disasters, and they were honored by the people with four flaps of cloth on their dress. The ao tu than is also associated with the image of the countryside, where women wear it while working in the fields or markets. The ao tu than is a symbol of the tradition and resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Ao Tu Than is a traditional costume of the Northern region of Vietnam

5. Ao Ba Ba

The ao ba ba is a traditional costume of the southern region of Vietnam, especially among the Khmer and Chinese ethnic groups. It is a collarless shirt with long sleeves and buttons on the front, which is worn over loose-fitting trousers. The ao ba ba is usually made of cotton or silk, and it can be dyed in various colors, such as black, brown, or blue. The ao ba ba is often worn with a scarf or a conical hat, and sometimes with a vest or a jacket.

The ao ba ba is a comfortable and convenient outfit, which suits the warm and humid climate of the south. It is worn by both men and women, but it is more popular and diverse for women. The ao ba ba is a common attire for the rural and urban areas, where women wear it while doing household chores, farming, or trading. The ao ba ba is also a part of the cultural identity and heritage of the southern people, who have been influenced by the Khmer and Chinese cultures. The ao ba ba is a symbol of the harmony and diversity of the Vietnamese society.

Ao ba ba is popular in the Southern region of Vietnam

Vietnamese traditional costumes are not only clothes, but also art, culture, and history. They are the expressions of the identity, values, and beauty of the Vietnamese people, who have been preserving and developing them for generations. Vietnamese traditional costumes are the pride and treasure of the nation, which deserve to be respected and admired.