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Hoi An city, a captivating tourist spot, not only boasts mesmerizing scenery but is also known for its rich culture, featuring the age-old tradition of lantern play. Hoi An lanterns sparkle and enchant miraculously, embodying the soul of this thousand-year-old port city.
- Discover more: Hoi An Travel Guide: From A to Z
Lanterns – a timeless traditional cultural symbol
Enduring for centuries, through periods of prosperity and decline, Hoi An tourism still preserves an intact complex of rich and diverse ancient relics. Lanterns have been present in our country since ancient times, but in Hoi An, the art of embellishing with lanterns has been highly regarded, making them one of the distinctive cultural features of Hoi An.
The lantern-making profession in Hoi An likely emerged during its most developed urban period around the 15th century, alongside the establishment of trading houses, assembly halls, and homes built by skilled craftsmen. Perhaps lantern making came about as an essential part of the architectural ensemble of Chinese and Japanese-style houses in Hoi An.
Many believe that lanterns are found in Hoi An because lineages like Chau, La, Thai... originating from Chaozhou, Fujian, and Guangdong in China came to live and do business in the ancient town of Hoi An, using lanterns to alleviate homesickness. Sitting and listening to the elderly knowledgeable about lanterns in Hoi An recount: In the past, there was a lantern maker named Xa Duong, revered as a master craftsman specializing in making lion heads and lanterns for festival nights or competitions. On special occasions, only when people in Hoi An were affluent, would they have large lanterns adorned with Chinese characters or watercolor paintings hanging in front of their homes.
Lanterns – the colors of Hoi An at night
Each time one gazes at those ethereal, twinkling lantern lights, the soul wells up with an indescribable emotion, a fervor that blends seamlessly with a sense of tranquility, so serene it feels as though one has wandered into a realm of enchantment, surreal yet poignant with a lingering sense of nostalgia. It's as if the fervor of modern life has 'swallowed up' everything, leaving behind only a small corner, a part of cherished memory that cannot be forgotten.
Many Vietnamese and international tourists have dubbed Hoi An as the 'lantern town' - Hoi An's specialty, and it's not without reason. Lanterns are always hung high in front of each house's porch, or in front of communal houses, restaurants, and shops. Everyone passing by must lift their eyes to admire; it's the silent charm of Hoi An, the refined gathering, the delicate essence of cultural refinement from various nations brought to Vietnam since centuries past. It's the symbol of Hoi An's ancient town, much like the silent, humble soul of the people of Hoi An, elegant yet unassuming.
What's more special is during festivals and holidays, locals craft lanterns by hand to hang amidst the bustling atmosphere, initially for home decorations, later for sale. Lantern making has become a distinctive feature of Hoi An, with workshops specializing in handmade lanterns or decorative painting hanging in hotels or at ancestral altars. Lanterns adorn almost every street in Hoi An, enveloping the scenery in a truly unique, captivating hue.
Strolling around the streets of Hoi An as night falls, when thin veils of mist drape over the landscape, is also the time when the soft, ethereal glow of lanterns replaces electric lights. It's akin to a magical light illuminating a land of graceful, hospitable people, offering a shared light to distant travelers, guiding them back in time to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of traditional folk art and ancient festivals. The night market, the candlelit ambiance along the Hoai River year-round embracing Hoi An, the alternating presence and absence of ancient architecture, and the night's whispers... all so wonderful that no poetry can fully describe the beauty that penetrates the depths of the soul.
The Traditional Lantern Making Profession
If you're lucky enough to visit Hoi An during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you'll witness a myriad of splendid lanterns lighting up, giving the ancient town of Hoi An an extraordinary charm. These lanterns are entirely handcrafted, drawing visitors in with their artisanal appeal. In recent years, Hoi An lanterns have become an indispensable beauty, providing stable income for dedicated artisans who continue to pour their passion into the craft.
The lantern making profession has endured for 400 years, weathering the storms of history, yet still retaining its allure, captivating the hearts of many.
The primary materials for lantern making are bamboo and silk fabric. Depending on the color and fabric used, each lantern carries a different symbolic meaning. Red symbolizes luck, while yellow represents joy. Crimson signifies nobility and elegance, while green brings hope and vitality. Pink embodies sweetness and affection, while purple evokes loyalty and steadfastness, much like the people of this land.
The Traditional Lantern Crafting Process
The lantern crafting process consists of 2 stages: soaking bamboo in saltwater for 10 days to prevent decay, then drying, splitting, and shaping it into thin strips. These strips are attached to two wooden rings, connected at both ends, and wrapped with silk or satin fabric. The wrapping process requires the craftsman to be truly skillful, selecting the fabric according to the frame's shape. Locals in Hoi An prefer using fabric sourced from renowned silk villages, especially Ha Dong silk, known for its excellent quality, diverse designs, and rich patterns, ensuring both authentic light and shimmering brilliance. The final step involves beautifying the lantern, attaching decorative motifs and artistic embellishments.
To meet the demands of tourists, lanterns need to be made quickly, beautifully, and foldable for convenient transportation. Traditional lanterns used to be large, intricately wrapped with high-quality fabric, adorned with elaborate decorations, conveying philosophical or emotional themes of the artist. Nowadays, they are often simplified with machine embroidery or even made solely from woven silk depicting various floral motifs. Elaborate lanterns are crafted from precious woods, intricately carved, and are only displayed during the lantern festival in the city.
- Visiting the tourist city of Hoi An, visitors will create unforgettable memories, discovering and appreciating the value of Hoi An lanterns. The enchanting beauty of these lanterns has captivated countless tourists who have set foot here. Hoi An lanterns come in various designs, styles, and colors for you to admire and purchase as souvenirs or gifts.
