Top 8 essays and paragraphs discussing the preservation of a traditional art form of the Vietnamese people (Vietnamese Literature 10)

For many years, whenever the Vietnamese woman is mentioned, international friends are in awe of the Ao Dai. Undoubtedly, the Ao Dai is a traditional costume that perfectly embodies the beauty and soul of Vietnamese women.

Named for its structure, the Ao Dai consists of two pieces that fit closely to the waist and flare down from the back to the feet, creating graceful, fluid movements that enhance a woman's elegance. The flowing silk fabric, in delicate and subtle colors, glides through the streets, becoming the center of attention and a symbol of beauty, elevating both the wearer and the surroundings. The wide-legged pants, made from the same material, support the dress and add softness and grace, accentuating the charm of the entire outfit. For nearly a century, the image of a young student from Hue's National High School in a pure white Ao Dai has represented the pristine beauty of the Vietnamese girl's soul. Today, this outfit is the uniform for many female students, a statement of national identity and cultural pride. The sight of the white Ao Dai fluttering in the wind, accompanied by the innocent laughter of students, with petals from their bicycles falling on the street, evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, reminding passersby of fond school memories. During Tết, local festivals, weddings, or temple visits, the Ao Dai in various colors—brown, pink, red—symbolizes deep respect and a sense of reverence. The image of a woman in a brown Ao Dai, her head wrapped in a lotus-like scarf, offering a ritual plate with a prayer for peace, is an iconic representation of Vietnamese culture, immortalized in Đông Hồ folk art.

Today, amidst various fashion innovations, the Ao Dai remains the epitome of national identity, embodying the style and spirit of the Vietnamese people worldwide, and has even become an office attire in many places.

Cultural values such as various art forms, musical instruments, and traditional attire must be preserved. The 4.0 era has caused many to forget these long-standing cultural and traditional values. One such art form that is at risk of being forgotten is Ca Tru. Ca Tru is an ancient and unique art form that holds significant meaning in the treasure of Vietnamese music, closely linked with festivals, customs, beliefs, literature, music, philosophy, and the way of life of the Vietnamese people. The art of Ca Tru takes place in village halls, shrines, ancestral temples, noble houses, and performance halls. It includes practices such as ritual singing, poetry singing, ancestor worship singing, and casual performances, which not only contribute to the cultural life of villages and intellectual communities but also play a role in state rituals during diplomatic events.

The Ao Dai is not only a traditional Vietnamese outfit but also carries a rich history, cultural traditions, aesthetic values, and a deep sense of Vietnamese identity. Through all the changes in society and eras, the Ao Dai has remained a beautiful symbol of national culture, a source of pride for the Vietnamese people.

Just as kimono represents Japan, hanbok symbolizes Korea, cheongsam represents China, and sari stands for India, the Ao Dai is the iconic image of Vietnamese women. The Ao Dai, with its quintessential feminine beauty, plays a vital role in promoting Vietnam’s image globally.

However, with the fashion industry continually evolving, with more modern designs and eye-catching styles, the Ao Dai has gradually become less visible in daily life. Therefore, it is essential to preserve and promote this traditional garment. Everyone should wear the Ao Dai more frequently on special occasions instead of opting for dresses, and recognize the importance of preserving and showcasing the Ao Dai— a beautiful symbol of Vietnamese women. Only then will the Ao Dai continue to rise and spread far and wide.

The Four-Piece Dress (Áo Tứ Thân) is a traditional outfit worn by women from Northern Vietnam. In the 17th century, to make farm work easier, the long tunic was simplified into the Four-Piece Dress. This design allows the wearer to tie the front pieces for a neater appearance. The dress consists of two pieces of fabric that are joined at the back, with two separate front pieces tied together, flowing down in a soft, graceful way. The top is left partially open, revealing a red undergarment underneath. The Four-Piece Dress usually reaches the ankle and is paired with black trousers and a silk belt. The outfit is completed with a red undergarment, a quail feather hat, and a traditional conical hat. Today, the Four-Piece Dress is mostly seen during festivals and traditional music performances. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the preservation and promotion of this cultural heritage. By organizing exhibitions, performances, and creating promotional videos, we can help raise awareness of this traditional and distinctive garment.

Water Puppetry is a unique form of art that originated in Vietnam’s rice culture, emerging almost simultaneously with the formation of the Đại Việt civilization. Due to its distinctiveness, Water Puppetry rapidly evolved from a folk art into a traditional art form, on par with other Vietnamese theatrical arts such as Tuồng and Chèo. The elegance of Vietnamese Water Puppetry has earned admiration globally, with the art form being hailed as ‘one of a kind’ on the world stage.

However, since Water Puppetry came later than other art forms, it has faced certain limitations, compounded by its commercial use, leading to its gradual decline and near-forgetfulness. Thus, the preservation of this art form is crucial. Authorities must implement effective solutions, and individuals should make an effort to protect and promote this deeply cultural Vietnamese tradition. Only through these efforts can Water Puppetry continue to shine as a centuries-old art form, integrating into modern community culture.

Vietnam is a country rich in diverse traditional music, featuring an array of unique instruments and distinctive songs. One such instrument, the bamboo flute, is closely tied to folk festivals and customs. The bamboo flute is not only a unique musical instrument but is also regarded as the soul of Vietnamese traditional music.

The bamboo flute has ancient origins, believed to have emerged from the sounds made by reeds swaying in the wind. Inspired by these natural sounds, this musical instrument was created to replicate them. Many countries around the world use variations of the flute, each differing in shape and construction. Generally, flutes are made from bamboo, though some may also be crafted from wood or metal. Holes are drilled to produce specific notes, and additional holes may be added for hanging strings or decorative purposes. Musicians often employ techniques like tonguing, breath control, and vibrato to create engaging, distinctive melodies.

Flutes vary from one country to another, with differences in materials and playing techniques. Flutes are commonly divided into two categories: horizontal and vertical. Both types are highly diverse in form and function, though the horizontal flute tends to be more widespread. Vertical flutes are easier to play due to their design, which allows the performer to control airflow more easily, though they can sometimes be confused with other instruments like the “tiêu” flute. Bamboo flutes are typically crafted from mature bamboo, which provides a more resonant sound and enhances durability, preventing issues like pest infestations.

In modern society, as technology continues to advance, younger generations are becoming more familiar with electronic devices. Despite this, the bamboo flute, a symbol of Vietnam’s folk music, has not lost its place in the cultural landscape. The sound of the bamboo flute has become a signature element of Vietnamese folk songs, evoking memories of peaceful rural life. In addition, the flute is now often combined with modern instruments, blending traditional and contemporary sounds to suit modern tastes. The bamboo flute is a symbol of the beauty of the countryside. In every folk music performance during festivals, the bamboo flute plays a vital role. From these flutes, the melodies of Vietnamese folk songs are elevated, becoming more vibrant and soul-stirring.

While the bamboo flute is not exclusive to Vietnam, it is the way it is played by the Vietnamese people that creates a distinctive musical identity. The music created from the bamboo flute will remain an enduring cultural treasure, preserving the essence of Vietnam’s folk music for generations to come.

Vietnam, with its rich history spanning over four thousand years, has been a melting pot of diverse cultures, regions, and ethnicities, giving rise to a vibrant artistic heritage. One of the most beloved and widely recognized forms of art is Chèo, a traditional theatrical performance that has become an iconic cultural expression in northern Vietnam and beyond.

Chèo originated in the Red River Delta and became particularly popular in the Nghệ Tĩnh region. It dates back to the 11th century and started as a form of satirical folk performance. The art of Chèo combines singing, dancing, and narrative literature, often drawing on humorous proverbs and folk poetry that reflect the lives of working people.

Chèo also serves as a powerful vehicle for social criticism, often fiercely condemning injustice and promoting values of goodness, truth, and beauty. Traditionally, Chèo plays feature happy endings, a reflection of Eastern philosophy, and celebrate compassion and human kindness.

Although Chèo has endured for centuries, its appeal has never waned, captivating audiences of all ages and nationalities. Even during times when it seemed at risk of fading away, its spiritual significance has fueled its revival, ensuring that this unique form of art continues to be preserved as a vital part of Vietnamese culture.

Historically, Chèo has been deeply intertwined with the lives of the people. Folk festivals featuring Chèo performances could last for weeks, becoming an essential part of family life. The traditional plays often embody humanist themes, exposing the corruption of feudal authorities while highlighting universal desires for love and happiness. It is loved because it is the voice of life itself.

Chèo performances are also marked by their lyrical qualities, often derived from poetry, and are known for their graceful and expressive movement. A Chèo performer must not only dance but also embody the rhythm and fluidity of life itself. The dance is not abstract or symbolic as in other art forms but deeply connected to the everyday lives of people and the origins of the art form.

Chèo is not just about singing or acting; it involves a distinctive singing style that is both sweet and memorable. The melodies linger in the minds of listeners, deeply moving them. Today, Chèo is experiencing a resurgence, particularly in urban areas, where professional Chèo troupes have been established. These performances not only preserve Vietnam’s folk art traditions but also enhance the cultural life of the people.

In contemporary times, Chèo continues to be loved by many. It not only reflects the ethical values of humanity but also encourages personal and moral growth. Traditional Chèo plays move audiences of all ages and continue to showcase the enduring strength of this beloved art form.

The Áo Dài is a symbol of Vietnamese femininity, representing grace, elegance, and the charming beauty of Vietnamese women. It has inspired many poets and writers to celebrate its allure. As one poet, Nguyên Sa, beautifully expressed:

"Is it that you wear two parts of the wind and one part of the cloud on your dress,
Or do you wrap the clouds inside your dress,
And breathe life into your white áo dài?"
(Longing – Nguyên Sa)

Over centuries, the áo dài has evolved significantly from its original form. While its exact origins are unclear due to a lack of historical records, the earliest version was the 'giao lãnh' coat. Nguyễn Phúc Khoát, a ruler of the Nguyễn Dynasty, is credited with creating the áo dài as a distinct cultural identity for Vietnam.

Historically, the áo dài's design was influenced by the migration of the Minh Hương people, and the áo dài giao lãnh was created to reflect the uniqueness of the Vietnamese people. "In daily wear, both men and women dressed in standing-collared, short-sleeved robes, with wide or narrow sleeves, and the sides of the robe were sewn together without openings"...( Đại Nam Thực Lục Tiền Biên – a historical record). This passage provides evidence of how the áo dài giao lãnh was first created.

Over the course of history, the áo dài has undergone many transformations. As mentioned, the áo dài giao lãnh was the earliest form, resembling the áo tứ thân, but without the two front flaps being tied together. It was worn over a yếm (undergarment), paired with a black silk skirt, a loose belt, and black trousers. Because of the agricultural lifestyle or commerce, it was simplified into the áo tứ thân, with the two front flaps tied together for convenience in work.

For rural women, the áo tứ thân was quite simple, with an inner yếm, an outer robe with the flaps tied, and a belt. It was often worn with a black scarf. In contrast, for the aristocracy, the áo tứ thân was more elaborate. It consisted of four layers of robes in different colors: a dark brown outer robe, a second light yellow robe, and a third with a lotus color. The collar was often left open to reveal the three layers beneath, and it was worn with a red yếm, a pink silk belt, and a black skirt. The áo tứ thân was later transformed into the áo ngũ thân (five-flap robe) to increase its sophistication.

The áo ngũ thân was a more refined version of the áo tứ thân, with a narrower front flap and a fifth flap at the bottom. It was designed to completely cover the body, leaving no part of the undergarment visible. The five buttons on the front represented the five core human virtues: Humanity, Propriety, Righteousness, Wisdom, and Trust. During the French colonial era, the áo dài underwent a transformation, known as the "Lemur" style, created by artist Cát Tường. The robe's front and back were streamlined into two long pieces, with a button-down closure on the side and puffed sleeves.

Initially, this new style faced resistance from society, as it was seen as too revealing and provocative. However, in 1943, artist Lê Phổ softened the rigid design by incorporating elements from the traditional áo tứ thân and áo ngũ thân, creating the modern Vietnamese áo dài, which was slim-fitting with long front flaps that fluttered freely.

Today, the áo dài has been refined even further. The collar is now a 4-5 cm high V-shaped neckline, accentuating the graceful curves of the neck. The waist is tightly fitted to highlight the slender silhouette, and the buttons are strategically placed from the collar to the waist. The long tunic is split into two front flaps that reach the ankles, while the sleeves are tailored to hug the arms and extend past the wrists. The áo dài is often made from silk, satin, chiffon, or brocade, materials chosen for their fluidity and elegance. To complete the look, women often wear a traditional conical hat, adding to the overall beauty and charm. In the Mekong Delta, the áo dài has been adapted into a more practical version for labor, known as the áo bà ba, paired with loose black trousers.

Today, the áo dài is more than just a national costume; it is worn by women in various professional settings, including teachers, students, bank employees, and flight attendants. It remains a symbol of cultural pride, often worn at significant occasions such as weddings or important ceremonies. Even brides wear the áo dài during traditional ancestor worship ceremonies.

Because the áo dài is made from delicate fabrics, it requires special care. It should be hand-washed, gently wrung out, and air-dried in the shade to prevent fading. Ironing should be done at a low temperature to avoid damaging the fabric. When not in use, the áo dài should be carefully stored, hanging on a hanger or folded neatly. Washing it immediately after wearing and avoiding folding the collar will help maintain its beauty and longevity.

The áo dài is a beloved symbol of Vietnamese culture, representing the elegance and grace of Vietnamese women. Despite the changing times and evolving fashion trends, the áo dài continues to flutter gracefully across the streets, embodying the timeless beauty of Vietnam's heritage.