The craft of making grass cushions - The soul of the wicker craft village
Than Cuu Nghia commune, Chau Thanh district, is considered the cradle of the profession. No one clearly remembers when the profession originated and when it became a hereditary profession. They only know that the profession has been attached to local residents for hundreds of years with the typical product being the almond hat. Later, the almond hat was combined with the leaves to create alternating colors for the product, from which the name "square almond hat". At Than Cuu Nghia, it is not difficult to see images of old people who have passed the age of "seventy years old" but are still diligently holding on to each hat and willing to tell stories about their profession to guests from far away.
Like the funny saying of the Than Cuu Nghia people, "knowing the profession since they were still in the mother's womb", people believe that for them, the profession is ingrained in their flesh and blood, considered to be passed down from generation to generation. Although it does not bring wealth, for village people, this is an indispensable job!
The profession of weaving Bang Buong first originated from here - Than Cuu Nghia commune, Chau Thanh district, Tien Giang province. However, as the profession continued to grow older, the profession spread to more communes in this locality. But if we have mentioned the amazing Bang Buong hats, we must mention another place that equally develops the craft, which is Tan Ly Tay commune. During the year, the handicraft village of Tan Ly Tay commune is nearly a hundred years old. Tan Ly Tay residents said that during the heyday of the craft, wherever they went, they saw leaves hanging from the fence and bare hats drying along the roads in the village commune. Like Than Cuu Nghia, the main product of Tan Ly Tay is weave hats combined with almond leaves, however, to meet the increasing needs of domestic and foreign customers, Tan Ly Tay people have made improvements. More creative in shape and color for the original traditional hat products. Currently, although the profession is no longer flourishing because the source of raw materials is no longer stable and there are fewer and fewer young workers, the market is still there and ideas for developing the profession from enthusiastic people are gradually rekindling.
Knitting Bang Buong is an equally old profession, so local idle workers all year round always have stable jobs. The image of elderly people working hard has added motivation and confidence to the weaving village on this land. That image not only fuels the fire for future generations, but it is also a colorful pen that depicts the pure beauty of the profession.
Faced with the difficult situation of traditional wickerwork, workers have constantly researched to improve and design new, high-quality products that meet consumer needs. In tourist areas and in export markets, Bang Buong products are increasingly popular.
Although the work of weaving Bang Buong is gentle, it requires meticulous dexterity. The products made, whether large or small, require certainty in each knitting line. Besides, how to create new and sophisticated products while still retaining the authentic soul of the countryside, that is the new and special feature of Bang Buong weaving today! For people who do the job, this is not simply a job to make a living, it is also like the breath that characterizes life in the countryside. Passionate about traditional craft since childhood, today it has become an indispensable part of life for the people here. Maintaining the knitting craft and passing it on to future generations, the villagers are evoking memories and joys of a peaceful, simple and warm life...