Located on the southern bank of the Huong river, about seven kilometers from the center of Hue, these blossoms keep local livelihoods and the cultural identity of Vietnam’s former imperial capital. More than decorative objects, they are a hallmark of Hue’s traditional craft villages and reflect the creativity and patience of local artisans.
Deriving from spiritual practices and worship traditions, paper flowers are placed on ancestral altars and in shrines in the locality. Unlike fresh flowers, they are durable and economical, traditionally replaced only once a year during the Lunar New Year. Officially recognized as a traditional craft village in 2013, Thanh Tien keeps the craft a vital element of community heritage.
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Thanh Tien paper flowers on display at the Exhibition of National Achievements. |
To make a single flower blossom, artisans have to prepare months in advance, splitting bamboo for stems and cutting colored paper into petals using wooden molds. While modern dyes have simplified the process, the shaping and assembly remain traditional. A finished blossom often features red buds and green rice leaves, reflecting the village's agricultural roots.
While most residents are farmers, they produce flowers during the idle season before the Lunar New Year. From around the eighth lunar month, families begin preparing bamboo and other materials. In the twelfth lunar month, the village becomes lively with activities to meet market demand, with some families producing tens of thousands of blossoms for markets in Hue, Quang Tri, and Da Nang.
Today, only about ten families practice the craft regularly, passing down skills through generations, mainly through oral instruction and hands-on guidance within families. Artisans have now been experimenting with new designs for souvenirs and artistic installations featured at festivals like the Hue Festival, the Hue Traditional Craft Festival, and Ao Dai festivals. The village has also become a cultural tourism destination, hosting students and visitors. After more than three centuries, Thanh Tien paper flowers remain a resilient symbol of Hue’s heritage, turning humble materials into the spirit of the ancient capital. The enduring presence of Thanh Tien craft village demonstrates the resilience of Vietnam’s folk heritage, helping preserve and share the cultural identity of the ancient capital.
Translated by Phuong Thao