This is Rich Kleinfeldt. And this is Ray Freeman with THE MAKING OF A NATION -- a VOA Special English program about the history of the United States. Today, we tell the story about some social and cultural issues of the 1970s and 1980s. An economics professor from the United States was teaching in Britain in the early 1980s.
Pho Kho Gia Lai, a.k.a. Dry Pho. Pho is the national dish of Vietnam and is sold everywhere from nice restaurants to street corners where grandmothers set up makeshift kitchens. For this version
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The OD green version of the boonie hat. Vietnam era hats had two vents on the sides. Boonie Insect Net. This was a visored baseball style hat made of polyester and rayon gabardine cloth dyed olive green army shade 406. this weapon was seen with members of the K9 units and Special Forces troops such as Navy Seals and Green Berets, though
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The bucket hat received a slight makeover in the sixties, leading the U.S. military to introduce the "Boonie Hat" during the Vietnam War. Also known as a "Giggle Hat", the boonie was Initially issued to the Green Berets special forces, but it was soon adopted by other units and even soldiers of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam.
Swallowing Fire. Many cultures explain eclipses, both solar and lunar, as a time when demons or animals consume the sun or the moon, said Krupp. "The Vikings saw a pair of sky wolves chasing the
ZcNn. Beautiful craft works could be an interesting and unique souvenir from your trip to Vietnam. The Vietnamese conical hat is an iconic image that reminds people of the farmers working on the golden paddy fields or Vietnamese girls wearing the traditional dress, ao dai, strolling down the streets. The hat has been an item that evolves with Vietnamese culture, becoming an essential part of daily life, and is still used by many Vietnamese locals. From our Vietnam travel guide, you should be able to know why this hat has become so famous around the world, how much work the craftsmen have to put in to make it, and of course, where to buy this great souvenir. Origin of the Vietnamese Conical Hat "Non quai thao" and "Non ngua" In Vietnam, there are many types of hats that are made from palm or similar leaves. In examples, “non quai thao” a flat round hat that is mostly used by women in formal events like festivals or the most popular hat with a conical shape called “non ngua.” It has a small decoration at the tip of the hat and is used in horse riding. Beautiful pattern on "Non bai tho" The poem hat, “non bai tho,” has a layer of a picture or a poem is put between the two layers of leaves to make this hat. And a general plain hat “non la” that is mostly used by farmers and elderly women. There are many stories about the origin of the conical hat. An early version of the conical hat is said to have been carved on Ngoc Lu bronze drum and Dao Thinh bronze jar is around 2,500 and 3,000 BC. But many believe that the conical hat had become popular and was widely used in the Tran dynasty in the 13th century. Women used it as an accessory even though it was thick and heavy at that time. There is also a story in Than Village, Hanoi about a princess who taught the villagers how to make "non chao rang,” an early version of the conical hat, which is made by sewing the old palm leaves. In Hue, the idea of making “non bai tho” was born in Tay Ho in the late 50s by a craftsman who made conical hats and also loved poems. He made a layer of verses of the poem and put it between the layers of leaves. And since then the conical hat has become a symbol of Vietnamese hat. Men or women, children or the elders can wear the conical hats with no distinction at all. It can be a symbol for the labor and farmers, but it also represents the nobility in the past and the elegance of the Vietnamese girls. Usages of The Vietnamese Conical Hat How to wear a conical hat - Put the cone on your head, settle the ribbon strap under your chin to secure the hat's position if it has one There are many ways to use the conical hat. Of course like any other hat, you wear it to protect your head, mostly from the intense sun rays. But the conical hat is coated with a layer of waterproof varnish, it is also like a small umbrella, protecting you from the rain. You can get a bit creative with it, too. When turning the conical hat upside down, it makes a perfect basket that you can put small items you get from the markets or hold a small amount of water inside. In hot summer days, the conical hat is like a cooling device; you can wet the conical hat with a little bit of water then wear it and use the evaporation to cool your head, or just use it as a handy fan. The multi-usages, lightweight, and low price of a typical conical hat have made it the favorite headwear for many people in Vietnam, especially to the farmers and street vendor sellers. Wear a conical hat to protect you from the sun or as a fashionable item The conical hat is also a symbol of Vietnamese fashion. It would be less frequent to see a conical hat in the urban than in rural areas, but there are still many young girls wearing “ao dai” or “ao ba ba” with the conical hats for photo shoots in places like the Notre Dame Cathedral and festivals in Ho Chi Minh City. The simplicity of the conical hat makes a perfect match with dresses like “ao dai” and “ao ba ba,” adding a touch of elegance to Vietnamese traditional dresses. In Hue, the land of poetry, poems are attached to conical hats as an alternative to writing on paper. They are widely sold as a souvenir, not only to tourists but also to the locals. “Non bai tho” is not only a special gift to those who have a love for poetry, but it could also be a keepsake of the past. How the Vietnamese Conical Hat Is Made The material and the frame of a conical hat The palm trees and palm leaves are easily found in any countryside in Vietnam, so this could be why it became the primary materials to make conical hats. The leaves are beaten to open up the layers and dried under the sun to become harder and more durable. The leaves are then ironed; this part of the process is the most sophisticated because it requires the right amount of pressure and heat you apply. If the heat is too little, the leaves will not be straightened, but too much heat and pressure will burn the leaves. After that, two layers of leaves are placed on the hat frame. The frame is made of bamboo sticks that have been shredded and bent into circles of different diameters. The vertical bamboo strips will be used as backbones of the frame, and circled strips will be placed from the bottom to the top of the frame into a conical net. People will sew the palm leaves together with small threads, which requires a lot of skills and patience from the makers to make the perfect shape and knit the leaves tightly. This part usually takes a lot of time even for the professionals; it might take a whole day for an amateur to finish one conical hat. Conical hat with right and without left a strap Two threaded holders will be sewed on two sides, inside the conical hat. Those are where a silky neck strap is tightened to keep the hat positioned on your head. After that, the conical hat is processed with heat on fire or under the sun one last time to prevent mold and turns a lighter color. Finally, it is coated with turpentine oil that gives a protective film and makes the conical hat a bit glossy. Where to Buy Conical Hats in Vietnam The Vietnamese conical hats have made it to the world; Amazon sells conical hats for an average price of US$18/piece. But you can buy it for a much lower price when visiting Vietnam. A typical hat in Vietnam is about VND 30,000 USD ranging to VND 100,000 USD 5, depending on how it is decorated. Sophisticated hats like “non bai tho” should be about VND 60,000 USD 3 and above. As such an iconic fashion item of the Vietnamese, conical hats are widely sold as souvenirs at tourist spots There are many craft villages where they make and sell conical hats to other parts of Vietnam. One of the most famous villages is Chuong Village in Hanoi. This ancient town has many old houses, and their traditional conical hat craft has been passed down for over 300 years. Annually, in June, there are market sessions held at Chuong village to sell conical hats solely. Location Phuong Trung Ward, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi In Nam Dinh, there are many craft villages that have become an essential part of this province's tourism, and Nghia Chau Village is one of them, making conical hats since 1940. Location 17km from Nam Dinh City, in Nghia Chau Ward, Nghia Hung District, Nam Dinh Province Another old village with a history of making a conical hat for 100 years is Ha Thon Village in Quang Binh. Location 50 km from Dong Hoi City, in Quang Tan Ward, Ba Don Town, Quang Trach District, Quang Binh Province Tay Ho is a village in Hue that is famous for making the light and elegant poem hat known as “non bai tho.” Location 20 km from Hue City, by Nhu Y River, Phu Ho Ward, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien - Hue Province Traveling all the way to the South, you can find a village in Can Tho that makes conical hats. They use the local palm leaves from the lady palm trees that grow in abundance in the Southern provinces of the Mekong Delta, like Tay Ninh, Phu Quoc and Ca Mau. Location 35 km from Can Tho City, in Thoi Tan Ward, Thoi Lai District, Can Tho Province In areas that don’t have craft villages making conical hats, you can still go to the local markets and find shops that sell them. In Ho Chi Minh City, you can go to a market like Binh Tay market in District 6. Location 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City temporary location for reconstruction in 2017 Find a travel insurance plan for your trip to Vietnam Summary on the Vietnamese Conical Hat In modern times, when most Vietnamese use motorbikes as their primary mean of transportation, there is less chance to use a conical hat, especially in urban cities. But it is still a gem in Vietnamese culture and the beauty of Vietnamese craft. Seeing how it is made would make you understand why it is one of the worthy souvenirs to buy in Vietnam, and using it would make you feel like why it still exists against the flow of time.
The non la Vietnamese conical hat is a typical sight in the rural towns and villages of Vietnam. But what are the origins of this traditional Vietnamese hat, how are they made and what are they made from? Vietnamese woman wearing her non la conical hat This post may contain compensated links. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, this site receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you. Find more info in my disclaimer. Vietnamese trio wearing conical hats Many Vietnamese people wear the traditional conical nón lá hats and they’re a well-known symbol of Vietnam. You’ll often see the non la worn by Vietnamese women along with an elegant silk ao dai tunic dress over trousers as traditional Vietnamese dress. What does non la mean? What does non la mean?The story behind the Non La hatWhat is a non la hat made from?Where are non la made?Types of Non La Vietnamese hat Woman in Hoi An wearing her non la hat Non la translates simply as conical hat’ but they are also known as coolie hats, leaf hat, oriental hat or rice hats. The hats are worn to protect the wearer from both the sun and rain and can also be used as a cooling fan or a makeshift basket for carrying things. Non la hats also make the perfect Vietnamese souvenir. I bought one in the market place in Hoi An but they are sold all over the country. Buy non la online – click here to buy from the US and here to purchase from the UK. Non la hats are generally associated with Vietnamese people working in the paddy fields or farmers in rural Vietnam. You’ll still see a few people in large cities wearing non la. However, there are thousands of motorcycle and scooter riders nowadays and they’re required to wear helmets so the conical hats aren’t seen so much in places like Ho Chi Minh City. The story behind the Non La hat Woman wearing well-worn Nón Lá in Hoi An Although there are no definite origins of the Nón Lá, evidence of it has been found on inscribed on ancient bronzes and Ngoc Lu kettledrum which date back almost 3,000 years so this simple hat is proven to havae been around for centuries. Vietnamese legend has it that, during a long period of torrential rain, which happens a lot in Vietnam a giant woman descended from the sky wearing a hat so large it shielded the people from the rain. The hat was made with four large leaves woven together with bamboo sticks. The woman taught the people to grow vegetables, trees and herbs and they paid homage by honouring her as a goddess. The people made straw hats in the same shape as hers to protect themselves from the elements and the non la was created. What is a non la hat made from? The non la is a symbol of Vietnam The non la is hand-made generally from palm leaves or straw and bamboo and sometimes from the bark of the Moc tree. Whatever materials are to hand can be utilised. The dried palm leaves are ironed or flattened into shape and then two layers are sewn onto 14-16 circular bamboo frames. The finished hat is left out in the sun to harden and finished with a coat of oil. A chin strap made from fabric is sewn onto each side of the hat to stop it slipping off the wearers head. Where are non la made? Non la hat keeping the rain off Skillful artisans make non la right across Vietnam but Chuong village near Hanoi is where most of the production takes place. It’s estimated that 80% of the villagers earn a living through hat production and 7,000 to 8,000 thousand conical hats are hand-crafted every day. The skills and painstaking techniques used to create the conical hats have been passed down through families for generations. Types of Non La Vietnamese hat Selling non la hats in Hanoi There are various versions of Asian conical hats but the Vietnamese conical hat forms the most perfectly circular cone which tapers smoothly from base to tip. The nón bai tho poem leaf hat originated in the old Imperial Capital of Hue. Lines of verse are romantically stitched between the layers of palm leaf and are only visible when held up to the light. Silhouettes of bamboo and other images can also be used while some hats are embellished with fine embroidery or painting featuring symbols of Vietnamese culture. The Binh Dinh province is known for the thicker Go Cang non la whereas the Tay ethnic group is famous for its red Cao Bang hat. Generally women wear a broad-rimmed version of the hat, whereas men wear one with a smaller brim and higher cone although I didn’t notice any difference during my time in Vietnam. I’m happy to see that the Nón Lá, a symbol of Vietnamese culture and traditional dress, is still widely worn across the country and remains and intrinsic part of Vietnamese culture. Flower seller in Hanoi, Vietnam When I see an image like this I know immediately from the nón lá that it’s a place in Vietnam. Read more Vietnam posts here… An epic two-week Vietnam Itinerary Famous Landmarks in Vietnam Vietnam – Food, Flavour and Pho Hoi An – A Little Piece of Heaven Hoi An – A Culinary Quest Golf at Sea Links Golf Club, Mui Ne, Vietnam Things to do in Mui Ne Mui Ne – Kite Surfing Central Two days in Hanoi – a perfect itinerary Sightseeing and scooters in Saigon A night and a day hanging in Halong Bay Tomb and Temple Hopping in Hue How many motorcycles in Ho Chi Minh City Seeing in the New Year in Saigon
Vietnamese hat is called Nón lá, meaning Vietnamese conical hat. Non La has become a typical symbol in Vietnamese culture, specifically related to the women and Ao Dai dress. Content menu History of appearing Vietnamese hatHow to make conical hatsStep 1 Choosing leavesStep 2 Creating frame and sharpening bamboo sticksStep 3 Put the dry leaves on the hat frameStep 4 Sewing the Vietnamese hatStep 5 Add the strap to the conical hatDifferent types of Vietnamese hatsWhen do the Vietnamese people wear hats?How much is a conical hat in Vietnam?Vietnamese conical-hat villages Many girls like to wears a Vietnamese hat with Ao dai. thanhphuongiir History of appearing Vietnamese hat Where is the conical hat from? Since ancient times, under the influence of the tropical monsoon climate, with a lot of rain and sunshine, Vietnamese people have known how to put leaves together. This way can create items to wear on their heads to cover the sun and rain. Gradually, the traditional Vietnamese hat appeared as a necessary item in daily life. Conical hats are made from simple and readily available materials such as palm leaves, conical leaves, bamboo, etc. With normal materials, but through the skillful hands of artisans, the Vietnamese conical hat has become a symbol of many traditional villages for centuries. According to Vietnamese history, conical hats were born around the 13th century under the Tran Dynasty. At that time, conical hats were used to make accessories for rich women, but the hat was quite thick and heavy. With the flow of time, the hat becomes lighter and more elegant. Conical hats have had many stages of change in their shape, from the round flat hat in the ancient North to the round conical hat in Hue City and Central Vietnam. A conical hat is commonly used because of its solid contouring appearance, both improving the aesthetic and having conical depth to serve the rain and sun protection. Although it has undergone various changes, Vietnamese hats have become an indispensable item in the daily life of Vietnamese people for generations. Many generations have handed this type of hat as a Vietnamese cultural feature, entering poetry and literature. >> You may want to know the clothing in Vietnam. How to make conical hats The main materials to make a Vietnamese hat are mainly palm or coconut leaves, bamboo stalks, thread, etc. Making Vietnamese hats. ahuhtgnoud Step 1 Choosing leaves The first step when making a hat is choosing leaves. There are many types of leaves that can be used to make hats, Vietnamese people often use coconut or palm leaves. Coconut leaves must come from the South, while palm ones are abundant in the North. The leaves will be dried in the sun, then the workers use a heated iron to iron the leaves to make them flat. The temperature on the iron is just hot enough otherwise it will burn the leaves. Step 2 Creating frame and sharpening bamboo sticks Next is the process of making a frame for hats, sharpening bamboo sticks. The craftsmen sharpen each stick so that it is round evenly. Typically, people try to make these sticks a very small diameter so that it is easy to bend them without breaking. Making a conical hat frame. naxouppa_ A complete hat will have about 16 bamboo spokes bent into a circle from large to small arranged in a pyramidal frame. The number 16 symbolizes the most beautiful time in the female lifetime. But, conical hats for Buddhist monks will have 18 bamboo spokes, which says that the Buddhist people want to keep the bustling life away when wearing big hats. Step 3 Put the dry leaves on the hat frame After the leaves are made flat and the conical mold is completed, people arrange about 24-25 leaves on top of each other in 2 layers. Making Vietnamese hats. naxouppa_ To put all leaves on the frame, workers cut one head of leaves diagonally, and sew this head together with a needle. In the middle of the two layers, people add dry banana leaves or paper or pictures, creating the third ordinary layer, to make the hat hard and durable. This step seems simple, but it requires a lot of techniques, to make it even, not to be displaced. Step 4 Sewing the Vietnamese hat The final step is to sew the hat. The craftsman uses a thread and a sewing needle to keep the leave layers together. ahuhtgnoud They often stitch each stitch through several layers to make sure to create a beautiful cone shape. Each stitch on the hat, although there is no specific measurement, it is neat, showing the ingenuity and professionalism of the hat maker. The stitching joints on the hat are also guaranteed to be perfectly concealed. After finishing the stitching, the craftsman will add on the inside top of the hat a flower made of colorful thread to make the hat more beautiful. The hat is finished after being coated with a layer of glossy plastic paint made of plastic. This skill can prevent rainwater not go through the pinholes on the hat. Finally, the hat is dried again to increase its durability. Step 5 Add the strap to the conical hat Inside the conical hat, there are additional straps to create symmetry on both sides, which helps the users can wear it easily, not fall off the hat. The hat strap can be made of normal fabric, velvet fabric, or silk with different colors to add beauty to the wearer. Non La is made with different styles. karakoram690 Different types of Vietnamese hats Vietnamese conical hats have different types according to each historical period. However, many kinds of hats are not suitable, so now there are a few types that exist Palm-leaf hats The hats made of palm leaves and bamboo frames are the most popular type in Vietnam, have a pointed pyramid shape and strap to hats The hats are formed from coconut leaves, usually in the South of Vietnam, especially the Mekong Quay Thao Quay Thao hats are made of palm leaves, with wide and flat brim. This type is popular in the North, only used in decoration or poem hats These hats are also made of palm leaves. But, in between two layers of leaves, there are poems and pictures about Bang hats nón lá bà ng This new type of hat has recently appeared in Hue. The artisan uses carefully treated leaves of Terminalia catappa also called Singapore almond to make very beautiful hats, often used for decoration or performing arts. When do the Vietnamese people wear hats? Wear conical hats while working in the fields. palinuro1971 Vietnamese traditional hats have been used in most work, working in the fields, going to the market, and going out. However, today there is a change in fashionable style, not many Vietnamese people use conical hats as popularly as before. In spite of that, you can also see traditional conical hats on the rice fields that farmers still wear. And, when some girls take pictures with a traditional long dress, the Vietnamese conical hat is an indispensable accessory. Vietnamese people also use conical hats to decorate their homes, restaurants, or cafes. In the past, cyclists could wear conical hats; but, today this is not allowed, because of the danger that can occur. Therefore, you need to pay attention when riding a bicycle in Vietnam, you should not wear conical hats. How much is a conical hat in Vietnam? Selling Vietnamese hats in Dong Ba Market. soaipham The price of Vietnamese hats has different from the types, quality, and various regions in Vietnam. At Ben Thanh market, conical hats are sold at souvenir stalls. The hats are printed with many eye-catching patterns and images, with different sizes with prices ranging from 40,000 to 200,000 VND. In particular, hats with hand-embroidered pictures, landscape paintings, or knitted bamboo slats are favorite models. The hats with ancient style are often used as performance props with the highest selling price 200,000 – 300,000 VND. At some high-end fashion stores, this price can increase, but it is never a popular item. In Dong Ba Market in Hue City, you can find a lot of Vietnamese conical hats, typically Nón Bà i Thơ – Poem conical hats. The price per one comes from 40,000 VND to 80,000 VND. Nowadays, people who come to buy conical hats are mainly tourists, they buy them as souvenirs from Vietnam. The local people also have bought them but not much because of changing fashionable thinks. Photo TieuBaoTruong/pixabay Vietnamese conical-hat villages Many conical hat villages in Vietnam preserve the image of conical hats. Each hat will have the characteristics of each region, but the common point is that they are all made by dedicated workers. In the North, it is famous for making hats with Chuong conical village Là ng Chuông located about 40km from the center of Hanoi in Thanh Oai district, Hanoi. The conical hat of Chuong village was born in 1940, through many generations still maintains the traditional model of conical hat. The special feature of Chuong village’s conical hat is that the palm leaves are quite white, which are taken from the mountainous areas of Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh. These leaves are dried in the sun until they are silvery white. Along the central region, conical hats flourish in the ancient capital of Hue with many conical villages such as Da Le, Phu Cam, Doc So…The characteristics of Hue conical hats are not only ordinary hats but also masterpiece works of art, the most unique of which is the poem conical hat. In the South, there is Thoi Tan hat village in Can Tho over 70 years old, made of bamboo and typical leaves of local trees. These materials make the hats look smooth and durable. Thoi Tan villagers also divide hats into two types of going-to-market hats and working-in-field hats. The market hats are a more carefully selected type in the leaves, much more elaborate than the field hats. A Vietnamese girl wears non la. dshongthu947 A traditional conical hat is a simple object, but it contains a lot of meaningful cultural values ​​for Vietnamese people. Surely, when visiting the S-shaped country, holding a conical hat in hand, you will have interesting impressions and experiences. So, you should range your time to find out the charm of conical hats along the Vietnam map during your holidays there when you have a chance.
Take a peasant’s common conical hat, add a touch of this and a little of that, and you will have the idea, but not quite an authentic Non Bai Tho or “Poetical Leaf” from Central Vietnam. Just a few simple arrangements added to the conical form are enough to give the Vietnamese leaf-covered hat unique features found nowhere else among Asia’s various types of conical legend of the Vietnamese conical hat is related to maternal love and the history of rice growing in upon a time, the legend says, when a deluge of rain was falling there descended from the sky a giant woman wearing on her head four huge round leaves as large as the sky itself and stitched together by bamboo sticks. The leaves protected humankind, then still naked, from the rain. The giant messenger from the sky twirled around the leaves on her head to dispel clouds and rains. Those who followed her were taught by her how to grow crops. One day mankind dozed off as they listened to stories narrated by her. When they woke up the goddess was gone. The Vietnamese built a temple in her memory and honored her as the Rain-shielding Goddess. Following her example, people went into the forests to fetch broad and round leaves palm which they stitched together on a bamboo frame. This was to become an indispensable headwear for the farmers on the fields, boat-women carrying passengers across rivers, travelers under the blazing sun…However, Vietnamese girls do not like just any conical hat they come upon. The dearest to them is inevitably the one called the “Poetical Leaf “for they become milder, more elegant and more delicate when once they put on a hat, which gives shelter to their blushing cheeks like a crowing bud protected from sun, rain or rough wind. Vietnamese women also use the conical hat to fan off the heat of summer, as a container for a bunch of vegetables, and even as a bowl to relieve the thirst when passing by a well, etc. Romantically, young couples can veil their kisses behind this traditional conical hat during their shape, as well as the size of the conical hat, has evolved greatly. As a rule, the broad-rimmed hat was reserved for women while men wore hats with a higher cone and smaller rims. Then, there were hats made specifically for wealthy and powerful people, hats for children, hats to equip the army, hats for the Buddhist clergy, for the mourners…, more than 50 types in all. Undoubtedly, the two best known and best liked are the conical hat of Chuong village in Ha Tay province, north of Hanoi, and the “Bai Tho”, hat of Hue, the old imperial prototype of Lang Chuong hat is a large disk-like bamboo frame covered with palm leaves and perpendicularly bent on its rim to form a band of about four inches. At the center is placed a small bamboo frame to fit the head. The strap is usually very elaborately made of silk, adorned with yellow tassels also made of silk. This hat used to be worn by upper-crust families during visits to pagodas or festive present conical hat is, however, patterned on the “Bai Tho” hat originating in the old capital city of Hue and the birthplace of many eminent literary men. It is true that the place where the hat comes from has been romantically famous with its peaceful Huong Perfume River and its majestic Ngu Binh Peace mountain. Moreover, Hue has been famous for her attractively sentimental, soft-voiced and long-haired girls who often gave inspiration to poets whose creative works have been handed down to the present day. And the “Poetical Leaf” has a prominent place in all that poetical, dreamy and yet scholarly diet of the ancient city. It is so called because the artisan takes great pains to cut the characters of a verse out of a palm leaf and insert them between two layers of palm leaves before stitching them together. The characters will be easily readable when the hat is seen against sunlight. Nowadays the characters are usually replaced by a decorative figure such as a flower, a dragon or even a making of a conical hat is a one-hundred-percent handicraft. The leaves used to cover the hat are brought from the forest. Then they are exposed to the dew for one night to soften them. When the leaves become dry but still soft they are flattened either by hand or by ironing. Only young leaves are selected. Old or dark ones are discarded. A hat usually consists of 16 to 18 rims made from a special kind of bamboo. In order to have a well-made hat, it must be knitted together with a peculiar kind of thread called “doac” made from the leaves of a special kind of reed. Finally, the hat is trimmed and painted with a coat of attar oil to keep it clean and skill of the craftsman who in this case is more likely a woman can be judged by the regularity of the leaves arranged on the hat. The roundness of the rim and particularly the fineness of the stitches which must be so done as to reveal no the Vietnamese conical hat is no longer the cities woman’s everyday costume, it remains the ubiquitous headwear in the countryside. And a young girl with her conical hat, quite charming in her four-flapped long dress, is always a popular image of Vietnam and the Vietnamese people.
Anyone with an interest in hats will know that every piece of headgear was built with a specific purpose in mind, and the Vietnamese conical hat is no exception. Known as non la in Vietnam, the conical hat is mostly worn by rice farmers, but you’ll see them worn by people in many professions if they happen to work outdoors. These days, conical hats have kept their original use but are also used for ceremonial occasions. Alongside the ao dai dress, they’re one of Vietnam’s most iconic sights, and are often snapped up by tourists as a genuine memento of traveling in Vietnam. Of course, given Vietnam’s weather veers between very hot and very wet, they’re also the ideal headgear for anyone passing through Hoi An or elsewhere. Table Of Contents Why are Conical Hats Worn?Where did Conical Hats Originate?Myths and LegendsWhat are Conical Hats Made of?How do you Make Vietnamese Conical Hats?Types of Conical HatHow Much is a Conical Hat in Vietnam? Why are Conical Hats Worn? The main purpose of a non la is to protect the wearer from the weather. Their design allows rainwater to run off, and also shields users from the harsh rays of the sun. You may also see them used as carrying devices, full of fruit or other dry goods. In such cases the chin-strap doubles as a useful handle. You’ll see them worn by farmers working in the rice fields, as well as on people on market stalls or even building sites. Conical hats are worn for special occasions, such as family gatherings or festival dates in the Vietnamese calendar. For such events, they’re used as a national symbol of Vietnam, in the way that a bowler hat reflects Englishness or a beret is regarded in France. There’s no other style that symbolizes Vietnam in quite the same way as a decorative non la paired with anao dai. Traditional non la hat worn by a lady fishing Where did Conical Hats Originate? Although conical hats are worn across South-East Asia, it is thought they originated in Hue, Vietnam. Given they are depicted on terracotta pots dating back over 2,000 years, they have likely been worn in some form for several millennia. Nowadays, the conical hats worn by workers are almost always the same size and shape. There’s evidence to suggest that this is a more recent development in the hat’s history, with historical pictures showing different variations being worn by men and women, as well as those working across different sections of society. Myths and Legends Many items in Vietnam have their own legends, from clothing and customs to fruit. Given the conical hat is predominantly worn by rice farmers in the country, it’s no surprise that the myth of the hat is related to rice growing. At one time there was a weather-goddess in the skies who worked to keep the harvest safe by protecting it from rain. To do so she wore four giant leaves on her head, allowing the rain to run off and protecting the crop. This in turn inspired the unique design of the conical hat. Conical hats come in many designs What are Conical Hats Made of? Vietnamese conical hats are normally made from cheap natural materials that survive in both very hot and very wet conditions. The most popular materials are palm or bamboo leaves. The structure is normally made from bamboo, and then dried leaves are woven in a manner that makes the hat virtually waterproof. Hats are often finished with a rattan, cotton or silk ribbon. Ribbons may be brightly colored if the hat is intended for ceremonial purposes. How do you Make Vietnamese Conical Hats? Firstly, the structure of the hat is built, using ribbed bamboo canes, and tied together with twine. For the covering, palm leaves are dried in the sun, then semi-roasted on a hotplate and flattened with a weight. This makes them much easier to weave in the manner intended. Leaves are cut to size and affixed to the structure with more bamboo canes. A second layer of shinier leaves is then attached on top. The leaves are hand-stitched into place, with each hat taking three to four hours to stitch. Making a conical hat well takes years of practice and they’re usually made by farming families, in-between shifts working on the land, as a way of earning extra income. Makers will begin to learn their trade as children and it can take years to perfect the craft and ensure the weave keeps the weather completely at bay. Despite the number of hats you may see on display during your stay in Hoi An, they’re made by relatively few people. Each village will have its own experts, but the time taken to make a hat that lasts is simply not worth the profit margin for most. Woman in Conical Hat Rowing on Thu Bon River, Hoi An, Vietnam Rob Whitworth Types of Conical Hat If you’re traveling around Vietnam you might notice subtle differences in the conical hats worn by local people. Regular hats will be plainly colored and for practical use only. Those worn for for ceremonial occasions may have special inscriptions relating to their origin, or even good-luck poems written inside. The tourist market has increased the number of types of conical hat available, and it’s pretty easy to find a hat with words or pictures relating to the place where you’ve bought it. Some hats are thicker than others, and the color of the leaves may vary. This depends on local variations of the plants used, as well as the strength of the sun in a particular region. The hottest parts of Vietnam tend to make the palest hats, given the length of time the leaves have to mature in very hot weather. It won’t matter where you buy your conical hat – from north to south you’ll be guaranteed a high quality product if you go handmade, regardless of local differences. How Much is a Conical Hat in Vietnam? Prices vary depending on the type of hat you buy and also where you buy it. A basic hat will cost around 30,000 VND USD. Prices can go up to 100,000 VND USD if it’s adorned with lavish artwork and a silk ribbon. In Hoi An, the conical hats worn by the locals are often on sale at markets. Hats bought at touristy centers usually come in a larger size.
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