Dạ Lê Hat Market, located in Thuy Van commune, Huong Thuy district, has long been a familiar destination for those who love and cherish the Hue conical hat. What sets this market apart is its surprising specialization: this place solely trades in conical hats and related materials. Almost every Hue conical hat that travels far and wide carries a breath of Dạ Lê. With a history of over a hundred years of existence and development, the Dạ Lê Hat Market is not just a center of commerce but also a place that preserves and disseminates the essence of the traditional hat-making craft.
Dạ Lê Hat Market usually opens in the early morning, before the sun fully rises. The market is already bustling with the laughter and chatter of buyers and sellers. Although the market space only stretches along both sides of the small bridge spanning the Nhu Y River, it is always packed with stacks of conical hats of various sizes and shapes. In the misty early morning air, one can sense the pungent scent of fresh leaves blended with the strong aroma of hat oil – a distinctive fragrance that clings to the hardworking mothers and sisters devoted to this trade for life.
Even though the image of conical hats is not as ubiquitous on the streets of Hue as it used to be, the conical hat still retains its value as a cultural element and an indispensable charm in the spiritual life of the people of the ancient capital. The Bài Thơ hats from Dạ Lê have accompanied tourists, becoming meaningful gifts that spread the beauty of Hue throughout the country and worldwide.
The formation of the Dạ Lê Hat Market stems from the practical needs of the local people. In the past, buying and selling tools or finished hats often required traveling to Dong Ba Market, a journey that consumed time and energy. To reduce this burden, the Dạ Lê Hat Market emerged spontaneously and quickly attracted the participation of many hat makers from nearby villages such as Phu My, Phu An, Phu Ho, Phu Xuan, Phu Luong, Thuy An, and Thuy Thanh – places where people combined farming with the hat-making craft.
Initially, the Dạ Lê Hat Market was located on the left bank of the Nhu Y River, in Phu My commune (Phu Vang district). However, with the development of infrastructure and better roads, the market was moved to the other side of the river, in Thuy Van commune (Huong Thuy district), where it is located today. The new location by the Nhu Y River, with a wooden bridge connecting the two banks, made the market even more accessible, whether by foot or by boat.
The Dạ Lê Hat Market is not just a place for trading but also a rich source of materials for hat-making. Here, artisans can easily find all the necessary supplies, such as hat leaves, threads, rims, hat molds, soai (a type of plant fiber), hat oil, and hat straps. This convenience saves time and costs for the hat-making households, as they don’t have to travel far to gather materials. Another special feature is that many vendors in the market offer purchases on credit, allowing artisans to take materials on credit and pay later after selling their hats. This arrangement is especially beneficial for those with limited capital.
Nowadays, hat traders from Hue City often come to the market by motorbike, and if they are purchasing in bulk, they will hire a xe lam (a type of three-wheeled vehicle) for transportation. These hat traders, whether male or female, dress neatly and carry thick wads of cash to conduct their transactions. Notably, for their trusted partners, they are willing to advance money to the artisans for buying rice and other necessities, which will then be deducted from the payment for the hats they supply. This practice demonstrates a business relationship built not only on profit but also on trust and a deep sense of camaraderie.
The Dạ Lê Hat Market stands out for its cleanliness and orderliness. It is the only market exclusively dedicated to trading Hue conical hats and related items. Another distinctive feature of this market is that most of the traders are women. These elegant and gracious Hue women contribute to the market’s unique, charming, and warm atmosphere.
The Dạ Lê Hat Market is not just a commercial hub but also an integral part of Hue’s cultural landscape. It is a place that preserves traditional values and serves as a bridge to spread the Hue conical hat – a symbol of grace, softness, and hidden beauty – far and wide, asserting the status of this traditional craft in the modern era. When visiting Hue, don’t forget to drop by Dạ Lê to breathe in the spirit of the hat-making tradition and admire these humble yet noble “lotus flowers.”
The Motherland’s Rules: Nurturing Young Minds Across Vietnam
Each region of Vietnam boasts its own unique cultural heritage and educational approaches.
The Kiss That Caused a Stir: When Shark Bình and Phuong Oanh’s Public Display of Affection Captivated the Masses
With over a year of marital bliss, this couple continues to exude sweetness in their everyday lives. Their actions speak volumes, showcasing a deep-rooted love that transcends the ordinary.
The Man is Not as Precious as Gold, a Woman With Little Luck but Lots of ‘Mao’ – What is This ‘Mao’?
“This quote encapsulates a unique perspective on the values and attributes of men and women. To delve deeper into its meaning, it is essential to explore the concept of ‘mao’ and its cultural significance.”
The Ultimate Guide to Ancestral Worship: Setting Up and Performing the ‘Worship Altar’ Ritual
The ancestral altar, a revered concept for those far from home, wishing to pay homage to their forebears. This guide delves into the intricacies of setting up such an altar, providing a step-by-step process and the traditional prayers to be recited.
How did ancient people follow the classic book “The Classic of Female Education” to raise their daughters!?
“Girls who are educated according to the “Nüshu” tradition grow up to become virtuous wives and loving mothers, adhering to principles of kindness, gentleness, and gracefulness.”
