In this week's episode, two guests, MC Huyen Chau and photographer Khanh Phan, will explore a village with a strong Hue character, where bundles of sedge are pounded evenly and crystallized into vivid cultural memories: Pho Trach weaving village.

Pho Trach weaving village - where the sophistication of sedge fibers is understood

Located about 50km north of Hue city center, Pho Trach weaving village is an ideal destination for those who love cultural tourism and want to understand more about a rustic, simple but equally sophisticated Hue. Different from the solemnity of the mausoleum or the poetic beauty of the Huong River, Pho Trach has a very ordinary beauty, where the sedge grass grows on the plains of the sea, stretching like a natural carpet. The weaving craft from sedge grass here has been around for more than 400 years, originating from the time the village was founded, closely attached to each generation of residents. The sedge grass is planted in the fields and alluvial plains, and can only be harvested after a year. Cutting, drying, pounding, and bundling are all done entirely by hand. "Pounding sedge" is a particularly important step in the weaving process. Don't think this is as easy as pounding rice, in fact pounding sedge grass requires much more strength and technique. Only when the sedge grass is pounded soft and evenly can it be used to weave the finished product. Usually, there are two men in charge of pounding, one stands up to control the mortar, the other holds the bundle of grass, constantly stirring it to ensure even softness. It takes about 40-45 minutes to pound a bundle of banyan trees continuously. The sound of the mortar pounding evenly resounds like the sound of a village drum, both the sound of labor and the breath of tradition.

Unique products made from sedge

Where sedge "turns gold" under the hands of artisans

One of the typical faces of the craft village is Uncle Nam, who has been attached to the sedge grass for decades. After decades of dedication to the profession, he is not only a preserver of traditional values ​​but also a pioneer in turning sedge grass into sophisticated products, carrying the breath of modern life. He shared: “I went to Hanoi and saw people making beautiful products. When I returned to the village, I thought: I also have grass and a profession, why not try it?” . From that troubled thought, along with skillful hands and a mind full of ideas, nearly 300 new product models have been born one after another. From elegant handbags, fashionable hats, to high-end decor items, each product is a testament to his talent and aesthetic sense. Uncle Nam's unique creations have contributed significantly to bringing Pho Trach sedge products not only beyond the village's bamboo fences but also further, conquering demanding markets and introducing the beauty of Vietnamese craft villages to international friends.

Phuoc Tich Pottery Village - where pottery also has a soul

Leaving Pho Trach, the green connection journey stops by Phuoc Tich pottery village, considered another “living treasure” of the ancient capital. This place is famous for “om com tien hoang” (Royal rice dish), which is said to have been used in the Nguyen Dynasty royal court. Phuoc Tich pottery is made from precious clay from the O Lau River, fired by traditional manual methods with organic glaze from wood ash. In the past, every year the villagers had to submit 400 om to serve the Nguyen Dynasty king’s meals. The saying “Om Phuoc Tich – delicious rice for the emperor” is proof of the class and quality of this type of pottery. Phuoc Tich pottery is not only beautiful in shape but also charming with its shimmering organic glaze – created from wood ash, temperature and the talented hands of the craftsman. Each product retains the breath of the earth, of fire and of a golden age of Hue.

Some products made from pottery of Phuoc Tich village in the past

The program “Green Connection Journey” is not simply a trip, but a promise to tradition, to nature and to the future. Through each bundle of sedge, each red-hot furnace, the audience sees the value of perseverance, of diligent hands and connecting the present with the origin and lighting up green hope for the future.

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/hanh-trinh-ket-noi-xanh-lang-dan-pho-trach-lam-du-lich-tu-co-154528.html