The parasol tree in Cu Lao Cham Island is a rare endemic tree, often called red parasol tree because of its red flowers, and has been recognized as a heritage tree.
Red parasol trees in Cu Lao Cham grow scattered throughout the island from an altitude of 50m to nearly 500m, concentrated on the western slopes, from Xom Moi slope to Cut beach with a length of about 1km.
The red parasol tree prefers soil that grows on granite with large exposed rocks. Here, there are many storms, dry soil, and thin layers, so the tree is only about 5 - 10m high; the tree trunk is large, with an average diameter of 60 - 80cm, branches early, the base of the trunk is twisted and rough, similar to the trunks of ancient trees planted in temples.
Unique occupation from heritage trees
In early summer, around April, the leaves begin to turn yellow, in May the yellow leaves begin to fall until the end of June, in July and August the tree blooms beautifully on the branches that have shed all their leaves.
Looking up at the slopes of Cu Lao Cham mountain at this time, we see streaks of bright red, which are the blooming parasol flowers, the whole tree seems to be covered with flowers.
In September, the tree sprouts new leaves and bears fruit in October when the dry season ends. When the rainy season comes, the parasol fruit ripens evenly and spreads everywhere. The seeds that land in high humidity will germinate into seedlings.
Red parasol tree, in addition to its decorative value and attracting tourists , the bark is also used by islanders to make hammock weaving fibers. Roasted parasol seeds are very delicious because they contain a lot of oil.
The craft of weaving hammocks from fibers taken from the bark of the parasol tree is a unique, distinctive, and attractive feature of Cu Lao Cham. The elders here say that hammocks woven from red parasol tree bark fibers are very durable, comfortable to lie on, and effective in treating back pain.
The traditional craft of weaving hammocks from parasol trees has been closely associated with the life of the Cu Lao Cham community for generations, reflecting the unique culture of the people here.
From the fresh bark on the tree trunk to the smooth, comfortable hammock, it takes a long time of hard work, going through many stages, requiring meticulousness, dexterity, perseverance, and love for the profession of the craftsman.
Nowadays, the hammock weaving profession is gradually fading away, partly because the fiber material from the parasol tree is increasingly scarce, and partly because the income is not high. There are only a few old women who know this profession, most of them are old.
Mrs. Le Thi Ke (a person who has been weaving cotton hammocks for many years) said: “The hammock weaving profession in Cu Lao Cham has existed for a long time. I became a daughter-in-law and learned the profession from my mother-in-law. I have been doing it for more than 50 years, now I am passing on the profession to 2 people. If anyone wants to learn, I will do my best to pass it on.”
Creative experiential products
After many generations of preservation, with the love of the artisans and the efforts of the local government to preserve and promote cultural values, on December 4, 2023, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Quang Nam province (old) issued a decision to recognize and grant a certificate of recognition of the traditional craft of weaving hammocks of Cu Lao Cham; on February 21, 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also issued a decision to announce the list of national intangible cultural heritage.
Looking back, it seemed that the craft of weaving parasol hammocks would be lost, but since 2009, when Cu Lao Cham was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve and tourism opened up, this craft has become more known to domestic and foreign tourists and is recognized because this product carries the cultural identity of the indigenous people.
The production of hammocks made from parasol trees is not enough to meet the demand of tourists. Some tourists also want to experience this creative craft of weaving hammocks.
Since the beginning of 2023, the experience point of weaving cotton hammocks at Bai Lang market (Tan Hiep commune) organized by Cu Lao Cham Traditional Craft Village Tourism Cooperative has officially been put into operation, attracting a large number of tourists.
Ms. Cao Thi Phuong - Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Cooperative said that the direction of the Cooperative is to connect the tourism community, traditional craft production households in the locality, especially the craft of weaving corn hammocks to preserve and develop traditional craft villages, promote and enhance the value of local products.
“Not only that, the experience point of weaving hammocks from parasol trees is where the cooperative introduces to domestic and foreign tourists a product with artistic and creative value of artisans on the island,” said Ms. Phuong.
2024 is the third consecutive year that the “Cu Lao Cham - Red Corn Season” Festival has been held. This event has truly become a “flower festival” on the island, attracting a large number of tourists to visit and explore.
Also from here, with tours to this “Legendary Green Island”, visitors have the opportunity to admire and enjoy the roads full of blooming parasol flowers and buy souvenirs such as hammocks and many handicrafts made from parasol bark fibers endemic to Cu Lao Cham.
Source: https://baodanang.vn/phat-huy-nghe-di-san-dac-trung-o-cu-lao-cham-3297148.html
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