The magical art of crafting colourful incense sticks revealed in enchanting Vietnam by Anouk Sassen

About "The magical art of crafting colourful incense sticks revealed in enchanting Vietnam"

by Anouk Sassen

About the artwork

In late January and early February, preparations for the Vietnamese Lunar New Year are in full swing and you can feel the excitement of this celebration everywhere.

During my tour of Vietnam, I visited a village where they make 'incense sticks' or incense sticks. We arrived in Quang Phu Cau village early in the morning and the whole community was already at work, from selecting the bamboo, making the sticks, colouring the sticks and packing them.

The whole village was filled with a sea of colourful especially red sticks, while locals have been involved in this craft for generations. From here, the incense sticks travel all over Vietnam, to burn on family altars, in temples or just for decoration. A beautiful piece of culture to experience! The red colour symbolises happiness.

This is one of my favourite pictures taken during the trip. The intense red colour of the incense sticks and the white iconic rice hat captured in one image

The iconic rice hat, known as the "nón lá," is an essential part of Vietnamese culture and tradition. Made of braided palm leaves, this conical hat not only provides protection from the bright sun and downpours, but is also a symbol of elegance and simplicity. The nón lá reflects not only practical practicality, but also the deep-rooted cultural pride and belonging of the Vietnamese people.
#Vietnam #LunarNewYear #Traditions"