Society

Elderly people in Nghe An 'keep the flame alive' for traditional crafts.

Huy Thu • October 1, 2024 06:30

Elderly people not only live happy and healthy lives, participating in labor to create material wealth for society, but also contribute to preserving traditional crafts in their localities.

bna_1(4).jpg — Localities throughout the province, from the lowlands to the highlands, are maintaining many traditional crafts, including those characteristic of each region. It is noticeable that the workforce involved in these crafts is currently predominantly elderly. In the photo: Elderly people in Thanh Duong commune (Thanh Chuong district) maintain the long-standing craft of basket weaving. Photo: Huy Thu

bna_2(4).jpg — Traditional crafts require diligence and dexterity, but not excessive physical strength, making them suitable for healthy elderly people, especially mothers and grandmothers. Many families in craft villages have both elderly spouses working together and supporting each other. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Nho (66 years old) from Thanh Luong commune (Thanh Chuong district) shared: "Our children work far away, so my husband and I weave hundreds of bamboo baskets each year, providing us with income while preserving the traditional craft." (Photo: Huy Thu)

bna_3..jpg — Among traditional crafts, basket weaving (using baskets, trays, sieves, and other similar materials) is perhaps the most popular among the elderly. Photo: Huy Thu

Traditional crafts are passed down through generations. Elderly people not only practice and preserve the craft but also play a crucial role in teaching and passing it on to their descendants. (Photo: Huy Thư)

bna_5..jpg — Nowadays, young people often prefer high-paying jobs, working in companies or going abroad for work... therefore, in rural areas, only the elderly remain committed to traditional crafts. Without the elderly, many traditional crafts would likely fade away. Photo: Huy Thu

bna_6(1).jpg — Traditional crafts don't generate high incomes compared to many other manual labor jobs, but they are continued and preserved by the elderly in these localities with passion and love. Photo: Huy Thu

bna_7..jpg — Through hard work, diligence, and skillful hands, elderly people have "breathed life" into familiar, environmentally friendly materials to create quality products that embody traditional cultural values, while also contributing to increased income. Photo: Huy Thu

By creating marketable products and striving to preserve and pass on their skills, elderly artisans will bring more sustainable vitality to traditional crafts. (In the photo: Elderly people making brooms in Thanh Luong commune, Thanh Chuong district). Photo: Huy Thu

In the course of their craft, elderly artisans play a particularly important role in passing on the tradition and preserving the craft. Mr. Tran Dinh Thuc (82 years old) in Kim Lien commune, despite his advanced age, has been dedicated to blacksmithing for decades. Mr. Thuc shared: "Blacksmithing is hard and arduous work, but I still love the profession, I am committed to the one I chose, and I will only stop when I can no longer do it." Photo: Huy Thu

Elderly people possess extensive experience and skills in maintaining traditional crafts. In Tru Son commune (Do Luong district), there are elderly artisans who are highly skilled in making pots, especially pot lids, a skill that even middle-aged people with many years of experience in the craft may not be able to achieve. Photo: Huy Thu

Elderly people who live happily, healthily, and enthusiastically work play an important role in preserving, promoting, and passing on traditional crafts in their localities. It is therefore necessary to have activities to commend and encourage elderly people and artisans in craft villages. (Photo: Huy Thu)

Mr. and Mrs. Van Dinh Hai (68 years old) in Thanh Luong commune (Thanh Chuong district) produce hundreds of bamboo baskets every year. Video: Huy Thu

Huy Thu