Uncovering the Community-Centric Ethos of Vietnam's Craft Village
In the heart of Vietnam, our traditional craft villages are more than just places where beautiful handicrafts are created. They are vibrant communities where Vietnamese culture and history thrive. What sets these craft villages apart is the strong sense of community that binds the artisans together, creating a unique environment where tradition and craftsmanship flourish. This blog will delve into everything you need to know about our community at Vietnam craft villages.
History of Vietnam craft villages’ communities
In the context of Vietnamese craft villages, the community is a gathering of individuals who live and work in the same traditional craftsmanship. Our communities are bound by a shared heritage and a collective dedication to preserving and advancing our crafts. Let’s explore the history of our Vietnamese community at craft villages.
1. Originated from Vietnamese agriculture time
The sense of community in Vietnam predates the formation of craft villages, rooted in the cooperative nature of our agriculture. Villagers worked together in the fields, cultivating crops and defending against external threats. By the 13th century, Vietnam craft villages had been established as the handcrafted products from our traditional villages began to be exported. This period saw the community spirit in production and consumption become more pronounced, with villagers working together to create and market their products, supporting each other in daily life.
2. Reflecting in both professional and daily life
During the 16th and 17th centuries, craft villages flourished, becoming important centers of production and trade. The community bond strengthened as villagers not only worked together but also built tight-knit social relationships, supporting each other in cultural and social activities. This era solidified the role of community in sustaining the craft villages, with cooperation and mutual support at the core of village life.
The entire community of Kim Son craft village joins in Tet activities.
3. Weathering the ages
Many traditional craft villages have faced challenges due to urbanization and industrialization since the 20th century. However, the sense of community has remained strong. Through cultural preservation activities and mutual support in production and sales, these villages continue to thrive. The community spirit is evident in how our artisans come together to maintain the heritage and craftsmanship.
3 key characteristics of the community in Vietnam craft villages
1. Mutual support at Vietnam craft villages
In Vietnamese craft villages, mutual support is a cornerstone of daily life, particularly when working. Craft production often involves the entire community, with many members participating in different stages of the process. Whether it's preparing raw materials, weaving, or finishing the final product, each task is a communal effort. Our artisans work side by side, with skills and responsibilities passed down through generations, ensuring that everyone contributes to the village’s success.
Artisans in the craft village support each other in daily work
Beyond work, the sense of togetherness extends into daily life, where mutual support is evident in every aspect of community living. Villagers share meals, celebrate holidays, and partake in customs together, strengthening their bonds. Festivals and cultural events are community affairs, with everyone coming together to prepare and participate. This shared lifestyle cultivates a spirit of unity and cooperation, making each member feel like an integral part of the village.
Artisans often gather together to share meals
2. Collective spirit and responsibility
Every artisan in a craft village carries a responsibility to the entire community. This collective responsibility is reflected in the cheerful, serious, and diligent attitude of artisans during their work. There’s a shared understanding that their work supports the community’s well-being and cultural preservation, fostering a spirit of collective responsibility and pride.
The collective spirit and responsibility are characteristics in Vietnamese communities
3. Striking for common goals
The ultimate goal of a craft village is to preserve and develop the craft community. Artisans work together to achieve this, knowing that their combined efforts will keep their traditions alive. This shared objective creates a strong bond among community members, motivating them to work hard and support each other, ensuring the village’s continued prosperity and cultural significance.
Groups of artisans work together, driven by a shared purpose to support our community
Community values in Vietnam craft villages
Traditional craft villages play a crucial role in preserving Vietnam’s cultural identity. They are places where traditional skills and knowledge are passed down from generation to generation. The products created in these villages reflect the unique cultural characteristics of the community, serving as a "living museum" of traditions.
Vietnamese handicrafts are produced within artisanal communities
Moreover, the strong community bond in Vietnam craft villages sets our products apart from those of other countries. This connection ensures that as long as there are communities, the Vietnamese handicrafts continue to thrive.
The value of community in Vietnamese craft villages not only preserves cultural identity but also ensures the ongoing prosperity of our handicrafts. If you’re interested in exploring more stories and values from our Vietnam craft villages, stay tuned to our blog or subscribe to our email today!
