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Footprint Vietnam Tour
Sewing and embroidery are the specific work of women. Most of the girls have to start their embroidery when they are nine or ten years old (sometimes as young as six). They are taught by their mothers and grandmothers.
At first, they start with simple patterns and then they move on to more complicated work. After much practice, the girls are able to make their own clothes to wear for when they get married. Their skills are best demonstrated in the complexity of their wedding dresses. In the photo the bride wears an all encompassing red veil in contrast to her richly embroidered indigo costume.
However, the girls not only embroider when they are getting married. It is the daily work of the Dao women. They spend most of their time embroidering, never wasting any of their free time. They embroider when they are on the way to the field or the market and even when they are cooking.
Dao people do not embroider copying specific garments, instead it is all from memory. They only need to briefly see a pattern and they are able to copy it. They are very careful with their embroidery and must ensure that the colors and patterns are harmonious and balanced.
A closer look at one’s work will depict a girl's age, style, and ability. Further many of the patterns are symbolic of farming, animals, and children.