If you have ever visited Vietnam, you may have noticed that locals wear conical hats. These traditional Vietnamese symbols are still worn throughout the country, but they are more present in the countryside than in the big cities. Non la is the name of these Vietnamese hats.
The conical hat of Vietnam is much more than just a recognizable national symbol. They are built to withstand rain and sun, and the crafting techniques are passed down from generation to generation. The Vietnamese Non-La hat is an iconic and irreplaceable symbol. Handmade and worn throughout all four seasons, they are a companion for life.
In Saigon and Hanoi, fewer of the younger generations wear them, and so the custom is fading away. In Hoi An, however, the non la hats remain an integral part of the culture. Follow along to discover why people in Vietnam wear pointed hats and a bit of the history of the non la conical hat.
A Brief History of the Vietnamese Conical Hat
Have you ever wondered about the origin of the non la hat in Vietnam? The conical hat has been worn for millennia and remains a traditional symbol of Vietnam.
Although conical hats are popular throughout Southeast Asia, they are thought to have originated in Hue, Vietnam. Since they are depicted on terracotta vases over 2000 years old, it is likely they have been worn in some form or another for several millennia.
The conical hats worn by workers today are nearly identical in size and design. There is evidence suggesting this is a more recent development in the hat’s history, as historical photographs show different varieties worn by men, women, and people from all walks of life.
From clothing to traditions to fruits, many things in Vietnam have their own mythology. Since the conical hat is commonly worn by the country’s rice farmers, it is not surprising that the hat’s myth is associated with rice cultivation.
Once upon a time there was a weather goddess in the sky who worked to protect the harvest from rain. To do so, she wore four large leaves on her head, which allowed the rain to run off and protected the crop. Thus, the unique design of the conical hat was inspired.
How to Make a Vietnamese Conical Hat?
Vietnamese conical hats are often made from inexpensive natural materials that resist extreme heat and humidity. Palm leaves and bamboo are the preferred materials. The frame is usually made of bamboo, and dried leaves are woven into the hat in a way that makes it nearly waterproof. Typically, the hats are adorned with a ribbon of rattan, cotton, or silk. If the hat is used for ceremonial purposes, the ribbons may be brightly colored.
Initially, the hat frame is constructed using split bamboo canes and string. For the covering, the palm leaves are sun-dried, then partially roasted on a hot plate and pressed with a heavy object. This makes them much easier to weave properly. The leaves are cut to size and attached with additional bamboo canes to the frame. Then, the second layer of shinier leaves is glued on top. Each hat takes between three and four hours to sew the leaves by hand.
Making a conical hat requires years of experience, and farming families often make them between shifts as a way to earn extra income. Makers begin learning their skills from childhood, and it can take years to master their technique and ensure the weave repels the elements well.
Despite the number of hats on display in Hoi An, only a few people are responsible for their creation. Each town will have its specialists, but for the most part, the time needed to create a durable hat is not worth the profit margin.
What Are the Benefits of the Conical Hat?
There are several applications for the conical hat. Like any other hat, it is worn to protect the head from the sun’s powerful rays. But since the conical hat is coated with a waterproof finish, it also functions as a small umbrella, protecting you from the rain.
Additionally, you can be creative with it. When the conical hat is turned upside down, it becomes a suitable basket for carrying small market produce or a small amount of water. During hot summer days, the conical hat works as a cooling device; you can wet the hat, wear it, and let evaporation cool your head, or you can use it as a handy fan. The versatility, portability, and affordability of a basic conical hat have made it the most popular headwear in Vietnam, especially among farmers and street vendors.
The conical hat is also a fashion icon in Vietnam. It is less common to see a conical hat in urban regions than in rural areas, although many young girls still wear “ao dai” or “ao ba ba” with conical hats during photo shoots at Notre-Dame Cathedral and festivals in Ho Chi Minh City. The simplicity of the conical hat complements outfits such as “ao dai” and “ao ba ba”, bringing a touch of refinement to traditional Vietnamese clothing.
As an alternative to writing on paper, poems are attached to conical hats in Hue, the home of poetry. They are commonly given out as souvenirs to both visitors and residents. “Non bai tho” is not only a lovely gift for poetry lovers, but it can also serve as a memento of the past.
Where to Buy a Vietnamese Conical Hat?
If you ask me where to find the best conical hat, I would tell you that, thanks to its popularity, every region of Vietnam has a village well known for conical hat making. The conical hat of the Tay tribe is red, while the one worn by the people of Thanh Hoa stands out with its 20-hem frame. Unlike those from Binh Dinh, the ones from Hue are thin and graceful.
Chuong village produces between 7,000 and 8,000 conical hats per day and about three million hats per year for local and international use. Tuy, a 40-year-old artisan, stated: “Our regular customers from the south, the center, and other northern provinces place orders so that we can deliver quickly.” “In my latest deal with a handicraft export company, I offered to export up to 5,000 conical hats to Japan.”
It seems that every household in Chuong village produces conical hats. According to statistics, eighty percent of the villagers earn their living by producing conical hats. The typical monthly income is between 700,000 and 1,000,000 VND; the income is higher in the summer than in the winter, as it is more difficult to make hats in winter. In the village, a hat costs between 3,500 and 10,000 VND, while in Hanoi, the price can range from 30,000 to 100,000 VND, depending on quality.
The conical hat, with its simple yet functional design, is much more than a mere accessory in Vietnam. It is a symbol of the country’s cultural identity, history, and heritage. Its utility and versatility make it an indispensable companion for many Vietnamese people, particularly those who work outdoors.
In conclusion, the Vietnamese conical hat, or non la, is an enduring emblem of Vietnamese culture. Whether for protection from the sun and rain, for carrying goods, or as a fashion item, the conical hat has proven its worth throughout the ages. Its rich history and artisanal craftsmanship make it a cherished symbol of Vietnam, appreciated by both locals and visitors alike.
