The making of lotus-scented tea in Hanoi was among the national crafts receiving the honour this time. Lotus tea is widely viewed as one of the best Vietnamese teas and a unique gift originating from Hanoi for any travelers during their trip to the capital.

Making lotus tea is a time consuming process that requires patience and skills from artisans. Dried tea is poured into the lotus flower when it opens, with each flower typically containing about 13g of tea. Around 1,200 to 1,500 lotus flowers are needed in order to scent roughly three kilograms of tea.

Another new national intangible cultural heritage was awarded to incense making in Tay Ninh province, one of the largest and oldest places of its kind in the southern region. Villagers are busy all year round making incense sticks the country’s main festivals, such as Lunar New Year, First Full Moon Festival, and Seventh Full Moon Festival.

During trips to the central province of Quang Ngai, visitors are offered a chance to experience hands-on pottery-making. The locality has preserved its rich heritage through generations of skilled artisans.

Sa Huynh pottery making craft offers a wide variety of over 40 product, including jars, vases, pots, incense burners, and candle holders which serve diverse purposes in daily life and cultural practices.

Brocade weaving of the Muong ethnic people in northern Phu Tho province represents a new entrant among national intangible heritages. Using natural materials, especially during the dyeing process, brocade products of the Muong ethnic group bear unique imprints, reflecting the culture of ethnic groups.

Meanwhile, the traditional mat weaving craft of the Khmer ethnic people in Tra Vinh province, which was established in the late 19th century, has been added onto the list of national intangible cultural heritage.

The honour is expected to motivate artisans to continue preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of traditional crafts from across the country.

VOV