(VOVWORLD) - The “Khan ran” (scarf with checkered pattern) has long been an inseparable part of the traditional costumes of people in the Mekong Delta. This cultural emblem has been captured and depicted in a new book by Nham Hung.
 The “Khan ran” (scarf with checkered pattern) is an inseparable part of the traditional costumes of people in the Mekong Delta. (Photo: VOV) |
At the book’s launch on October 5, Hung said that, since the early days of the region's development, checkered scarves have been worn by four local ethnic groups—the Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, and Cham—becoming over time a symbol of this area and what is now known as the “Khan ran” culture.
Nham Hung’s book is in 3 parts. In the first part, "An overview of the cultural journey of checkered scarves", he describes the scarf’s frequent use by people from all social strata, including laborers and traders.
The second part, "Checkered scarves in cultural and tourism activities", describes the use of the scarf on performance stages, in fashion shows and beauty contests. In the third part, “Journalism and the love of checkered scarves”, Hung quotes articles that highlight the enduring beauty of the scarf.
“The unique checkered scarf has been worn for hundreds of years. I’m delighted to see the traditional scarf being integrated with contemporary elements. Through this book, I hope to make younger generations more aware of the importance of preserving Vietnam’s traditional cultural values, including the checkered scarves of the Mekong Delta,” said Hung.
Dr. Tran Huu Hiep, Vice President of the Mekong Delta Tourism Association, said Hung’s book will appeal to the many people who want to learn more about southern culture.
“Through Hung’s research, we learn that the checkered scarf is closely linked to the different development periods of the Mekong River Delta until today. The traditional costume is undergoing a modern integration and many international tourists now enjoy the experience of wearing a checkered scarf,” said Hiep.
 Author Nham Hung (Photo: VOV) |
Nham Hung provided consultation to a group of students from FPT University in Can Tho city who organized a checkered scarf exhibition and a fashion show. In fashion, the scarf has evolved into something quite versatile and modern, more than just a piece of cloth to wrap around the neck or cover the head.
“After lots of research and support from Nham Hung, we understand the checkered scarf better. For me, it holds a lasting value and a historical significance that goes beyond its everyday use,” Dieu My, the leader of the FPT student group, said.
The checkered scarf and the southern traditional shirt (Ao ba ba) have a place in the orchards and river tourism of the Mekong Delta.
“The traditional shirts, conical hats, checkered scarves, floating markets, and amateur singing are closely associated with the Mekong Delta. I think the government should promote policies that preserve the checkered scarf and the craft villages that make them,” Nguyen Khanh Tung, Director of Can Tho city’s Institute for Socio-Economic Development, said.