Cute figurines are created from simple materials such as foam, clay, ink, zinc, and paint by skillful artisans. (Photo: VOV)

Traditional toy workshop “Ut Truyen” in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho is getting busier ahead of Tet. The artisans are making traditional toys depicting different kinds of animals like a mouse, a turtle, a bird or a crocodile. Workshop owner Dang Thi Ly said she took over the facility from her late husband 25 years ago.

“My husband used to be a skillful artisan. He could make traditional toys of different shapes, including crocodiles, pigs, and mice. His brother also got involved in the craft. Then, each of them was in charge of making one certain type of animal for sale.  Now, many people are still fond of traditional toys,” said Ly.

The artisans’ skills and creativity are shown in small, and sophisticated traditional toys. Many cute figurines are created from simple materials such as foam, clay, ink, zinc, and paint.

Ly and her husband’s passion for traditional toys have spread to other family members. Nguyen Van Hau, a brother of Ly’s husband, and his wife Nguyen Thi Be Ba make traditional toy animals of cats, buffaloes, ducks, and doves which can move and make sounds.

“I have made traditional toys since I was young. It is so exciting. Every Lunar New Year, we get busier, making more traditional toys with a hope of keeping the soul of traditional Tet alive,” said Hau.

Ms. Be Ba said each toy animal is sold at around 1 USD. At Tet, Be Ba and her husband make toys in larger number and sell them in public places.

“Many people are still interested in traditional toys. Every day, I sell traditional toys in the market, or in kindergartens. I feel happy because traditional toys are especially sought after during Tet”, said Be Ba.

Nguyen Van Hau and his wife make traditional toy animals of cats, buffalos, ducks, and doves which can move and make sounds. (Photo: VOV)

In Can Tho City, traditional toys are widely sold at tourist attractions. Ms. Phan Thi Thu Thuy, who has a stall selling traditional toys in the municipal Museum, said, “Traditional toys are sold out at Tet. I make each batch of 300 to 400 toys and then sell them.”

Traditional toys and folk games remind people of their childhood memories. While visiting Ut Truyen traditional toy workshop, Nguyen Phong Linh from Ho Chi Minh City, said, “When I was small, my parents usually bought me lovely traditional toys at Tet. Now, I still keep the habit of buying Tet toys to cherish the soul of Vietnam’s largest festival.”

In modern life, besides the wide range of modern toys, traditional toys still have a special place in Can Tho people’s spiritual life whenever spring comes around.