(VOVWORLD) - Bao Dap, a village on the Red River in Hong Quang ward, Ninh Binh province, is nationally famous for its star-shaped lanterns. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, millions of colorful lanterns made in this village brighten celebrations nationwide.
 Frames and decorations for star lanterns of various sizes (Photo: Kim Lieu) |
For 500 years, Bao Dap has handed down its craft through generations of artisans. According to village elders, the star lanterns were originally made only for local festivities. Over time the market grew beyond the village and the craft became a recognized brand of the village.
Dinh Van Tung, a fourth-generation lantern maker, said the star lantern symbolizes the shining stars above, always sparkling with hope. “It carries deep spiritual meaning—not just as a toy for children, but as a vessel of cultural heritage. Each lantern embodies the nation’s traditions, reminding younger generations of their roots. Most of all, the star lantern reflects the dreams and aspirations of every child," Tung told VOV.
These days, visitors to Bao Dap are greeted by colored cellophane paper, dyed jute sticks drying in the sun, and the rhythmic sound of bamboo being split. The entire village hums with activity as artisans rush to complete new lanterns in time for the festival.
Nguyen Van Hoat, who has spent more than 50 years in the trade, said, "This craft was passed down from our grandparents to us. My family has been making lanterns for decades. From the first lunar month, we work non-stop until Mid-Autumn. Only when demand ends do we put our tools down."
 Villagers using homemade glutinous rice paste to attach cellophane to bamboo frames (Photo: Kim Lieu) |
Bao Dap lanterns are entirely handmade. The materials are simple—bamboo, cellophane, glue, steel wire, and jute sticks for handles. Preparation starts months in advance, often right after the Lunar New Year. Bamboo from Thanh Hoa is cut, soaked, and softened to make it flexible. Jute sticks are dyed and sun-dried to make them strong and light. Decorative paper and other supplies are steadily stockpiled.
Tung explained the process, "Making a star lantern involves many steps—framing, pasting the cellophane, adding tassels, decorating, fixing the fire ring, and final assembly. Everything is done by hand. To paste the cellophane, we use glutinous rice paste, which is safe and long-lasting."
 Finished lanterns ready to be shipped nationwide for the Mid-Autumn Festival (Photo: Kim Lieu) |
Crafting a beautiful lantern requires patience, skill, and aesthetic sense. The artisans measure the frame, cut the colored paper into precise star-shaped panels, and carefully paste them without wrinkles or gaps. Colorful tassels are wound around thin bamboo strips before being shaped to border the star. The lantern is then reinforced, propped, and left out to dry.
According to artisan Ninh Thi Luot, each lantern takes more than 60 actions to complete. "We make the lanterns with great care. We dye the cellophane ourselves, and every detail is handmade. By June, shipments are already leaving. My family alone makes 50,000 lanterns a year. At this time, we’re really busy, but seeing the children’s joy makes it all worthwhile," said Luot.
The busiest period in Bao Dap is from the 5th to the 8th lunar month. At the peak of production, 300 of the village’s 1,000 households are busy making lanterns. Each year, millions of lanterns leave Bao Dap for every corner of Vietnam—a source of immense pride for the village.
The star lanterns of Bao Dap continue to light up Mid-Autumn nights, carrying forward a timeless legacy of tradition and craftsmanship.