Page 288 - Trang Phục Việt Nam

Conclusion

Vietnamese clothes in the ancient times were simple but elegant, displaying the
Vietnamese soul at the beginning of history. Throughout a long historical development, the
designs of clothes have gradually changed to suit the climate, living environment and war
years.
Clothing is an essential need in human life. In term of practicality, it is a necessity; in terms
of aesthetics, it is a work of art. The basic function of clothing is to protect the wearer.
Regarding this aspect, Vietnamese costumes have effectively fulfilled their role. They not only
assist the wearers in work, festivals, fighting and so on, but they also help them prevent and
cure diseases. For example, wooden clogs for the elderly made from a special wood can help
prevent rheumatism, a very frequent condition in a tropical monsoon climate. There is also a
special material to make protective hats for children. Belts and jewelry can also perform such
a function. It is notable that Vietnamese attire often serves many roles at the same time. The
palm conical hat is a typical example that has been mentioned many times. The headscarf is
not only used as headgear, it can be used to wash the face, or as a defensive weapon. The
emergence of the rubber tyre sandals during the resistance war against the French was not
mere chance but the result of Vietnamese creativity and spirit. The multi-function of
Vietnamese apparel is not a result of poverty. When one walks through Trường Sơn forests, a
pair of rubber type sandals is still the best choice.

The normal black color of female trousers is connected with hygiene. The problem could
hardly be solved if only economic and working conditions were considered. Vietnamese
costumes always have a fine combination of design, color, materials and patterns. Clothes of
ancient Vietnamese in Vạc village tinkled with brass and silver chatelaines. Even the rustle of
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a new garment pleased the wearer at the beginning of the 20 century. The rich often used
aromatic herbs to scent their clothes. Common people often use parsley seeds or leaves, or
citronella leaves soaked in water to wash their hair. They used shaddock flowers and jasmine
to beautify their hair. The dyes used for materials were chosen to give a certain fragrance for
the wearer to enjoy. Vietnamese costumes have historical value, meaning that they can reveal
their date with relative accuracy. The discovery of the actual date of Vietnamese clothing is
carried out by a number of specialists. The variety of Vietnamese costumes is sometime
shown in technical features.
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Ever since Vietnam proclaimed its independence and sovereignty in the 10 century, feudal
dynasties issued decrees on the uniformity of clothes. The wearers must obediently follow
strict regulations on clothing in relation to the social ranking prescribed by feudal society. In
this day and age, the Vietnamese People’s Army’s uniform is not the costume of one
particular ruling family but is applied to the whole nation.

Costume is an aspect of culture. In addition to Vietnam’s reputation for wet rice cultivation,
planting mulberry trees and raising silkworms is also an essential working practice of the
Vietnamese people. The popular Vietnamese proverb “be honest even though you are
starving, be clean despite being ragged” not only refers to the clothes that you wear but also
teaches a moral way of life.