(VOVWORLD) - Indigo is a dominant color of clothes of many Vietnamese ethnic groups. The Tay in the northern region say that the tradition of using the indigo plant to dye fabric is derived from a folktale of the faithful love of a young couple. Ever since, indigo, adeep midnight blue, represents faithfulness and deep sincerity.

(VOVWORLD) -Brocade weaving, an age-old craft of the Van Kieu – PaCo in the central province of Quang Tri, has faded into obscurity due to the commercial production of modern fashion. To restore the craft, local administrators have organized weaving workshops to help people earn extra income and encourage the traditional clothes be worn at community festivals, and as work uniforms. “Colorful Vietnam, Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups” segment will introduce you to the activities that are helping the Van Kieu – Pa Co keep the art of brocade weaving alive.

(VOVWORLD) - The Rain Festival is one of the major festivals of the Ha Nhi ethnic minority in Muong Te district, Lai Chau province in the far Northwest of Vietnam. In the middle of the rainy season, when they have finished sowing seeds for a new crop, the Ha Nhi hold the Rain Festival to relax, thank deities and ancestors for blessing them with favorable weather conditions. They pray for good luck and bumper crops. Swinging is also an indispensable game during the festival.

(VOVWORLD) - With a population of about 1,000 people, the Si La are one of the 5 smallest ethnic groups in Vietnam. They live in remote mountain districts of Dien Bien and Lai Chau province. It’s easy to distinguish the Si La from other groups by their clothing and headscarves.

(VOVWORLD) - Bac Ha market in Lao Cai province is one of the most popular ethnic market sessions in the northwest region. Many people from other localities come here to buy “docked tail” dogs, one of four pure Vietnamese dog breeds.

(VOVWORLD) - Language, writing, and costumes are important identifications to differentiate Vietnam’s ethnic groups. The Mong group in Ha Giang province has 4 branches: White Mong, Blue Flower Mong, Red Flower Mong, and Black Mong. Their costumes show you their culture, artistic values, and history.

(VOVWORLD) - Gongs and drums are the most popular musical instruments of the Co Tu in Tay Giang district, Quang Nam province. They are used in community events.

(VOVWORLD) - The ethnic Black Thai of Vietnam’s northwestern region value the Pieu scarf as a symbol of love and an important clothing accessory for women. All Black Thai women can weave and embroider Pieu scarves.

(VOVWORLD) - The Black Thai in Son La province base their calendar on the phases of the moon. Important events such as funerals, weddings, ground breakings, house-warmings, and crop plantings are organized on lucky days of the lunar month.

(VOVWORLD) - The Dao in Hoanh Bo district, Quang Ninh province, use many herbal medicines containing indigenous herbs from Hoanh Bo mountain. The Dao’s exploitation of traditional plants and exploration of new varieties have turned Quang Ninh into a hub of herbal medicines.