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Non la, a traditional Vietnamese hat
resembling Korea’s satgat

any countries around the world have traditional garments, jewelry, and other accessories. In Korea, for instance, there are satgat (hats made of reed or bamboo), gomusin (shoes made of rubber), jipsin (shoes made of plant fibers), jade rings, and norigae (knotted pendants with tassels). In Viet Nam, the iconicnón láhat is impossible to overlook. Its shape and useis somewhat similar to Korea’s satgat.

Nón lá, the multi-purpose all-rounder

Nón láis a traditional conicalhat. Sinceall of VietNam experiences periods of heavy rainfall and intense heat, these hats have been used since ancient times to protect people’sfaces and necks from the burning sun and torrential rain storms. A variety of materials have been used to createnón lá. Those of high-ranking officials were made with the feathers of geese or other birds, adorned at the top with something shiny, and with wide silk ribbons attached as straps. Village chiefs and local officials wore nón dứa, made by delicately weaving small pineapple leaves.

Over time, prominent cultural symbols of Viet Nam such as theáo dài dress and nón láunderwent transformations and variations in usage. For instance, nón lácan double as fans or be turned into water bowls at wells and washbasin satrice paddy fields. They also offer protection from the wind when starting a fire and cover you if you must relieve yourself in the field. Last but not least, they create a beautiful, fashionable look.

The multifunctional nón láis inexpensive and used by women and men in everyday life. It also makes for a beautiful gift, souvenir, or interior decoration. Although it looks somewhat similar to the Korean satgat, the two hats’uses vary due to the differences in culture and lifestyle of Korea and Viet Nam. However, both countries continue to cherish their traditional hats. When traveling to VietNam, you can observe the different variations of áo dàiand nón lá, both quintessential symbols of Vietnamese culture.