According to historical documents, the Thanh Tien paper flower making village in Phu Mau Commune, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien Hue Province, came into being in the 18th century.
Artisans make paper flowers in Thanh Tien Village - Photos: Hoang Hai
As the legend goes, Huyen Tran (1289-1340), the princess of the Tran Dynasty, married King Jaya Simhavaman III of Champa and made paper flowers during Tet (Lunar New Year) to reminisce about her hometown. Since then, the art of making paper flowers was born.
Some villagers said that as the province has an extreme climate that makes it hard for fresh flowers to bloom in time for Tet, paper flowers are used to worship ancestors and decorate their houses during Tet.
All the steps are handmade
A closer look at the colorful paper flowers
Paper flowers glitter in the sunshine
The paper flowers are brought to local markets
They can be seen on the streets in the province
Paper lotus flowers in Thanh Tien look just like the real ones
The handmade paper flowers are used to worship ancestors
They are also used to decorate houses during Tet
By Hoang Hai
