Tu Van has been known for embroidery and weaving long time ago. According to village elders, Tu Van craftspeople were asked by the War of Resistance Committee to make national flags in preparation for the August Revolution in 1945. On September 2, 1945, tens of thousands of red flags with the yellow star made by Tu Van villagers blanketed Ba Dinh Square where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam.
 Dao Thi Duyen’s family is among those in Tu Van village that make the largest quantity of flags. Photo: Viet Cuong  Tu Van flag makers use machines in some steps. Photo: Khanh Long  The national flags made by Tu Van are famous for its beauty. Photo: Viet Cuong  The craftspeople are busy tailoring national flags for special occasions. Photo: Khanh Long  Tu Van villagers make banners and posters for major festivals and holidays. Photo: Khanh Long  The traditional craft is passed to young people. Photo: Viet Cuong  People raise the national flag on the National Day, September 2 on Doi Can street in Hanoi. Photo: Pham Thang  National flags made by Tu Van villagers flutter on big events. Photo: Pham Thang |
Seven decades have passed since the historical event, Tu Van retains its trade which not only generates a stable income but also is a pride for the villagers.
These days, Tu Van is busy serving orders from football fans across the nation as the national football team has booked a place in the final of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup. The final’s first leg takes place at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Malaysia on December 11 and the regional champions will be crowned at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi four days later./.
By Viet Cuong – Khanh Long – Pham Thang
