The Ede are one of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. Besides their myths and musical instruments, their traditional costumes present their unique features. 

The Ede's traditional loom for weaving procade. 

In the culture of the Ede, men and women have traditional costumes. With their skills, the Ede have created costumes with unique features. Traditionally, the costumes of the Ede are usually black or indigo.

The women's traditional costumes are skirts and short sleeve pullovers with unique designs. The top is slit from the left shoulder to the right shoulder. It has delicate embroidery along the shoulders and hems, with small details. In indigo, the pullover is decorated with tiny red, white, and yellow stripes on the collar, sleeves, and hem.

Patterns on the Ede traditional costumes.

Patterns on the Ede traditional costumes.

The women wear a sarong as a skirt. The skirt is long enough to reach a woman's heel and creates a discreet feeling.

The men wear loincloths with elaborate floral patterns along the front to show their strength. Men's long-sleeve tops are broader longer than the women. The round neckline tends to lean forward and is cut into a line at the front of the chest. The back of the top is longer than the front. The hemline is decorated with red and white stripes. The area in the middle of the shirt has a horizontal array of color in a rectangular layout.

Men use the loincloths to cover the lower half of their body. Usually, loincloths are about 30cm wide. Depending on the festivals or occasions, loincloths have different lengths.

 

The loincloth is worn by wrapping it around the waist and then through the groin. One end is tied on the side to help the loincloth fit firmly. The other is left loose in the middle of the front. The most beautiful loincloths are kteh, drai, drech, and piek, while bong and bal are ordinary loincloths.

The praying ceremony for good health for elephants in Dak Lak. 

Story: Ngan Ha/VNP   Photos: Cong Dat  Translated by Hong Hanh