The Traditional Crow's Beak Kerchief

The traditional attire of Vietnamese women in the north of the country in the old days included a four-flap dress covering a “yem” style brassier, a kerchief and a flat palm hat with fringes. As time went on and social patterns changed, the attire has evolved to suit the wearers' daily activities, but some items, including the kerchief, have been retained and help in preserving national culture. A crow's beak kerchief is a "must" of the traditional costumes worn by female Quan Ho singers. Northern women during the mid-20th century often wore the crow's beak kerchief. The kerchief highlights the woman’s charm. An elderly wearing the crow's beak kerchief knitting near the window. Female Quan Ho singers wear four-flap dress and crow’s beak kerchief during a performance. Old women often wear the crow’s beak kerchief when going to festivals or important ceremonies. Images of old women wearing brown dress and crow’s beak kerchief, and chewing betel quid are seen in many rural areas. Charming with a traditional kerchief. Modern girls also love to wrap their hair and wear traditional brassier when photographed with lotus flowers. The crow’s beak kerchief can wrap the hair tightly and highlight the beauty of wearer. The crow’s beak kerchiefs are sold in many places. Before the kerchief is applied, the woman must wrap her long hair in a cloth, secure it with a pin and roll it on the head. Following this the kerchief is tied in a triangle like a crow's beak; hence it is called a crow's beak kerchief. When it is worn properly the kerchief helps shape the face similar to a lotus flower that yet to bloom. The crow's beak kerchief often goes with the traditional four-flap dress that is one of the cultural spotlights during the rural village festivals.