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| Ms. Thuy Ha chooses traditional Ao-dai for holidays and Tet |
Ao-dai in the streets
During the recent Lunar New Year (Tet), Ms. Doan Thuy Ha (from Vy Da Ward) chose the traditional Hue Ao-dai as the spring outing outfit for herself and her two children.
Ms. Ha shared: “Hue’s Ao-dai has a very distinctive beauty - modest and gentle, yet still radiating elegance. When I put on the Ao-dai, I feel confident and proud because I am preserving a part of Hue’s cultural heritage. I want my daughters to grow up with the image of Ao-dai during holidays and Tet, so they can better understand and appreciate the traditions of our nation.”
For her, choosing Ao-dai for both mother and daughter is not simply about selecting a beautiful outfit; it is also a way to teach her children to cherish and preserve their love for the traditional Ao-dai culture of Hue.
Sharing the same passion, Ms. Huynh Thi Thu Trang (from Huong An Ward) also prioritizes wearing Ao-dai on special occasions. The Ao-dai she wears for photos are all custom-made at tailoring shops in Hue, ranging from traditional designs to gently modernized styles that still retain the characteristic elegance and refinement.
Ms. Trang shared: “Every time I post photos of myself wearing an Ao-dai at beautiful locations in Hue, my friends always ask about where the Ao-dai was tailored and which places they should visit. I feel very happy because, in my own small way, I am helping promote the traditional Ao-dai as well as the beautiful tourist destinations of Hue to friends from everywhere.”
From these simple photographs, Hue Ao-dai has become a bridge that spreads the image of the people and culture of the former imperial capital far and wide.
“Ao dai of love,” to let everyone dress beautifully for festive occasions
To ensure that all women have the opportunity to wear the traditional Ao-dai, the various branches of the Hue City Women’s Union organized a series of activities for “Ao Dai Week 2026.” As part of the program, more than 2,000 “Ao Dai of Love” were presented to women members facing difficult circumstances across the city. Each Ao-dai was carefully selected and thoughtfully prepared, helping the recipients feel more confident when participating in community activities.
Choosing a still new Ao-dai from the “Ao Dai of Love Wardrobe”, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien (from Kim Tra Ward) shared: “I would also like to have a few Ao-dai tailored so I could join activities with other women, but my financial situation does not allow it, so I only have one that I wear to weddings or important occasions. I feel very fortunate that the Women’s Union in my ward organized the “Ao Dai - Sharing Love” program, which allows us to have more beautiful Ao-dai to wear for gatherings and festivals. I truly feel cared for, supported, and much more confident.”
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Van, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward and Chairwoman of the Women’s Union of Kim Tra Ward, said that the Women’s Union organizes many activities and regularly encourages members to wear Ao-dai in support of the initiative “Hue – The Capital of Ao Dai.” Therefore, when women members receive Ao-dai as gifts, they feel very excited and happily accept them. The Ao-dai is not only a material gift but also a form of spiritual encouragement, helping women feel more love and pride for this traditional cultural beauty.
Local branches of the Women’s Union have also called on 100% of female members and women to wear Ao-dai when participating in the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term, scheduled for March 15, 2026. The image of Ao-dai appearing at polling stations will help create a solemn and culturally rich atmosphere for this nationwide event.
In addition to being worn during holidays such as Tet, the traditional Ao-dai is also chosen as the main attire for various activities organized by women’s unions, including community programs, mass folk dance performances, and cycling events that promote local tourism.
Implementing the breakthrough initiative “Women of Hue preserving and spreading the traditional cultural values of Hue and its people”, in connection with Resolution 54-TW, Hue City Women’s Union has launched many diverse activities and models. Communication programs, contests, performances, forums, and stage presentations have been renewed in format and linked with the project “Hue – The Capital of Ao Dai.” These efforts contribute to raising awareness and inspiring people to preserve the traditional beauty and cultural heritage of their homeland.
Currently, 100% of local Women’s Union branches have implemented one to two types of activities aimed at preserving Hue’s cultural identity, with 465 clubs and initiatives, such as “Companions of the Purple Hue,” “Ao Dai with Heritage,” and “Ao Dai of Love Wardrobe.”
Ms. Tran Thi Kim Loan, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and President of Hue City Women’s Union, affirmed that spreading the movement of wearing Ao-dai and preserving traditional cultural values has created a strong influence within the community. Ao-dai is no longer seen only at festivals but is gradually becoming a familiar outfit in political, cultural, and social activities, contributing to strengthening the brand “Hue – The Capital of Ao Dai.”
From the Ao-dai worn during Tet, to the Ao-dai featured in photos promoting tourism, to the thousands of “Ao Dai of Love” given to others - each woman member in Hue is becoming an “ambassador” who preserves and spreads the cultural identity of her homeland.