THE HANOI TIMES—Amidst the vibrant, lantern-lit ambiance of the Mid-Autumn Festival 2025, where modern toys and digital distractions abound, artisan Dang Van Hau from Xuan La Village, Phu Xuyen Commune, Hanoi, quietly preserves a timeless joy. To many, *To he* is merely a folk toy. Yet, in Hau’s skilled hands, it transcends into a cultural emblem, a vessel of memory, and a guardian of Vietnamese heritage.
Sharing his passion with *The Hanoi Times*, Hau reflects: “*To he* is more than a toy to me. It embodies the soul of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. In an era dominated by plastic and mass-produced playthings, this humble craft endures through its simplicity and timeless charm.”
“Each pinch of dough, each figurine I shape, carries my love for this art and my hope to pass on our folk legacy. This Mid-Autumn, I wish children will not only marvel at glowing lanterns and lion dances but also connect with tradition through every *To he*,” he adds.
Born and raised in a *To he*-making craft village, Hau has been immersed in this art since childhood. The aroma of steamed rice flour, the vibrant hues of natural dyes, and the laughter of children in the village square form the backdrop of his earliest memories. What began as childhood fascination evolved into a lifelong dedication.
Despite rapid societal changes and emerging entertainment forms, artisan Hau remains unwavering in his commitment.
He views his craft not merely as a livelihood but as a mission to preserve Vietnam’s cultural essence.
Each *To he* crafted by Hau encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese creativity and innocence.
Every miniature sculpture, shaped from simple rice flour, carries profound narratives of heritage.
For this year’s festival, Hau infuses his creations with renewed energy, blending classic folk imagery with contemporary cultural icons.
His *To he* figures radiate not only with color but with meaning, embodying joy, imagination, and cultural continuity.
The whimsical figurines spark curiosity in children…
…while evoking deep nostalgia among the elderly.
They conjure memories of simpler times, when Mid-Autumn joy was found in shared laughter and delicate rice flour toys.
Through Hau’s masterful craft, the spirit of Vietnam’s traditional Mid-Autumn Festival continues to shine brightly, even in the modern world.
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