Villagers make incense to link visible and spiritual worlds in northern Vietnam (photos)

Hundreds of households in a village in northern Vietnam have long been known for their sophisticated incense products, according to Vietnamplus.

Incense plays an important role in the cultural traditions and folk beliefs of Vietnamese people.

It is considered a sacred bridge between the visible life of human beings and the spiritual world of heaven, earth, and gods.

Let us take a look at how incense is made in Cao Thon Village, located in Hung Yen Province, which is a two-hour drive from Hanoi.

Through many ups and downs, Cao Thon joss sticks have quality that no other place can compare with, and a distinct, long lasting aroma. Photo: Vietnamplus

The first step is stuffing materials. The ingredients in incense are mainly herbs. Photo: Vietnamplus

Most of the processes are done by hand. Working in dusty conditions leaves workers with a high chance of contracting respiratory diseases. Photo: Vietnamplus

Many households in Cao Thon now use machines as well to increase labor productivity. Photo: Vietnamplus

Incense is exposed on a frame. The wind and sun will help dry the incense while still maintaining its beautiful color and odor. Photo: Vietnamplus

Days with mild, sunny weather are best for drying incense. Intense sunlight makes the incense crack. Photo: Vietnamplus

Cao Thon currently produces three types of incense, including joss sticks, which are small bamboo sticks with wood powder around the sticks; incense coils, which have a cone shape and do not have a core; and incense pieces which are often made of aromatic wood. Photo: Vietnamplus

The skillful hands of workers. Two people can produce thousands of products per day. Photo: Vietnamplus Incense in Cao Thon Village comes in a wide variety of sizes, with diameters up to 50 cm. Photo: Vietnamplus

Unlike products that include chemical substances, incense in Cao Thon Village has a special odor of natural herbs which lingers for a long time. Photo: Vietnamplus

The beauty and color of incense products draw people to visit Cao Thon Village to take photos. Photo: Vietnamplus

From a seasonal job that mainly serves festivals and holidays, making incense has become a year-round occupation of households in Cao Thon Village. Photo: Vietnamplus

Cao Thon villagers said that making incense is a job that links to the spiritual meaning so they are not allowed to make fake, bad quality products. Photo: Vietnamplus

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Villagers make incense to link visible and spiritual worlds in northern Vietnam (photos) Releated Image(s)