Traditional Costumes in Hát Xoan Performances

Female performers, known as đào Xoan, traditionally wear long tunics (áo dài or áo tứ thân) paired with long skirts. The colors most commonly seen include red, brown, black, and dark blue, each carrying symbolic meanings. Red, often associated with happiness, prosperity, and sacred ceremonies, is particularly prominent in ritual performances. According to cultural researchers, the use of vibrant colors also reflects the festive atmosphere of spring, the season during which Hát Xoan is traditionally performed.

A distinctive feature of female costumes is the headwear. Performers often wear scarves or traditional headdresses that add grace and refinement to their appearance. Accessories are generally kept simple, emphasizing the modesty and elegance valued in traditional Vietnamese aesthetics. Rather than drawing attention to individual performers, the costumes reinforce the collective spirit of the ensemble.

Male performers, known as kép Xoan, traditionally wear long tunics accompanied by loose trousers and turbans. Their costumes are typically more subdued in color, featuring shades such as black, dark blue, or brown. According to historians, these garments reflect the everyday attire worn by men in rural northern Vietnam centuries ago. The simplicity of male costumes complements the ceremonial nature of Hát Xoan while highlighting the performers' movements and interactions during the performance.

Beyond their visual appeal, Hát Xoan costumes also possess symbolic significance. According to researchers, the costumes help preserve historical memory by maintaining elements of traditional Vietnamese dress that have gradually disappeared from everyday life. Through performances, audiences can gain insight into the clothing styles, aesthetic preferences, and social values of earlier generations.

In recent years, efforts to preserve and revitalize Hát Xoan have also included the restoration and standardization of traditional costumes. While certain adaptations have been made to suit modern stages and audiences, artisans and cultural practitioners continue to prioritize authenticity in costume design. This balance between preservation and adaptation ensures that Hát Xoan remains both culturally meaningful and accessible to contemporary society.

Today, traditional costumes continue to be an indispensable component of Hát Xoan performances. More than mere garments, they are visual representations of heritage, carrying within their fabrics the stories, beliefs, and artistic traditions of the people of Phú Thọ.