Bao Dap village is famous in northern Vietnam for its handmade star lanterns, with around 300 of more than 1,000 households involved in the trade. Every year, the village produces hundreds of thousands of lanterns for both local and regional markets. Production typically peaks from the 5th to the 8th lunar months.

These lanterns come in various sizes - from small 15 cm models to large 1-meter designs - selling for between 5,000 to 100,000 VND (about $0.20 to $4 USD) apiece.

During peak season, the village buzzes with activity, as people of all ages work tirelessly to meet orders. But this year, with less than a month left before the festival, many households have yet to sell any lanterns. Production has slowed considerably.

Vu Van Trung, born in 1959 and with over 50 years in the craft, shared that in previous years, his stock would already be nearly sold out by now. This season, however, few orders have come in, and his family has only made about 300–400 of the largest lanterns.

According to Trung, crafting a complete lantern requires early preparation and several meticulous steps. As early as the first lunar month, artisans start sourcing raw materials - bamboo and luong (a type of tall grass) from Thanh Hoa province - which are cut, soaked in ponds, dried, and split into thin strips to form the frame.

The lantern stick is made from jute stems, dyed and sun-dried to ensure durability and lightness. Transparent colored cellophane and other materials are also prepared in advance.

By the fifth lunar month, production is in full swing. The star-shaped frame is made by securing flexible bamboo strips with fine wire, reinforced with crossbars. It is then covered with bright, colorful film - a step known as “phat den,” which requires 12 precise motions of lifting and pressing the paper.

Even the glue is homemade, cooked from rice flour according to a secret formula that ensures strong adhesion and safety for children. On average, a skilled worker can produce about 100 small lanterns per day.

“The most difficult part is covering the star with paper. It requires precision to apply the glue evenly and stick the cellophane so it fits perfectly, with no bubbles or wrinkles,” Trung explained.

“Once that’s done, we move to the finishing touch - wrapping vibrant fringes around the lantern frame, completing its iconic look.”

Despite the increasing variety of toys for the Mid-Autumn Festival, Bao Dap’s handmade star lanterns still hold a cherished place. However, this year’s market slump has been blamed partly on general economic challenges.

Bui Van Huan, born in 1960 and also a longtime artisan from Hong Quang Ward, said his family typically makes medium and small lanterns. This year, they’ve only produced around 10,000 units - significantly fewer than in past years.

“Normally, by this time, most of our stock would be sold, and we’d just be working on extra orders,” Huan said worriedly. “But this year, we haven’t even delivered our first batch.”

Trong Tung