Ms. Ngo Thi Chin, Na Ban village, Thuong Lam commune, next to her family's loom that is over 70 years old.

Ms. Nong Thi Dinh, Na Lung village, shared: “My family's loom is over 70 years old. Any family here that owns a traditional loom like this is very proud because everyone respects it. Because it is proof that the family is very disciplined and the women are talented, skillful, and hard-working”.

Underneath their rustic appearance, the ancient looms of the Tay people in Thuong Lam are treasured as treasures. The Tay people believe that each loom has its own spirit, which is the residence of "me phai" which means mother of fabric - the guardian deity of the weaving profession. Therefore, from the beginning of making a loom to the use and preservation of the loom, the Tay people always carry out the work with great care and respect, with some unusual taboos.

Ms. Hoang Thi Hieu, an elderly person in Na Ban village, revealed that in order to have a durable and sturdy loom, it is necessary to choose the date when starting to choose the wood, when starting to set up the loom, the day of welcoming the loom into the house, and the first day of weaving. The loom is an important item, so this must be done carefully, choosing a good day, avoiding the death day of grandparents, parents, and taboo days of the family. In particular, before the day of welcoming the loom and the day of starting to weave, the Tay people will report to their ancestors, burn incense and pray to "Me phai" to give them skillful hands to weave beautiful fabrics.

The Tay people of Thuong Lam believe that the loom is an item that brings good feng shui, makes fabrics, prosperity, and harmony to each Tay family. On the first days of the new year, the loom is often covered with red paper to create good luck, praying for the loom to operate smoothly all year round, weave many fabrics, and beautify family members.

The Tay people are very conscious of preserving the looms. If they are damaged, they must call someone to repair them immediately, avoiding leaving the damaged loom in the house, so any family that owns an ancient loom, passed down for many generations, is lucky.

Thanks to that, the ancient looms in Thuong Lam not only exist through many generations but also continue to "tell" the story of a unique weaving custom, a testament to the ingenuity and spirit of preserving the identity of the Tay people.