Áo dài is a traditional Vietnamese garment worn during holidays, celebrations, and special events. It includes a long tunic with two long slits on either side that reveal underneath long flowy pants. I still remember being little at a Marian Days (Dài hội Thánh Mẫu) celebration and seeing all the women beautifully dressed in their áo dài of various different colors and designs. I begged my mom for one of my own. I wanted to look just like them. I eventually got one and I adored it. It was red and white with pink flowers and pink pants to match. When I got to wear it for the first time at a cousin’s wedding, I felt connected to my culture and to others seeing everyone else wearing the same traditional dress. Wearing my culture’s attire reminds me that although I spent the entirety of my life in the US, my Vietnamese heritage plays just as an important part in my identity.  Even though it is just clothing, it makes me feel a strong sense of pride for my culture and shared belonging with others who come from the same cultural background. 

– CN

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant