Straw plaiting preserves an old tradition

Ran Tao and Tong Wangyua

Xuhang straw plaiting, a national cultural heritage in Jiading District, preserves the old tradition of collecting yellow grass by hand.  

“We need to be very careful when pulling yellow grass, the grass with straight and white roots are best for straw plaiting,” farmer Shan Xiujuan from Xuhang Village said. “The edges of the grass are so sharp your fingers can bleed if you’re careless.”

Shan Xiujuan, 69, has been plaiting straw into items that include shoes, plates, bags, hats and slippers, even furniture, for almost 50 years.

Xuhang straw plaiting has survived for over 1,000 years. For centuries, Xuhang residents have been creating exquisite articles for daily use by using the stems of the yellow grass and decorating them with colorful patterns. 

Xuhang straw products are famous far and wide for their beautiful designs and practical convenience.

“After pulling, the yellow grasses have to be sunbathed, rubbed and separated into three pieces each,” Shan said. “We sold the straw souvenirs and bought our wedding clothes, daily necessities and even bicycles with the money when we were young.”