Village Crier in Vietnamese History

Village Crier in modern life

Village Crier was a man responsible for making announcements concerning communal decisions. He attracted people’s attention by beating hollow wood blocks together.

Village Crier in Old Vietnamese Society
Village Crier in Old Vietnamese Society

The crier invited villagers to gather at the communal house, proclaimed verdicts of the village elders, and announced deaths and weddings. He also helped to serve at public meals.

Mõ that Village Crier used to attract people’s attention
Mõ that Village Crier used to attract people’s attention

With regard to the order of precedence, the public crier occupied the lowest level and was a semi-outcast.