Laizhou Straw Braiding

Inspired by traditional hair braiding, Laizhou farmers use three bright and smooth wheat stalks to weave V-shaped straw braids. These braids, later known as "straw hat braids," were originally made for personal use, primarily to create items such as straw hats and fans. Over time, the braids were dyed in various colors and transformed into exquisite, functional, and decorative items, including tea mats, baskets, slippers, and a variety of packaging and decorative products.

Laizhou straw braiding is categorized into two types: "whole-straw braiding" and "expanded straw weaving." Whole-straw braiding uses entire wheat stalks to create intricate patterns, while "expanded straw weaving" involves splitting the wheat stalks into strips of varying widths and numbers using a special tool known as an "expansion knife" (or "splitting knife"). These strips are then braided and shaped into different patterns referred to as "expanded grass braids."