The French Bookazine published my long-term photo and text story about 50-year-old Wu Yuemeng and her daughter Xia. As Xia prepares to leave their remote Dong village for university, Mother Wu presents her with a traditional dress she began crafting during her pregnancy. This intricate garment, crowned with a ceremonial headpiece passed through generations, symbolizes the deep love and sacrifice of Dong mothers. Despite financial struggles and past regrets of denying her elder daughter’s education, Mother Wu’s relentless labor in distant factories ensures Xia’s bright future. This poignant narrative highlights the enduring power of tradition, love, and resilience against the backdrop of rapid modernization.
