The Magic of Vietnam's Mid-Autumn Festival
In the heart of Vietnam, when the emerald rice fields whispered secrets to the wind and the harvest moon painted the night sky with its silvery grace, there was a festival that transformed ordinary evenings into magical dreams. This is the tale of Vietnam's Mid-Autumn Festival, where legends come alive, lanterns dance, and the joy of children illuminates the land. Let us guide you on how to immerse yourself in this magical holiday. I. A Celebration of the Moon and LegendsThe tale is as old as time, there lived a woodcutter named Cuội, known for his kind heart and love for children. One fateful day, as he was chopping wood in the forest, he stumbled upon a banyan tree, which can treat any ills in the world. Since the day the banyan tree was found, many people have been saved. One day, after Cuội's wife watered the banyan tree, it shook violently and slowly lifted its roots. Cuội climbed to keep the tree and ascended to the moon.Back on Earth, his wife and children were heartbroken and missed him dearly. To honor their love and as a symbol of their eternal bond, people began to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. They believed that the moon was the closest to Earth during this time, allowing Cuội to return for one night each year. Families would light lanterns to guide him home and offer delicious mooncakes to celebrate his visit.This story is a testament to the enduring power of love, kindness, and sacrifice. Yet, when faced with the unexpected, he longed to return to his family, showing the depths of his love and commitment. This mirrors the profound bonds of love and sacrifice that exist within families and communities.II. Lanterns: Symbols of Hope and DreamsLanterns, a prominent symbol of the festival, represent hope and the guiding light that leads Cuội home. They serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is a source of light and hope that can lead us back to where we belong. As the festival approaches, the streets come alive with a breathtaking display of lanterns. Lanterns of every shape and color, from majestic dragons to whimsical animals.A variety of lanterns are sold on Hang Ma Street. Credit: Nguyen TuIII. Mooncakes: A Delectable TraditionAs the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, Vietnamese families prepare by setting up a five-fruit tray and cakes on their ancestral altars. Offerings are made to ancestors, and then the mooncakes are savored—typically under the gentle glow of the moon. Mooncakes, in a variety of round or square, symbolize completeness and unity. The cakes coincide with the autumn harvest. They are often filled with ingredients like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and salted egg yolks, which represent the bountiful harvest of the season. Eating mooncakes is a way to express gratitude for a successful harvest.Mooncakes are sometimes adorned with intricate patterns and symbols on their surface. These designs are not only decorative but also carry wishes for prosperity, longevity, and happiness. They add an auspicious element to the tradition of giving and receiving mooncakes.Two common types, Banh Deo (soft, sticky cakes with a mochi-like texture) and Banh Nuong (baked cakes with a thick wheat crust), take center stage. Mooncakes in Vietnam come in a delightful array of flavors, ranging from sweet to savory, making them perfect for personal enjoyment or sharing with dears.Vietnamese Moon Cake. Credit: linhsgramIV. Games and Parades: The Spirit of CelebrationOn this enchanted night, communities unite in celebration. Dragon and lion dances ripple through the streets, weaving stories of ancient battles and triumphs. Parades come alive with vibrant colors, and folk games add an element of excitement. It's a time when childlike joy reigns supreme, and the world is painted with wonder.The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The lion's movements, often acrobatic and lively, are thought to scare away negativity and bring blessings to the community. In some versions of the lion dance, the lion may "eat" lettuce or a red envelope hung above a doorway. This ritual is believed to bring prosperity and drive away evil influences.V. Family Reunions: Bonds that Transcend Time Central to the celebration is the sacred tradition of "Pha Co" a feast that underscores the Mid-Autumn Festival's role as a reunion occasion in Vietnamese culture. All members of the family will gather around tables adorned with moon cakes, fragrant lotus tea, and other traditional dishes, sharing life's tales and weaving tighter bonds of kinship. This cherished activity reaffirms the importance of family as well as strengthens the ties.VI. Where to Celebrate in Vietnam1. Hanoi In the capital city of Hanoi, before the Mid-Autumn Festival arrives, make sure to explore Hang Ma and Luong Van Can Streets, teeming with an array of toys and lanterns. For a unique experience, visit 87 Ma May Street, where local artisans craft festival goods. On the eve of Mid-autumn, the Youth Theatre on Ngo Thi Nham Street and the Children’s Palace on Ly Thai To Street host delightful children’s musical shows.Hang Ma Street during Mid-Autumn Festival. Credit: Nguyen TuExplore Hanoi travel guide2. Hoi An In the charming town of Hoi An, the streets come alive with a kaleidoscope of colorful lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Locals and tourists join lantern processions under the moonlit sky, filling the air with festivity. The streets host lively lion dance troupes, inviting people to savor tea, relish cakes, and immerse themselves in the festival's unforgettable atmosphere. In the vibrant Mid-Autunm evening, the delightful tradition of releasing flower lanterns onto the gentle waters of the Thu Bon River is unmissable. Additionally, hand-made workshops are held for tourists to make meaningful lanterns.Hoi An Town with alluring lanternsCheck out Hoi An travel guide3. Ho Chi Minh City - Lively Lantern StreetIn the bustling area of Cho Lon, an ancient market in Sai Gon, immerse yourself in the excitement of Mid-autumn festivities. Explore Luong Nhu Loc Street, renowned for its lanterns, masks, and overflowing lion heads lining the sidewalks. Here, you can find the perfect souvenir lion head. Besides, visit the shop at 109 Trieu Quang Phuc Street, a decades-old establishment that has been supplying lion heads to the city's best dancers for generations.Beautiful lanterns from Cho Lon shops. Credit: caotridat05Tap to learn more Ho Chi Minh travel guideWhile the Mid-Autumn Festival finds its origins in China and is celebrated across various Asian countries, Vietnam infuses this celestial event with its own unique traditions and legends. Beyond the legend, the festival is a celebration of the harvest, a vital aspect of Vietnamese life, where rural communities join in gratitude for the season's toil and the joy of reunions.As the Largest Aviation-Tourism corporation in the country, Vietravel consistently provides high-standard services at the most competitive prices so that you can discover the beauty of not only Vietnam but all of Southeast Asia.Please contact us for more informationVietravel – Asia’s Leading Tour OperatorHotline: (84) 35 235 61 61Email: [email protected]: www.vietravelasia.com#VietravelAsia #Vietravel #Vietnam #Vietnam_Travel #Vietnam_Festival #MidAutumnFestival
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