The childhood of every single Vietnamese child will always have a great memory of the colorful star lanterns and revolving lanterns because it is the sign that the Mid-Autumn Festival is coming, which is an occasion of family gathering and carries deep folk cultural significance in Vietnam.
In just a few weeks, a Mid-Autumn Festival will be celebrated all over this S-shaped country, Vietnam. Then, in the series of Vietnam Discovery this week, let’s explore some distinctive features of this festival in Vietnamese culture with BiziVietnam!
Mooncake
Mooncake is an essential part of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival tray of almost all Vietnamese families. Mooncake usually has 2 types: (1) the toasted mooncake with a thick wheat crust (bánh nướng), and (2) the sticky and soft mooncake with a mochi-textured crust (bánh dẻo).
Traditionally, the toasted mooncake, known as the mixed mooncake in general, can usually have up to 10 ingredients inside with the main ones including sausage, lean pork, pork fat, lemon leaves, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts – which are familiar foods in Vietnamese folk dishes thousands of years.
Nowadays, the moon cake is made more creatively with diverse flavors and divided into 2 main flavors: (1) sweet flavors such as lotus seeds, mung beans, matcha, red beans, and taro, and (2) salty flavors such as roasted chicken, salted eggs with a combination of other countries’ cuisines.
Lantern
The vibrant image of colorful lanterns always shines in the hearts of Vietnamese people every Mid-Autumn festival because it is said that the lantern symbolizes luck, good fortune, hope and family unity. The lantern procession on the night of Full Moon has been a long tradition and passed down through thousands of generations and captured much of the magic of Vietnamese children’ childhood. The lanterns for the Mid-Autumn festival are highlighted in three main shapes, with specific cultural meanings of each that we might not have heard about before.
The Star Lantern with a 5-pointed star has feng shui meanings symbolizes the balance among 5 elements of Yin and Yang as well as expresses the harmony between humans and nature.
The Carp Lantern implies endless efforts and perseverance even in any circumstances. Based on folk beliefs, the image of carp has been passed down since ancient times, associated with the daily life of Vietnamese people through many generations. Additionally, the image of the carp is also the symbol of strength and authority following the Vietnamese legend of the carp turning into a dragon.
The Revolving Lantern has a Chinese origin, reflecting the importance of filial piety and the love that children have for their parents and grandparents.
Lion Dancing
Lion Dancing (Múa Lân) is an important activity of the Mid-Autumn festival in Vietnam. The folk beliefs said that Con Lân (the lion) is a sign of good fortune and luck. Passed by word of mouth from ancients, wherever the lion appears, the land will be fertile, the people will be happy, and disasters will be eliminated.
Feature of the wet rice civilization of Vietnam
Few people know that the Mid-Autumn festival has a special connection with the wet rice civilization of Vietnam, which is defined as a seasonal cultural celebration or a Vietnamese agricultural festival, reflecting the rural life in Vietnam with a long history of rice cultivation.
There is a widespread belief that the moon shines best on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It was originally an autumn agricultural festival. Farmers take a rest in August, after planting new rice but before harvesting. During this season, communities host festivals when people gather, couples mingle, and everyone expresses gratitude to the gods who have protected their lives.
If you are in Vietnam this time, don’t miss out on the Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration that truly captures the heart and soul of Vietnamese culture. This festival is a time of joy, togetherness, and tradition, where the streets come alive with colorful lanterns, lion dances, and the delightful scent of mooncakes. It’s an opportunity to experience the warmth of community and the richness of Vietnamese heritage, all under the glow of a full moon. Whether you’re drawn by the festive atmosphere, the cultural performances, or simply the chance to share in the happiness of the season, the Mid-Autumn Festival is an event not to be missed.
This year, the Mid-autumn Festival in Vietnam will be held on September 17th, 2024. This date is not a public holiday, but in many parts of the country, there are events activities, and decorations to mark this special day on the annual calendar.
Hoàng Thi Thanh Trúc
