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Happy Mid-Autumn Festival: Discover Tet Trung Thu In Vietnam

Thursday, July 18, 2024 Useful infos Aline

The Mid-Autumn festival is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration deeply rooted in the folklore of many Asian countries, including Vietnam. To delve into the fascinating origins and profound significance of this enchanting festival, and to discover the delightful activities that mark the mooncake festival, we warmly invite you to explore the following article with Autour Asia!

I. Introduction about Vietnamese Mid-autumn festival
II. Top best funny activities celebrated in autumn day
III. Happy mid-autumn festival! Top places to enjoy mid autumn festival in Vietnam

I. Introduction about Vietnamese Mid-autumn festival

Experience the vibrant allure of Vietnam during the mid-autumn festival, known locally as "Tet Trung Thu", "full moon festival" or "mooncake festival",... one of the most grandly organised Vietnamese festivals. The mid-autumn festival usually takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month when the moon is full and bright, typically in September or October in the Gregorian calendar, which embraces Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and harvest traditions. Families gather for joyous reunions in mooncake festival, indulging in delectable mooncakes and traditional feasts. Colourful lanterns illuminate the streets as children join lively processions and cultural performances. The full moon, a symbol of completeness and reunion, imbues the festivities with a spiritual essence. Across urban centres, grand-scale events transform the atmosphere into a jubilant national holiday, blending modern exuberance with age-old customs. Discover how this Tet Trung Thu beautifully intertwines tradition, family values, and cultural richness, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Vietnam.

Đèn ông sao signal the coming of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

1. Vietnamese mid-autumn festival legend

Like Japan, Korea, and China, Vietnam celebrates the mid-autumn festival. However, Vietnam's festival is uniquely distinguished by the legend of Hang Nga and uncle Cuoi, setting it apart from other Asian traditions.

Vietnamese mid-autumn festival has a special legend

Legend tells of Hang Nga, a fairy celebrated for her beauty and deep affection for children, who often defied celestial rules to visit the mortal world. One day, Ngoc Hoang announced a baking competition on the full moon day and offered a grand reward for the most delicious and unique cake. Determined to participate, Hang Nga descended to the mortal world in search of a recipe to join the competition. During her journey, she encountered Cuoi, a charming and witty man who showed her how to mix all special ingredients and bake them into delightful cakes. As a result, when the children tasted the cakes, they were thrilled and extolled their exquisite flavour. Thanks to Cuoi's assistant, Hang Nga won the competition, and these cakes came to be known as "mid-autumn cakes".

Mooncake festival's legend related to image of Uncle Cuoi sitting under a banyan tree on the Moon

In a miraculous event, Cuoi was pulled up to the moon along with a banyan tree, leaving him stranded and homesick. Seeing his sorrow, Hang Nga pleaded with Ngoc Hoang to allow Cuoi to return to Earth once a year during the 15th lunar month to reunite with his family and celebrate with children. Touched by her request, Ngoc Hoang agreed. Since that time, on the 8th day of the lunar August each year, Hang Nga and Cuoi are permitted to return to the mortal world. They join the festivities, bringing joy to children and reuniting with their families. This annual event is celebrated as the Tet Trung Thu, also known as the reunion festival and children's festival, where the tradition of sharing mooncakes and stories continues to this day.

2. The significance of Vietnamese mid-autumn festival

In Vietnam, the moon holds profound significance, especially within the context of its wet rice culture. The full moon of Vietnam in August marks a period when the natural world is at its most exquisite. The climate is pleasantly cool, and the luminous moonlight illuminates the night with a pristine clarity. This period also coincides with a lull in farming activities, allowing people to relax and appreciate the serene moonscape.

Families gather for festive feasts and then move to balconies or elevated spots to admire the full moon together. Mid-autumn festival in Vietnam is an occasion to express love, care, and bonding between generations. Under the radiant moonlight, it is a cherished tradition for parents to recount the tale of "Uncle Cuoi sitting under the banyan tree" to their children, fostering a sense of wonder and cultural continuity. This blend of natural beauty and familial bonding makes the August full moon day a truly magical time in Vietnam.

In addition to having fun for children and adults, Tet Trung Thu is also an opportunity for people to look at the moon to predict harvests and national destiny. If the autumn moon is yellow, then the year will be rich in silkworms, if the autumn moon is blue or green, there will be natural disasters that year, and if the autumn moon is bright orange, the country will be prosperous. Over the centuries, the festival has expanded to include prayers for good health and happiness. This fusion of ancient customs and contemporary values highlights the mooncake festival as a time of joy, reflection, and cultural richness.

3. How to say happy mid-autumn day?

When visiting Vietnam during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you will be warmly greeted with the phrase "Chúc mừng Tết Trung Thu!" This heartfelt greeting translates to "happy mid-autumn day" or "happy mid autumn festival" and reflects the joy and festive spirit of this special occasion. Tết Trung Thu is a time of family reunions, vibrant lantern parades, delicious mooncakes, and enchanting stories of the mooncake festival legend. Experiencing this mid-autumn festival in Vietnam offers a unique glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage and the deep-rooted traditions that bring people together in celebration under the full moon. The warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people, combined with the colourful and lively atmosphere of the festival, create an unforgettable experience for any visitor.

Maybe you’re interested in mid-autumn festival greetings are most used in Vietnam:

Happy mid-autumn festival !
Wish you and your family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival
May the beauty of the moonlight bring you peace and tranquillity. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
Hope you have a wonderful Mid-Autumn Festival, full of joyful moments and lasting memories
…

II. Top best funny activities celebrated in autumn day

1. Worship God of earth & remember the ancestors

Worshipping the ancestors is a key tradition during the mid-autumn festival in Vietnam, reflecting deep respect and reverence for family heritage. On this day, families prepare elaborate offerings, including fruits, mooncakes, and other traditional foods, which are placed on altars dedicated to their ancestors. Incense is lit, and prayers are offered, asking for blessings and expressing gratitude for the guidance and protection of forebears. This practice not only honours the deceased but also reinforces family unity and continuity. By paying homage to their ancestors, Vietnamese people celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with a profound sense of gratitude and connection to their roots.

2. Making lantern

Happy mid-autumn festival! Making lanterns is a cherished activity during Tet Trung Thu, adding vibrant colour and joyful ambiance to the celebration. This tradition involves crafting lanterns of various shapes and sizes, often in the form of satr, animals, flowers, or geometric patterns, using materials like bamboo, paper, and colourful cellophane. Families and children gather to create these beautiful lanterns, which symbolise light and hope. Once completed, the lanterns are lit and carried in lively parades, illuminating the night as children sing traditional songs. This activity not only fosters creativity and manual skills but also strengthens family bonds and preserves cultural heritage, making it a central and beloved part of the mooncake festival.

3. Breaking the feast

Mid-Autumn parties often focus on dog dishes made from grapefruit cloves and black bean eyes. Surrounded by fruits and baked goods, mixed cakes or vegetarian cakes. Typical fruits such as bananas, green rice, fruits, red persimmons, and custard apples are indispensable. Feasting is an activity where children gather together to enjoy the flavours of candies and fruits prepared by adults. The custom of watching the moon is related to the legend of Uncle Cuoi, where children believe that they can see the image of Uncle Cuoi sitting under a banyan tree on the Moon. This activity reflects the joy, excitement, and anticipation of children during the Mid-Autumn day.

4. Enjoy mooncakes

It seems that the flavours of the Mid-Autumn Festival are encapsulated in mooncakes. Mooncakes symbolise reunion and are indispensable for worshipping the moon and deceased relatives every Mid-Autumn Festival. They come in two main types of mooncake: bánh nướng (baked mooncakes) with a golden crust and many different fillings such as lotus seed, green beans, salted egg yolk,... and bánh dẻo (snow skin mooncakes) with a soft, glutinous rice crust and fillings such as mung bean paste, green tea, and mixed… These pastries are enjoyed with Vietnamese lotus tea, Vietnam's specialty, say happy mid-autumn festival and talk about sweet stories shared by family members to convey the meaning of unity, solidarity and family affection during Tet Trung Thu.

Enjoy mooncakes with family in Mid-autumn festival

5. Enjoy lion dancing in street

Happy mid-autumn festival with happiness! The lion dance is a vital part of the Mid-Autumn festival. Children gather with red lanterns, singing festive songs they’ve known since childhood. Excitement peaks as drumbeats echo from the dark street. Younger kids retreat while older ones rush forward to see the mythical lion, with its giant head and sinuous body, carried by acrobatic dancers. The lion’s wide-open mouth and bulging eyes bring humour and joy. The dancers expertly manoeuvre it close to the spectators, eliciting screams of delight and laughter. Under the full moon, the lion’s red sequined costume glitters enchantingly. For Vietnamese children, few experiences rival the thrill of witnessing this vibrant spectacle on Tet Trung Thu night.

Lion dancing in street in Tet Trung Thu in Vietnam

III. Happy mid-autumn festival! Top places to enjoy mid autumn festival in Vietnam

1. Hanoi

The Mid-Autumn day in Hanoi is celebrated enthusiastically on various streets throughout the city, each offering its own unique charm and festivities. One of the most famous locations is Hang Ma Street, renowned for its bustling markets filled with colourful lanterns, toys, and decorations. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere as families shop for lanterns and enjoy street performances. Additionally, in the Hanoi Old Quarter, streets like Hang Buom and Hang Giay come alive with lantern displays and traditional activities, drawing both locals and tourists to partake in the joyful celebrations. These streets in Hanoi not only showcase the city's cultural heritage but also provide memorable experiences during the mid-autumn festival, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic Vietnamese traditions and festive spirit.

Hanoi is colorful during the Mid-Autumn Festival

2. Hoi An with festival lantern

Hoi An's mid-autumn festival, highlighted by its moon festival lanterns, transforms this ancient town into a magical wonderland. Lanterns of every colour light up the streets and float along the Thu Bon River, creating a mesmerising atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy traditional games, vibrant cultural performances, and indulge in local delicacies like mooncakes. The festival culminates in a breathtaking lantern release, where hundreds of lanterns illuminate the river, symbolising luck and happiness. Hoi An during full moon day offers an unforgettable blend of cultural richness and festive joy, making it a must-visit destination in Vietnam.

Hoi An, Vietnam with moon festival lanterns

3. Ho Chi Minh city

Happy Mid-Autumn festival in Ho Chi Minh City with a vibrant spectacle that attracts tourists eager for cultural experiences. Streets like Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi are adorned with colourful lanterns and decorations, creating a festive ambiance. Visitors can participate in traditional activities such as lantern-making workshops, lion dances, and folk music performances, showcasing Vietnam's rich heritage. They can also savour mooncakes and local delicacies at bustling markets and street stalls. The festival's highlight is the lively lantern procession, where children and families parade with lanterns of various shapes and sizes. Ho Chi Minh City offers an exciting blend of tradition, community spirit, and festive joy, promising an unforgettable cultural adventure in Vietnam.

The mid-autumn festival in Vietnam is a captivating celebration that embodies the nation's cultural richness and communal harmony. It brings families together, fills the streets with vibrant decorations, and delights children with traditional activities and treats. Rooted in ancient legends and filled with contemporary joy, the festival reflects Vietnam's enduring heritage and the importance of unity and gratitude. For anyone experiencing it, the Mid-autumn festival offers a profound connection to the country's history, traditions, and festive spirit. Don't hesitate, feel free to share your stories and amazing experiences in Vietnam with AUTOUR ASIA - the best Hanoi tour agency.

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5/5 - (1015 Vote)

Jade

5.0 Excellent

Is the Mid-Autumn Festival a holiday in Vietnam?

Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular observance in Vietnam. It 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.

Stephanie

5.0 Excellent

Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam falls in September according to the solar calendar, so is Vietnam's weather in September convenient to visit?

Vietnam in September has pleasant weather as the rainy season gradually eases, making it ideal for exploring the country's diverse attractions, offering an exciting mix of cultural exploration, breathtaking scenery. So, prepare your belongings, embrace the dynamic atmosphere, and set off on an extraordinary adventure across Vietnam.

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