- The origins of Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival
While the Mid-autumn Festival originated in China and be celebrated in many Asian countries, the Vietnamese version has its own traditions and legends. The Mid-Autumn Festival known as “Tet Trung Thu” in Vietnam is one of the biggest holidays in our country and it is traditionally held on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar month.
Unlike Chinese legend, the origin of Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is totally different. Tet Trung Thu in Vietnam is very much like a combination of Halloween and Thanksgiving in Western. Children parade on the streets, while singing and carrying colorful lanterns of different sizes. Some of the popular shapes include fishes, stars, butterflies and a lantern that spins when a candle is inserted, representing the earth circling the sun.
2. How Vietnamese prepare for “Tet Trung Thu”?
There are various activities held to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. The main activities include eating moon cake, carrying carp-shaped lanterns, and worshiping the God of Earth. In the weeks before Tet Trung Thu, you will see and hear groups of lion dancers practicing on the streets. Mooncake stalls appear on every other corner, pop-ups with elaborately decorated boxes filled with a variety of mystery cakes and fillings. City districts team up with preparations of toys, lanterns and colourful masks in anticipation.
The other activities such as moonlit celebrations, lion dancing,… will be held on the night of the full moon for all the generation gathering around to enjoy and celebrate this exciting festival.
3. Where can enjoy Tet Trung Thu the most?
Hanoi
If you’re traveling in Hanoi before the Mid-Autumn Festival, make sure to visit Hang Ma and Luong Van Can. These streets will be vibrant and bustle with toys and lanterns. Another address you can visit before the big night is 87 Mã Mây, where you can watch local artisans preparing festival crafts.
Hoi An
Hoi An is famous for its full moon celebrations year-round. For the Mid-autumn Festival, this riverside town kicks the party up a notch. The locals and travellers pour into the Ancient Town on foot. Dancers and their drumming troupes prowl the streets, performing in front of pagodas and businesses.