Mid Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Mid Autumn Festival in Vietnam is an annual celebration that falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month in the lunar calendar. The day coincides with the full moon and signifies reunion, harmony, and gratitude. With a strong cultural and historical significance, the Mid Autumn Festival has become an integral part of Vietnamese culture. The festival is celebrated with traditional customs and practices that include making and lighting lanterns, lion and dragon dance, and playing folk games. The festival also has a significant history as it originated from agricultural and moon-worshipping traditions. 

Traditional Customs and Practices

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is one of the most awaited and celebrated festivals. It is an occasion where families, relatives, and friends unite to celebrate the “reunion” time. This festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month according to the lunar calendar. It is the time when the moon is the brightest and the fullest, which is why it is also called the Moon Festival. Let’s explore the Traditional Customs and Practices that make the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam so unique.

Food and Drinks: 

One of the most exciting parts of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is the traditional food and drinks. Mooncakes are the star of the show – they are round in shape, symbolizing completeness and reunion. They come with different fillings like lotus seeds, red beans, and salted egg yolks. The Vietnamese also enjoy a range of traditional dishes like sticky rice cakes, sweet soups, and grilled mooncakes. Sipping on warm and sweet lotus tea is another highlight of the festival that brings a sense of warmth and coziness.

Lion and Dragon dance: 

The lion and dragon dance is an art that the Vietnamese have been preserving through generations. The dance involves performers dressed in brightly coloured costumes, dancing around with a street procession while holding a long and decorated dragon. This ritual is believed to bring good luck, happiness, and fortune to the people. The sound of drums, gongs, and cymbals, along with the dragon dance, fills the atmosphere with joy and enthusiasm.

Folk games played during Mid-Autumn Festival: 

Another highlight of this festival is the range of exciting folk games that are played. These games are a perfect blend of entertainment and team-building activities. Popular games include ‘bit mat bat de’; a fun and popular game played in northern Vietnam is ‘Keo Co’ or ‘Tug of War,’ which symbolizes the strength and unity of the community.

Making and lighting lanterns:

The ritual of making and lighting lanterns is one of the most beautiful and photogenic parts of the festival. Children spend weeks creating their lanterns, which they proudly showcase on the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival. These lanterns can range from colorful star lamps to traditional kimono-shaped ones. The lanterns, when lit, create a mesmerizing atmosphere and add to the overall charm of the festival.
Overall, The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is a beautiful blend of traditional customs and contemporary practices, creating a truly unique experience.