What is Moon Festival in Vietnam?

Throughout the year, Vietnam celebrates various customs and traditions, deeply rooted in the country’s rich culture and history. One of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Vietnam is the Moon Festival, also known as Tết Trung Thu. This festival holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for the Vietnamese people, especially for families and children. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of the Moon Festival in Vietnam and understand its origins, traditions, and practices.

Origins of the Moon Festival

The Moon Festival has its roots in the legend of Cuội, a mythical figure in Vietnamese folklore. According to the story, Cuội was a woodcutter who accidentally stumbled upon a banyan tree inhabited by fairies while he was following a wounded rabbit. The fairies gifted Cuội with an elixir of immortality, hidden in a pestle, but warned him not to open it unless he wanted to reunite with his family in the immortal realm.

However, Cuội’s wife mistakenly opened the pestle, and Cuội, upon his return, was whisked away to the sky. Legend has it that Cuội resides on the moon, happily reunited with his family, specifically during the full moon of the eighth lunar month. It is this legend that forms the basis of the Moon Festival’s significance in Vietnam.

Meaning and Traditions

The Moon Festival is all about celebration, harmony, and coming together as a community. It is a time for families to reunite, offer thanks, and share a sense of togetherness. The festival traditionally takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, symbolizing luck, happiness, and an auspicious time for new beginnings.

There are several key elements and traditions associated with the Moon Festival:

1. Lanterns and Mooncakes

The Moon Festival is often referred to as the Lantern Festival due to the enchanting sight of glowing lanterns adorning homes, streets, and parks. These lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from simple paper lanterns to intricate, handcrafted ones resembling animals or mythological creatures.

Mooncakes, a quintessential food item during the festival, are round pastries with rich fillings, typically made from lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks. They represent reunion and good fortune, and families exchange mooncakes as a gesture of love and unity.

2. Lion and Dragon Dances

Lion and dragon dances are a common sight during the Moon Festival. Performers don vibrant lion or dragon costumes and dance to the rhythm of drums, cymbals, and gongs. These mesmerizing dances are believed to bring good luck, fortune, and ward off evil spirits.

3. Mid-Autumn Children’s Parade

Children are the focus of the Moon Festival, and to honor them, parades are organized featuring young performers dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, showcasing their talents through various performances and dances. These parades not only celebrate the festival but also reinforce the importance of family, community, and cultural heritage.

Celebrations across Vietnam

The Moon Festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm throughout Vietnam, albeit with some regional variations. Let’s take a look at how different regions in Vietnam add their own unique touch to this festival:

1. Hanoi

In Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, the Moon Festival is an occasion to admire the full moon’s beauty while relishing traditional mooncakes and tea. Families gather in open spaces, such as parks or near monuments like the Hoan Kiem Lake, to observe the moon and enjoy cultural performances.

2. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, celebrates the Moon Festival with grand parades and lantern displays. In addition to the traditional lion and dragon dances, there are often drum and martial arts performances, attracting both locals and tourists.

3. Hoi An

Hoi An, a charming ancient town in central Vietnam, is famous for its lantern-lit streets and exquisite architecture. During the Moon Festival, the entire town is adorned with lanterns, creating a magical ambiance. The streets are closed off to motor vehicles, allowing pedestrians to stroll freely and take part in lantern-making workshops.

Conclusion

The Moon Festival, steeped in Vietnamese mythology and traditions, is a cherished occasion for families to come together, express gratitude, and celebrate unity. Whether it’s the joy of children parading through the streets, the luminous lanterns illuminating the night, or the indulgence in delectable mooncakes, the festival offers a captivating experience for locals and visitors alike.

By celebrating the Moon Festival, the Vietnamese people not only honor their cultural heritage but also embrace the values of love, unity, and harmony that lie at the heart of this auspicious occasion. So, if you find yourself in Vietnam during the eighth lunar month, make sure to immerse yourself in the enchanting festivities of the Moon Festival!