Language/Vietnamese/Culture/Mid-Autumn-Festival

◀️ Tet — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Present Tense Verbs ▶️

Vietnamese → Culture → 0 to A1 Course → Holidays and Celebrations → Mid-Autumn Festival

Introduction

The Mid-Autumn Festival, known as Tết Trung Thu in Vietnamese, is one of the most important traditional festivals in Vietnam. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which usually falls in September or early October. This festival is a time for family reunions and a celebration of the harvest season. In this lesson, you will learn about the history and traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam.

Origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival has its roots in ancient Chinese mythology. It was brought to Vietnam by the Chinese during the Tang Dynasty and has since become an integral part of Vietnamese culture. According to legend, a hero named Hòa Sơn saved the country from a drought by offering sacrifices to the Moon Fairy. To express their gratitude, the Vietnamese people celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival every year.

Moon Worship and Lanterns

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the moon takes center stage. The full moon represents prosperity, happiness, and luck. Vietnamese people believe that on this night, the Moon Fairy descends to earth to bless families with good fortune. To honor the Moon Fairy, families set up an altar with offerings such as fruits, mooncakes, and sticky rice cakes.

Lanterns are another important element of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Traditional lanterns are made of bamboo frames covered in colorful paper or fabric. They come in various shapes and sizes, such as animals, fruits, or geometric patterns. Children often carry lanterns while parading through the streets, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.

Mooncakes and Other Treats

Mooncakes are the most iconic food associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round pastries symbolize reunion and are typically filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolk. They are often enjoyed with a cup of tea while admiring the full moon.

In addition to mooncakes, other traditional treats are also popular during the festival. These include sticky rice cakes (bánh nậm), which are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, and pomelos (bưởi), a type of citrus fruit that symbolizes abundance and good luck.

Lion and Dragon Dances

Lion and dragon dances are common performances during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These colorful and lively dances are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. Performers wearing lion or dragon costumes dance to the beat of drums and cymbals, captivating the audience with their acrobatic moves.

Children often participate in lion and dragon dances, showcasing their skills and creativity. This tradition not only entertains the community but also promotes teamwork and cultural pride among the younger generation.

Children's Activities

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a special time for children in Vietnam. They often participate in various activities that are both fun and educational. One popular game is đuổi nón (chasing the hat), where children try to catch a hat while blindfolded. This game symbolizes luck and blessings for the upcoming year.

Another popular activity is making and playing with traditional toys such as star-shaped lanterns, paper masks, and spinning tops. These activities not only bring joy to children but also help preserve traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished celebration in Vietnamese culture. It is a time for family, community, and gratitude. By learning about the history and traditions of this festival, you gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and the values it holds dear.

Table of Contents - Vietnamese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Hello and Goodbye
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Vietnamese Culture Basics

• Vietnamese Values
• Social Etiquette
• Cuisine and Dining

  ---

Numbers and Counting

• Counting 1-10
• Counting 11-20
• Counting 21 and Beyond

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Nouns and Gender
• Pronouns and Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Holidays and Celebrations

• Tet
• Mid-Autumn Festival

  ---

Verbs and Verb Tenses

• Present Tense Verbs
• Past Tense Verbs
• Future Tense Verbs
• Modal Verbs

  ---

Food and Drink

• Vietnamese Food
• Drinks and Beverages
• Food Ordering

  ---

Arts and Entertainment

• Traditional Music
• Movie and Television

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

  ---

Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Giving Directions

  ---

Traditional Clothing

• Ao Dai
• Other Traditional Clothing

Other Lessons

• Ao Dai
• Tet
• Bánh chưng ngày
• Other Traditional Clothing
• Traditional Music
• Names
• Movie and Television
• Bánh chưng ngày
• Social Etiquette

◀️ Tet — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Present Tense Verbs ▶️