Vietnam, the land of the ascending dragon, is an incredible country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Once you immerse yourself in the local culture, you’ll discover its intimate connections with the country’s past and present. In this article, we’ll discover the top 5 cultural traditions in Vietnam and take a fascinating journey through time.
1. Vietnamese New Year: Tet
Tet Nguyen Dan, also known as Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the biggest festival in Vietnam’s cultural calendar. Celebrated in late January or early February, Tet marks the return of spring, and it is a time for families to gather, offer prayers, and honor their ancestors. During Tet, you can witness the bustling city streets and markets, vibrant flower displays, and the enchanting sound of drums, and lion dances.
2. Mid-Autumn Festival: Tet Trung Thu
Tet Trung Thu, also called the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a time for feasting, rejoicing, and worshiping the moon goddess. Held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually falls in September), children wear masks and carry colorful lanterns and parading through their neighborhoods. Mooncakes are the quintessential delicacy of this festival.
3. Vietnamese National Dress: Ao Dai
Ao Dai, the traditional long dress worn by Vietnamese adults, Men and Women. It was adopted as the official national dress in 1958. Its beauty is in its simplicity—a slender, floor-length tunic paired with loose trousers worn underneath. The Ao Dai represents traditional Vietnamese femininity, grace, and elegance.
4. Water Puppetry: Mua Roi Nuoc
Among the most popular traditional art forms in Vietnam is water puppetry or Mua Roi Nuoc. This traditional performing art dating back to the 11th century, features wooden puppets that are manipulated by skilled puppeteers with the assistance of long bamboo rods as they dance and glide on the water surface, accompanied by live music. The show portrays Vietnam’s daily life and mythology, ranging from stories of agriculture to legends.
5. Traditional Vietnamese Music: Ca Tru and Cheo
Vietnamese traditional music is known for its improvisational nature and unique instruments. Ca Tru and Cheo are two of the most popular traditional music forms in Vietnam. Ca Tru features the female voice in a singing style marked by sudden stops and changes of pitch. In contrast, Cheo is a musical genre combining folk songs, dances, and plays. The musical instruments used are the dan moi, the dan bau, and the dan tranh, all of which are traditional Vietnamese instruments.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s rich traditions and culture captivate visitors to feel the country’s history, customs, and arts. Vietnam’s cultural heritage is magnificent, balancing traditional and modern influences and fully embracing new concepts without sacrificing past ways of life. Immerse yourself in these unique experiences, and you’ll find out just how complex and beautiful Vietnamese culture is. Exploring and learning the significance of these traditions will enhance a traveler’s trip and encourage them to return to Vietnam.
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