TET Trung Thu, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival or Full Moon Festival, is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated cultural events. Held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, this festival marks the harvest season and is steeped in ancient traditions, myths, and family values. For both locals and travelers alike, TET Trung Thu offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese culture, with colorful lanterns, lion dances, mooncakes, and activities focused on children.
In this article, Vietnam Heritage Travel will introduce the origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the vibrant traditions and festivities that make it unique, and how travelers can best experience this important event in Vietnam.
The Origins of TET Trung Thu
TET Trung Thu, like many other festivals in Vietnam, has roots in both agricultural practices and ancient mythology. The festival was traditionally held to celebrate the harvest season, giving thanks for a bountiful crop. Farmers would take this time to rest after a long period of hard work, and the full moon, which shines brightest on this day, was seen as a symbol of prosperity and unity.
However, TET Trung Thu is not just about agriculture. Its origins are also intertwined with legends and folklore that have been passed down through generations. The most famous of these myths is the story of Chú Cuội, a man who, according to legend, lived on the moon. Cuội’s story tells of his journey to the moon after his banyan tree, which had magical healing powers, uprooted itself and flew to the heavens. Cuội tried to hold on to its roots but was ultimately carried away to the moon, where he has remained ever since. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people believe that they can see Cuội sitting under his banyan tree on the moon.
Another key figure in TET Trung Thu is the Moon Lady (Chị Hằng), who represents beauty and eternal youth. She is celebrated alongside Cuội during the festival, and many traditional performances and storytelling sessions focus on their myths, creating a whimsical and magical atmosphere.
Legends and folklore about Chú Cuội and Moon Lady in Mid-autumn festival. Photos source: internet.
A Celebration Focused on Children
In Vietnam, TET Trung Thu is often referred to as the “Children’s Festival” because it is a time when families focus on celebrating and spending time with their children. Historically, it was believed that children, being innocent and pure, had the closest connection to the sacredness of the moon. This belief has shaped the festival into an event where children are the main participants, engaging in various activities and games, all designed to honor their joy and happiness.
During the weeks leading up to the festival, markets, shops, and street vendors are filled with traditional toys, masks, and lanterns. The lanterns are perhaps the most iconic symbol of TET Trung Thu, coming in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Traditionally made from paper and bamboo, these lanterns are intricately designed to resemble animals such as fish, butterflies, rabbits, or even dragons. Children carry these lanterns in parades, lighting up the streets with glowing figures that symbolize their innocence and joy.
In rural areas, families may even make their own lanterns as part of the festival preparation, teaching children how to craft these beautiful objects from scratch. This not only preserves the tradition of lantern-making but also creates lasting memories for the children.
The Lion Dance: A Spectacle of Strength and Grace
One of the most exciting aspects of TET Trung Thu is the Lion Dance (Múa Lân), a traditional performance that symbolizes luck and prosperity. During the festival, lion dance troupes, usually made up of young men and women, perform energetic and acrobatic routines in the streets. These dances are accompanied by the beating of drums and gongs, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
The lion, a mythical creature in Vietnamese folklore, is believed to bring good fortune and scare away evil spirits. As part of the dance, the lion visits homes and businesses, blessing them for the year ahead. In return, people offer money, fruit, and cakes to the performers as a token of appreciation.
For tourists, witnessing a lion dance is a highlight of TET Trung Thu. The dance is not only a demonstration of skill and artistry but also a communal event that brings neighborhoods together, filling the streets with music, laughter, and celebration.
Lion dance in the festival symbolizes luck and prosperity. Photos source: internet.
Mooncakes: The Quintessential Treat
No TET Trung Thu celebration is complete without mooncakes (Bánh Trung Thu). These round, rich pastries are central to the festival and are often given as gifts between families, friends, and business associates. The round shape of the mooncake symbolizes unity and completeness, reflecting the importance of family and togetherness during this time.
Mooncakes come in two main varieties: baked and snow-skin. The baked mooncakes have a golden, crispy crust, while snow-skin mooncakes have a soft, chewy exterior made from glutinous rice. Both types can be filled with an array of ingredients, ranging from the traditional salted egg yolk and lotus seed paste to more modern flavors like green tea, chocolate, or durian.
Preparing mooncakes is an art form, with each cake beautifully molded to showcase intricate designs of flowers, animals, or characters from the TET Trung Thu legends. In some families, making mooncakes together is a beloved tradition, passed down from one generation to the next. For travelers, sampling different types of mooncakes is a delicious way to experience Vietnamese culinary culture during the festival.
TET Trung Thu mooncakes symbolize unity and completeness. Photos source: internet.
Lantern Parades and Festivities
On the night of TET Trung Thu, lantern parades take place across Vietnam. Children, holding their brightly lit lanterns, march through the streets, creating a sea of glowing lights that reflect the brilliance of the full moon above. In some towns and villages, there are even competitions for the best lanterns, with participants showcasing their creativity in designing the most beautiful or imaginative lanterns.
In larger cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the festivities often include large public celebrations with music, dance performances, and traditional games. Parks and public squares are transformed into vibrant festival grounds, where families gather to enjoy the evening together.
In smaller towns and rural areas, the festival takes on a more intimate, community-centered feel, with local traditions dictating the activities. No matter where you are in Vietnam, the joy and excitement of TET Trung Thu are palpable as families come together to celebrate the full moon and the happiness of their children.
How Travelers Can Experience TET Trung Thu
For tourists visiting Vietnam during TET Trung Thu, the festival offers an opportunity to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture and traditions. Here are a few ways travelers can make the most of their time during the Mid-Autumn Festival:
- Visit Local Markets: In the weeks leading up to the festival, local markets are filled with mooncakes, lanterns, and toys. These markets are a great place to soak in the festive atmosphere and pick up souvenirs like hand-made lanterns or traditional masks.
- Join Lantern Parades: Many cities and towns hold lantern parades that are open to the public. Tourists can participate by carrying their own lanterns or simply watching from the sidelines as the streets fill with light.
- Watch Lion Dances: Lion dances are performed across the country during TET Trung Thu. Check with local authorities or ask around to find out where performances will take place, as these dances are a must-see for visitors.
- Enjoy Mooncakes: Don’t leave Vietnam without trying mooncakes. Many bakeries and street vendors sell these treats in the days leading up to the festival. You can even bring some home as gifts for friends and family.
- Explore Traditional Villages: For a more authentic experience, consider visiting rural villages or smaller towns during TET Trung Thu. These areas often preserve older traditions, and you’ll get a closer look at how families celebrate the festival together.
Local markets are filled with mooncakes, lanterns, and toys. Photos source: internet.
Conclusion
TET Trung Thu, or the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a time of joy, family bonding, and cultural celebration in Vietnam. For travelers, it offers a unique chance to experience the heart of Vietnamese traditions, from lantern-lit streets to mooncake feasts. Whether you’re marveling at the skill of lion dancers or enjoying the company of local families, TET Trung Thu provides an unforgettable cultural experience that showcases the beauty of Vietnam’s heritage.
Comment (0)