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About Tet Trung Thu, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
By
Erin Henderson
Tet
Trung Thu, as it is known in Vietnam, or the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival as
we refer to it in America, is a wonderful, ancient festival that revolves
around children.
The Festival dates back as far as 15-20,000 years ago in Southeast Asia,
and is traditionally held on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar Month. This
year, the date of the Festival is September 2, the same day as the full
moon. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is one of the two most popular
festivals in Vietnam, and has been important to families in Vietnam for
many years.
It
is said that originally, the Festival came about as a way for parents to
make up for lost time with their children after harvest season. The
harvest was done by September, (August in the Lunar calendar) and the
parents were anxious to spend time with their children and do something
special with them, as well as celebrate the harvest, after spending much
time working hard and away from the family. It was held under the full
moon, which represents fullness and prosperity of life.
The
festival is very much like a combination of our Halloween and
Thanksgiving. Children parade on the streets, while singing and carrying
colorful lanterns of different sizes. Some of the popular shapes include
fishes, stars, butterflies and a lantern that spins when a candle is
inserted, representing the earth circling the sun.
Dances
are also traditional, and include the dragon dance and the flower dance.
It
is customary to give Banh Trung Thu, boxes of moon cakes, which are
traditionally very rich in taste. The cakes are filled with lotus seeds,
ground beans and orange peels and have a bright yoke in the center to
represent the moon.
Today,
the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, as well as encouraging affection for
children, promotes education, poetry, dance and arts and crafts.
Many
Vietnamese communities in the USA hold Mid-Autumn Moon Festivals,
including Washington DC and San Jose. For families that don't live in an
area with an organized Festival, have your own! It is a wonderful
opportunity to share and learn about your child's culture, and a great
opportunity for family fun too!
To
help children get ready for the Festival, parents can help children make
their lanterns and costumes for the lantern procession and discuss the
history and culture of Vietnam.
Showing
our love for our children and teaching of Vietnam's love for their
children is a wonderful reason to celebrate!
Source: ExploreVietNam
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Cập nhật ngày:
01-09-2002
