Vietnam is a country that cherishes its traditions and celebrates them with great fervor. One such celebration is the Mid-Autumn Festival, where millions of people come together with their families and loved ones to revel in the beauty of the full moon. Let’s explore this sacred holiday and discover what makes it so special.
Where Did It Originate?
The Mid-Autumn Festival has been celebrated for over 20,000 years across Oriental Asia, including Vietnam. Known as Tsukimi in Japan and Chuseok in North and South Korea, this festival takes place during the lunar month of August when the moon’s orbit is at its lowest angle to the horizon. This unique positioning makes the moon appear larger and brighter than at any other time of the year. People gather to witness this auspicious event and pray for good fortune.
In Vietnam, the legend surrounding this festival dates back to the 8th century. According to ancient folklore, Emperor Duong Minh Hoang was transported to the moon with the help of a magician friend. There, he witnessed a beautiful dance performed by fairies who inhabited the moon. Inspired by this enchanting spectacle, the emperor learned their dance and combined it with a local dance known as Ba Lon. He then spread this dance and accompanying music throughout his empire, giving rise to the tradition of moon watching, singing, and dancing.
How Is It Celebrated?
As a country with a population of 70 million, Vietnam boasts diverse celebrations of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Customs and traditions vary among regions, areas, and families. However, one common feature is the presence of moon cakes in every household. Moon cakes are round, dense pastries with intricate patterns on the crust. They can have various fillings, including meat, eggs, dried fruit, pumpkin seeds, or peanuts, and come in both sweet and savory flavors. In the weeks leading up to the festival, mooncake stalls appear all over towns and cities, eagerly awaiting hungry patrons who often purchase them in bulk to give as gifts.
Another prominent tradition during this holiday is the use of colorful lanterns in different shapes, often depicting moons, stars, or flowers. On the day of the festival, lantern processions fill the streets, accompanied by music. Children wearing vibrant masks of various animal designs lead the way. The festival also features lion and dragon dances, as well as the burning of incense, which fills the air with a delightful smoky aroma.
Why Is It Important?
Similar to Thanksgiving in the United States, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family members to gather and express gratitude for the past year. The younger generation pays respects to their elders, while the older generation shows appreciation for the young. Alongside these familial celebrations, the festival coincides with the start of the new school year. Children and teenagers often receive gifts like new pencil cases and clothes. Traditionally, the festival marked the end of the harvest season, with people sharing homegrown food and wine.
Where To Get The Best Experience Of The Festival?
If you have the opportunity, Hoi An is undoubtedly the place to be for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Known as the City of Lanterns throughout the year, Hoi An becomes even more enchanting during the full moon. The entire town switches off all electricity, creating a magical atmosphere illuminated only by lanterns, candles, and the moon’s natural light. Lively crowds come together, chatting, singing songs, and basking in the radiant glow of the year’s largest moon. It is a tradition that has stood the test of time, connecting people to their ancestors who have celebrated this festival for millennia.
To learn more about Vietnam’s rich traditions and vibrant festivals, check out our Travel Guide.