#Lunar Day-Month-Year Name on Vietnamese

[thinkingnot]

Oh my gosh, that's super cool! I, admittedly, don't know a lot about Vietnamese culture. What all happens at a têt festival? If you don't mind me asking.

ooh so first everyone get like a government issued week off (yayyy!!) but it can vary depending on how much your job/school is

the preparations start about a month or at least a week before, youd have to clean out the entire house, no speck of dust left!!! take out all your furniture and polish them!!! the year shall start FRESH

and also the sticky rice cakes ingredients gotta be dipped in water for a night or two and cooked later, gotta wipe and clean and dry the wrapping leaves, etc, some of us jsut buy store made ones :D (the cookin can take up to 8 hours 💀 or more)

new years eve, according to the lunar calendar (its the 21st this year :D), we have this reunion dinner with our family, we have some funky new years foods like some box shaped (bánh chưng) or cylindrical shaped (bánh tét) sticky rice mung bean cakes <- the former is traditional to the northern part of vietnam while the latter is native to the south, i like banh tet more XD), yellow boiled chicken, rice, sweet sticky rice, pickled veggies (củ kiệu) <- it goes with the cakes mentioned, also caramelized meat and eggs, and some other foods and snacks like candied fruits (including ginger), some roasted seeds (watermelon, sunflower, pumpkin)

worship, pray to ancestors (place a plate of 5 fruits that their names would be a play of word to mean lucky things, i dont know much about those but their are certain fruit you definitely cant put on the plate as it would mean bad omens) - go to temples, pagodas since most of us are buddists, pray there for things you want in the coming year, put some money to support the temple and like to give out more youd get more back, people tend to be really generous around new years

lots of food mentioned above are eaten throughout new years

my family doesnt do this but on the first day of new years youre supposed to visit your dad’s extended family, the second day your mum’s and the third you visit your teachers

young children would go and tell well wishes to their elders after that the elders would hand them lì xì (lucky money) and tell the kids well wishes too, but we mostly focus on free money omg!! you can gather lots and lots of money from all the grown ups

the well wishes would typically be to wish the other to reach 100 years old or more, a lengthy life, to get more money and be prosperous, to have things go their way, to be healthy

you are not to sweep your floor within the first 3-5(?) days of new years (they say that would mean youre sweeping all the new years luck away, it varies for some family the waiting period)

unofficially a tradition, we would play card games (illegal) with real money involve (so illegal, but honestly no cops are going to catch you cuz everyone does it for funsies with the family)

^ card games like tiến lên or a simpler one: xì dách

btw hardcore card players dont make no sense around these time they use complete slangs to talk 💀 the slangs sound like cantonese fr

also people born in the years fitting of the zodiac of the new year will be luckier (i think) like if you were born in the year of the cat you would be lucky this year since its your year!! (they really do tend to gather more money) (when i was twelve i made so much on my year)

an alternative would be to go on vacations (save you the trouble of having to greet some relatives) (but its really pricey to do so)

[travelsense-asia]

Dao Thuc Village: The Timeless Art of Water Puppetry

Tucked away on the outskirts of Hanoi, Dao Thuc village has been a sanctuary for one of Vietnam’s most treasured art forms: water puppetry. This mesmerizing tradition, shaped by centuries of heritage and rural life, continues to captivate audiences with its charm and vibrant storytelling. For over 300 years, the people of Dao Thuc have dedicated themselves to preserving and sharing this unique art form, ensuring that it remains a living symbol of Vietnamese culture.

1. A Hidden Gem Near Hanoi

Dao Thuc village lies in Thuy Lam commune, Dong Anh district, about 25 kilometers from Hanoi’s bustling city center. The village rests peacefully along the banks of the Ca Lo River, surrounded by lush rice paddies and tranquil scenery. While Hanoi is famous for its craft villages producing silk, ceramics, and incense, Dao Thuc is a lesser-known treasure where visitors can experience the magic of water puppetry firsthand.

This hidden gem has become a beloved destination for those seeking an authentic encounter with Vietnam’s cultural heritage. Here, in the village’s calm, visitors can immerse themselves in an art form that dates back to the days of emperors and legends.

2. A Rich and Storied History

The art of water puppetry in Dao Thuc began in the 18th century under the guidance of Dao Dang Khiem, known by his honorary name, Nguyen Dang Vinh. As a high-ranking official in Emperor Le Hy Tong’s court from 1735 to 1740, Khiem was exposed to various artistic expressions. Inspired by the beauty of water puppetry, he returned to his home village and introduced this performance art to the community. His legacy lives on as generations of villagers have dedicated themselves to keeping the tradition alive.

To honor Khiem’s memory, Dao Thuc residents erected a commemorative stone in 1735. Every year, on the 24th day of the second lunar month, a ceremony is held to pay tribute to their founder and express gratitude for his contributions. In 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism officially designated Dao Thuc water puppetry as a national intangible cultural heritage. This milestone highlights the village’s ongoing commitment to this precious art form.

3. The Craft of Water Puppetry

The magic of Dao Thuc water puppetry lies in its handcrafted puppets and the masterful skills of the performers. The puppets, carved from resilient fig wood, are meticulously lacquered and painted to withstand the rigors of performance. Each figure, ranging from 30 to 40 centimeters in height, is designed to glide across the water’s surface, bringing ancient tales to life. The vibrant colors and detailed features of these puppets reflect the artistic craftsmanship of the village’s artisans.

The stage for a Dao Thuc water puppet show is a pond, with a bamboo screen artfully decorated to resemble a temple facade. The puppeteers, hidden behind this curtain, perform waist-deep in water. They use a sophisticated system of bamboo rods and strings to maneuver the puppets, often enduring harsh weather conditions and long hours of practice. This behind-the-scenes mastery is a testament to the dedication and endurance required to maintain the tradition.

But water puppetry is more than just a visual spectacle. Each performance is a cultural tapestry woven with themes of village life, history, and mythology. The humorous and lively Chu Teu serves as the host, guiding audiences through scenes of everyday activities like fishing and rice planting, as well as folktales filled with moral lessons. The puppets tell stories that evoke laughter, nostalgia, and a sense of pride in Vietnam’s rich heritage.

4. Experiences to Treasure in Dao Thuc Village

Witness Enchanting Puppet Shows

Attending a water puppet show in Dao Thuc is an unforgettable experience. The village presents over 20 captivating stories, from traditional folktales to patriotic reenactments like the famous victory of Dien Bien Phu. Accompanied by traditional music played on instruments such as drums, gongs, and bamboo flutes, these performances are a feast for the senses. They offer a window into the heart of Vietnamese culture, where humor, resilience, and pride are celebrated.

Meet the Talented Puppeteers

After a show, visitors have the unique opportunity to meet the puppeteers. These artists are more than performers; they are custodians of a centuries-old craft. Hearing their stories and learning about the intricate techniques behind each puppet’s movements offers a deeper appreciation of the art form. The puppeteers are eager to share their passion, explaining how they’ve mastered the delicate balance of controlling the puppets with grace and precision.

Try Puppet-Making and Performing

For a hands-on experience, visitors can watch artisans carve and paint the puppets or even try making their own. The process, from selecting the right wood to applying the final touches, requires great patience and skill. Those who wish to understand the complexity of the craft can step into the water and attempt to control a puppet. Under the guidance of a skilled puppeteer, you’ll gain insight into the physical and technical demands of this ancient art.

Celebrate the Festivals of Dao Thuc

Dao Thuc comes alive during its three major festivals: the New Year’s festival, the memorial ceremony for Nguyen Dang Vinh, and the lively village festival in November. These celebrations are a vibrant showcase of local traditions, featuring music, rituals, and of course, water puppetry performances. Visitors who attend these festivals will be immersed in a joyful atmosphere, where the community comes together to honor their heritage and share it with others.

Bring Home a Unique Souvenir

A visit to Dao Thuc wouldn’t be complete without picking up a handcrafted puppet or another local keepsake. These one-of-a-kind items make for meaningful gifts and reminders of your journey into Vietnam’s cultural past. Additionally, the village often hosts live music performances, with artists singing traditional songs that echo through the lanes and fields. The souvenirs and melodies you take home will keep the spirit of Dao Thuc alive in your memories.

5. Explore with Travel Sense Asia

Dao Thuc village is a must-visit for travelers who wish to experience the beauty and tradition of Vietnam. With 15 years of experience, Travel Sense Asia is here to guide you on this cultural adventure. Our tours are tailored to ensure you experience the best of Hanoi and its hidden gems, from iconic landmarks to lesser-known wonders like Dao Thuc. Whether you want to watch a mesmerizing water puppet show or try your hand at puppet-making, we’ll make sure your journey is as memorable as the stories told by the puppets.

Dao Thuc is more than just a village; it’s a living testament to Vietnam’s resilience and artistry. By visiting, you’ll be part of a tradition that continues to thrive, keeping the past alive for future generations to admire. Come and experience the magic of Dao Thuc, where puppets dance, legends come to life, and history flows through the water.

[mina-van1104]

Nevada born & raised. Family living in Nevada for 45 (forty-five) years. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!🎎🧧🪭🙏🌕Lots of yummy mooncake to eat today.

Hope everyone has a day & year filled with happiness, prosperity, abundance, health, & good luck come your way. Also there's supposed to be a lunar eclipse today but it's cloudy today so doubt we'll see that today.

But happy birthday to the moon (different day & month every year). Been an emotional few days! Can't wait for what's to come though.

Song played on Instagram is called "Dancin' in the Moonlight" by Toploader! ❤️Good memories!🤩

•••••••••••

Always needing some prayers again.🙏 I, Mina Van 文风英 Woon Foong Yin (in Hakka Chinese).Nevada born & raised.Proud nurse, coach. Family living in Nevada for 45 (forty-five) years.Spread kindness.❤️

In the name of the Guan Yin, Ong Lee (meaning Buddha in Hakka Chinese langauge), Yay-Su (Jesus Christ), Ty-uh- ma (Mother Mary Virgin Mother Mary)

In the name of Jesus, Amen!🙏

Then my other successful blood-related family of doctors in my family,🇺🇸veterans,doctors,nurses,coaches,news reporter,lobbyist,good singers,dancers,good photographers, good writers,artists,a cop,a dentist,teachers, etc.Mixed family of Asians & white people.Spread Kindness.

Again, half of our family is Asian half our family is white. Even-though my parents look Asian we have some Chinese, Vietnamese, Native American, small portions of French, German descent, Ashkenazi Jewish descent DNA Ancestry

✞♡ # Selfie # Nurse # Coach # NativeNevadan # StopAsianHate # Biden2024💙 # JesusChrist 🦂 # Buddha # GuanYin # MotherMary # NevadaBornAndRaised # HakkaChineseRaised # ProChoice (though, in politics) # Equality # Justice # Healthcare # Running 🏃🏻‍♀️ # NevadaNative # athletic # HomeMeansNevada # Nevada # UNRnevadaAlumnaMay2016 # 3collegeDegrees # 3MedicalLicenses

•2019:OlderSisterCatherineVan&Adam Schwartz’sWedding&TheirWebsiteOn: https://www.theknot.com/us/catherine-van-and-adam-schwartz-aug-2019•ReminiscingMoreThan200PeopleCame.

[willows-pjo-ocs]

Awesome! I wasn't exactly expecting that name to win, but I love it! During this week (because I am very impatient) i have already decided a few things

1. Odette is going to be genderfluid. They use any pronouns, but it depends on the day.

This is partially cus i just really want a genderfluid oc and also partially because with Selene being the goddess of the lunar month under the epithet Mene, and also how the moon has different phases, that kind of change could be symbolic. I don't think the moon likes to stay the same. I think she likes to be able to change. And so does Odette.

2. They are going to be Vietnamese. I'm not sure if they would speak the language, but that's where their parents are from.

3. They are going to be 11 years old (at present). I need a small young gremlin, and they fill that role perfectly

4. They are completely mortal and clear-sighted.

But that's it so far. If you have any other ideas, be sure to let me know, and thank you so much for voting!

@the-gods-abandoned-us @arisdaughter @mache-of-greece @kaiaalwayswins @unhinged-waterlilly @yourlocalfallenstar @son-of-the-moonlight @luci-likes-dinoss @elixs-mythology-corner @bast-the-best26 @emdabitchass @if-chaos-was-a-boy @luck-is-crucial @love-lightning-forethought @apollos-favorite-child @ariathemortal @cass-sees-the-future @reyna4ever

Guys im gonna make a new oc

I kinda have a basic concept but i wanna narrow down other stuff

ANYONE CAN VOTE PLEASE DO IF YOU WANT

Edit: i changed the ones i could to they but from now on im just gonna try to remember to use they/them until i figure out their pronouns

Like ill have a poll for ethnicity

Godly parent

Age

Hair color

Etc cus i just need help

They're basically gonna be that priest/ess of Selene that Kiara went on that quest for

I know that she didnt really have priestesses back in the day, but im just gonna say that this new oc was particularly devoted to the goddess for some reason

@the-gods-abandoned-us @arisdaughter @mache-of-greece @kaiaalwayswins @unhinged-waterlilly @yourlocalfallenstar @son-of-the-moonlight @luci-likes-dinoss @elixs-mythology-corner @bast-the-best26 @emdabitchass @if-chaos-was-a-boy @luck-is-crucial @love-lightning-forethought @the-prince-telemachus @fire-boy-official @pink-koi-lovejoy @alex-fierro-pr-nightmare @traaaavvy @apollos-favorite-child @ariathemortal @cass-sees-the-future @reyna4ever @magnus-falafelking

I tagged some ppl from my main lmk if you dont wanna be tagged

[truong-phu]

Giải thuật (và code VB6) tên Can và Chi của ngày, tháng và năm âm lịch

1- Giới thiệu tên Can và Chi. Tên của ngày, tháng và năm âm lịch là tên kép, được ghép từ mỗi đơn vị trong 2 bộ là Can (Thiên Can) và Chi (Địa Chi). Can gồm 10 phần tử, hay đọc quen là: Giáp, Ất, Bính, Đinh, Mậu, Kỷ, Canh, Tân, Nhâm, Quý. Sở dĩ đọc quen vì với âm lịch, Giáp là khởi đầu và lần lượt đến các Can khác theo thứ tự như thế. Chi, tương tự, gồm bộ 12 phần tử, hay đọc quen là: Tý, Sửu, Dần, Mão, Thìn, Tỵ, Ngọ, Mùi, Thân, Dậu, Tuất, Hợi. Tý cũng là chi khởi đầu. Ví dụ tên năm khởi đầu được ghép từ Can và Chi l�� Giáp Tý. Tên năm tiếp là Ất Sửu, Bính Dần... Vì bộ 10 ghép với bộ 12 lần lượt, mà cả 2 bộ đều là chẵn nên chỉ dùng nửa tổ hợp từ Can và Chi: (10 x 12)/2 = 60. Ví dụ ta không bao giờ nghe từ kép Can Chi như Giáp Sửu, Ất Dần... Và như thế, cứ mỗi 60 đơn vị ghép Can Chi là một chu kỳ. Kết thúc 1 bộ Can hay Chi, Âm lịch gọi là một Giáp. Giáp Can là 10, giáp Chi là 12. Vì tên năm, khẩu ngữ chỉ gọi tắt tên Chi như năm Tý, tuổi Mẹo... nên một giáp trong dân gian mặc định là giáp Chi, hay 12 năm. Và tên năm thuộc bộ phối Can Chi, thế nên kết thúc 1 chu kỳ nầy cũng gọi tròn 1 giáp 60, có tên văn vẻ là Lục thập hoa giáp.

2- Giải thuật tên Âm lịch. Lịch được làm từ đếm, hôm qua ngày 31 thì hôm nay đương nhiên là ngày 32, cứ thế ta có thể tính tới hoặc tính lùi nếu đã có mốc. Giải thuật tên Âm lịch liên quan phép đếm. Đương nhiên bên cạnh phép đếm, lịch còn có những quy định khác để phù hợp tuần trăng, mùa màng, thời tiết... Chuyện nầy không tính ở đây.

2a- Giải thuật tên năm âm lịch rất đơn giản. Để dễ tính toán, năm âm lịch được gán theo con số của năm dương lịch. (Nếu không biết ngày tháng năm âm lịch cụ thể, chỉ dùng năm dương lịch để tính thì điều nầy đúng trong hơn 10 tháng).

Về nguyên tắc, ta cứ ghép tên giữa Can và Chi theo thứ tự lần lượt như định nghĩa.

Can: Về giải thuật, các số hay dùng thuộc hệ 10, nên số đơn vị của năm rất tương ứng với Can. Lấy số đơn vị theo VB là Mod 10. Đơn vị là 0 tương ứng với Can Canh, trong mảng Giáp, Ất... thì Canh đứng thứ 6 tính từ 0, vậy nên sau khi Mod, ta phải +6. Để code "đẹp", khỏi phép cộng rườm rà, ta có thể dùng mảng Can khác theo đúng thứ tự với Canh đứng đầu Canh, Tân, Nhâm, Quý, Giáp, Ất, Bính, Đinh, Mậu, Kỷ.

Chi: ta lấy phần dư sau chia 12, đó là Mod 12. Tương tự phần Can, Mod 12 = 0 thường tương ứng Chi của năm là Thân, với mảng Tý, Sửu... ta phải cộng 8. Để code "đẹp", khỏi phép cộng rườm rà, ta có thể dùng mảng Chi khác theo đúng thứ tự với Thân đứng đầu.

Một ví dụ vài hàng code VB6 đẹp gọi tên năm âm lịch:

Public Function NamAmLich$(ByVal aDate&) ' aDate là nãm âm lich    Dim Can$(), Chi$() Can = Split("Canh,Tân,Nhâm,Qúy,Giáp," & ChrW$(7844) & "t,Bính,Ðinh,M" & ChrW$(7853) & "u,K" & ChrW$(7927), ",") Chi = Split("Thân,D" & ChrW$(7853) & "u,Tu" & ChrW$(7845) & "t,H" & ChrW$(7907) & "i,Tý,S" & ChrW$(7917) & "u,D" & ChrW$(7847) & "n,Mão,Thìn,T" & ChrW$(7925) & ",Ng" & ChrW$(7885) & ",Mùi", ",") NamAmLich = Can(aDate Mod 10) & " " & Chi(aDate Mod 12) End Function

Đối số aDate ở câu trên đương nhiên là năm âm lịch nhưng viết theo năm dương lịch.

2b- Giải thuật tên ngày âm lịch đơn giản theo Microsoft. Đơn giản vì ngày âm lịch cứ tuần tự theo chu kỳ 60 Can Chi. Viết: ...Theo MS bởi vì MS đã làm mốc 1/1/1900 là mốc ngày để tiện tính toán. Giải thuật: Để tìm tên ngày âm lịch, ta hoàn toàn dựa vào một mốc ngày dương lịch, lấy Mod 10 và Mod 12 rồi tìm quy luật như đã trình bày ở năm âm lịch. Một ví dụ vài hàng code VB6 gọi tên ngày âm lịch: Đổi trực tiếp từ ngày dương sang ngày âm nhờ MS. Đối số DDate ở dưới là ngày dương lịch, vd 31/7/2020 hay 7/31/2020 tùy Format.

Public Function NgayALich$(ByVal DDate As Date) ' DDate là ngày duong lich    Dim Can$(), Chi$()    Can = Split("Nhâm,Qúy,Giáp," & ChrW$(7844) & "t,Bính,Ðinh,M" & ChrW$(7853) & "u,K" & ChrW$(7927) & ",Canh,Tân", ",")    Chi = Split("Thân,D" & ChrW$(7853) & "u,Tu" & ChrW$(7845) & "t,H" & ChrW$(7907) & "i,Tý,S" & ChrW$(7917) & "u,D" & ChrW$(7847) & "n,Mão,Thìn,T" & ChrW$(7925) & ",Ng" & ChrW$(7885) & ",Mùi", ",")    NgayALich$ = Can(DDate Mod 10) & " " & Chi(DDate Mod 12) End Function

Code như trên gọi là quá đẹp, tương ứng giải thuật đơn giản.

2c- Giải thuật tên tháng âm lịch. Lịch là đếm tuần tự. Ngày hay năm đã đếm tuần tự thì tháng âm lịch cũng thế. Chi của tháng vừa đủ cho 12 tháng, tuần tự cố định từ tháng giêng (1) gọi là Dần, tháng Hai tiếp tục là Mão... Can của tháng giêng (1) mỗi năm: năm sau tăng hơn năm trước 2 can. Các tháng sau, Can tính theo tuần tự tháng. Về giải thuật ta cứ lấy số dư của năm chia cho 10 và cộng thêm số tháng, cộng hay trừ thêm một ít để phù hợp chuỗi Can dùng. Tháng Giêng: Năm có Mod 10=0 bao giờ Can cũng là Mậu, Mod 10=1 luôn là Canh và tuần tự là Nhâm, Giáp, Bính.

Năm phối Tháng ((Năm âm lịch Mod 10) -1) x 2 + Tháng âm lịch + số K điều chỉnh phù hợp mảng Can.

Một ví dụ vài hàng code VB6 gọi tên tháng âm lịch: Đương nhiên cần có tháng âm lịch và năm âm lịch viết theo kiểu dương lịch.

Public Function ThangALich$(ByVal Amonth%, ByVal Ayear&) ' a=âm Amonth = tháng âl, Ayear =nãm âL    Dim Can$(), Chi$()    Can = Split("Ðinh,M" & ChrW$(7853) & "u,K" & ChrW$(7927) & ",Canh,Tân,Nhâm,Qúy,Giáp," & ChrW$(7844) & "t,Bính", ",")    Chi = Split("S" & ChrW$(7917) & "u,D" & ChrW$(7847) & "n,Mão,Thìn,T" & ChrW$(7925) & ",Ng" & ChrW$(7885) & ",Mùi,Thân,D" & ChrW$(7853) & "u,Tu" & ChrW$(7845) & "t,H" & ChrW$(7907) & "i,Tý", ",")    ThangALich = Can((Ayear * 2 + Amonth) Mod 10) & " " & Chi(Amonth Mod 12) End Function

Code đẹp không? Đẹp là gọn, giảm tối đa cộng trừ lôi thôi... Tôi bảo đảm với các bạn chưa ai viết gọn như thế! (trừ tên hàm, biến) cả 3 hàm NgàyAL, ThángAl và NămAL. Bạn có thể đưa các function nầy vào Excel (chèn Module) và gọi hàm từ Cell thoải mái.

Trương Phú

[chinaaesthetic]

Chinese New Year! 新年快乐!

*please note that the information below isn’t celebrated by everyone in the same way. Some customs are more common in northern China rather than southern China and vice-versa.

How to wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year:

1. 新年快乐！Xīnnián kuàilè! - Happy New Year! (This can be used one the first day of the lunar calendar as well as the Gregorian calendar).

2. 新春快乐！Xīnchūn kuàilè! - Happy Spring Festival!

3. 新年好！Xīnnián hǎo! - Hello! (This is how you greet people during Chinese New Year).

When greeting or wishing someone a Happy Chinese New Year, many Chinese people wish their family and friends things like: “I hope you have a happy and healthy family,” “I hope you get a job promotion,” “I hope you have good fortune and pockets overflowing with gold.” Here are some examples:

4. 恭喜发财！Gōngxǐ fācái! - Wish you a successful and prosperous year! (This saying is known well because of this Chinese New Year song you can watch here).

5. 阖家幸福! Hé jiā xìngfú - Wish you a happy family!

6. 事业有成! Shìyè yǒu chéng - Hope you have a successful career!

You can watch this YouTube video or read this article to learn more about how to wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year!

🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as lunar new year or the spring festival, celebrates the first day of the new year on the lunar calendar. In 2021, this holiday falls on Friday, February 12!  This holiday is the most important holiday to those who celebrate this - its importance can be comparable to how Americans celebrate Christmas.

People have been celebrating Chinese New Year for about 3,500 - 3,900 years. It’s exact origins are unknown, but this tradition is believed to have started in the Shang Dynasty (1600-1049 BC) when people would make sacrifices to the gods and their ancestors towards the end of a year. However, the tradition was recorded and official during the Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD) when Emperor Wu began using the lunar calendar. He chose to follow this calendar because it would let him know when second new moon after the winter solstice was.

Now, many Southeast Asian countries and people besides the Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year such as: Koreans, Vietnamese, Tibetans, etc. However, it is common to not see Japan celebrate Chinese New Year.

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Why do I keep hearing about the Year of the Ox/Cow?

Just like in western culture, there are zodiacs in eastern culture that the Chinese follow. There are 12 zodiacs, and these zodiacs follow a cycle of 12 years. Each new year represents one of the zodiacs. 

In order, they are: Rat/mouse, Ox/cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

2021 is year of the Ox/Cow - 2020 was year of the Rat/Mouse - 2019 was Year of the Pig... and so on. 

Because each zodiac has its own characteristics, they define a year. Chinese zodiac scholars have said in 2021, Year of the Ox, will be a flip-around positive change. They believe this year will be lucky and that it will be a good time to focus on love and relationships. People who are born in years of the Ox are known to have a lot of endurance, be calm and confident, but are also stubborn.

Just like in western culture, these zodiacs are believed to affect personality, fortune, etc, and instead of getting your zodiac by your birth month, you get your zodiac by your birth year. If you are interested in your Chinese zodiac, you can type in your birthday on this calculator and read about it.

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What happens during Chinese New Year and how long do you celebrate it for? Lantern Festival?

On average, Chinese New Year is celebrated for about 15-16 days (from about New Year’s eve to the first full moon). Preparations start seven days before New Years because stores and restaurants close and people travel to be with their families. Most students are also on their big break during this time - they get off from school around the beginning of january and go back after Chinese New Year. It should also be noted that Northern China and Southern China celebrate the new year differently.

During the preparation period, people go shopping for food and decorations. They also clean the house very well. If living in a different city than one’s family, many people will travel back to their hometown to celebrate with family.

During the New Year’s Eve period, the house is decorated with New Year’s decorations, and there is a reunion dinner with family at the host’s house. Out of all the dinners you have during the year, it is incredibly important you don’t miss this dinner, which is why there are so many issues with travelling during this time. At this dinner, you eat many lucky foods such as dumplings and fish. Also during this time, the older generations will give younger generations something called 红包, which translates to “red envelope.” These envelopes are filled with money and are only given on very special occasions such as new years and weddings. Friends give these to each other, but it is not common at all for a younger generation to give one to an older generation person. There is a custom where families stay up late to “watch over the new year,” which is called 守岁. Late at night, people also like to go to temples to hear the first bells of the new year ring because they believe it will drive away bad luck.

On Chinese New Year’s Day, fireworks go off, families cook and eat large meals together, sacrifices are made to ancestors, etc. (Fireworks are especially important because they believe it will make your business more successful.) One popular tradition you might know of is the dancing lion/dragon parades where people wear a dragon costume and parade through the city. Dragons are very representative of Chinese culture and are thought to bring luck to a community. Lions are a symbol of protection.

For about a week after the first day, most people go visit family and friends. A lot of times people will visit the other side of their family. For example, someone will spend most of the time with their mother’s side of the family during the new year, then during this week, they will go visit relatives of the father’s side.

After that week, most people go back to work. This is around day 8-10. Businesses, restaurants, and stores reopen, and many people leave their hometown to go back to jobs in the city.

Day 15, the final day of Chinese New Year, is the Lantern Festival. On this day, the first full moon of the new year happens. To celebrate, people will light more fireworks, revisit family, eat sweet dumplings (called tangyuan), and participate in the Lantern Festival. People release lit lanterns into the sky to honor dead ancestors. This is called 元宵节.

You can read more here.

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What foods are eaten during Chinese New Year, and what do they represent?

During Chinese New Year, many special foods are eaten, and these are foods that are considered to be lucky and to bring fortune into the new year.

1. Dumplings - represent wealth. Dumplings take hours to make and involve family help. They’ve been eaten for at least 1,800 years and are especially popular in northern China. It is said that the more dumplings you eat during the new year, the more money you will make.

2. Fish - represents prosperity and success. The word “fish” in Chinese sounds like the word “surplus” in Chinese.

3. Glutinous Rice Cake/Nian gao - represents success in your work (more money, better position). 

4. Spring rolls - represent wealth. They get their name because they are most often eaten during the Spring Festival which is CNY. This dish is more popular in eastern and southern China.

5. Oranges, tangerines - represents luck and fortune. This is originally a Cantonese custom, but many people grace their tables with citrus fruits. The word for “tangerine” sounds similar to the word for “good fortune” in Chinese.

6. Longevity noodles - represents longevity. These noodles are longer than usual to represent a person’s long and happy life. This is more commonly eaten in northern China. *It should be noted that these are mostly eaten on birthdays but can be eaten during the NY as well.

7. Sweet rice balls/tang yuan - togetherness in family. This food is eaten during the Lantern Festival, the last day of Chinese New Year. The shape and pronunciation is associated with closeness of the family.

8. Snacks - represent a sweet and pleasant life. Any sweet snack like dried fruit, candy, tanghulu is eaten during this time.

When it comes to food during Chinese New Year, there are superstitions about how foods should be prepared and what makes them lucky. You can read more about them here as well as here.

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What kinds of decorations are put up in houses during the new year? What do the colors represent?

1. Spring/door couplets - These couplets originated in the Shu era. As seen in the picture below, you post these on doors in couples - in Chinese culture, even numbers are seen as good luck. On many of these couplets are written wishes or poems for the new year. Each couplet should have the same rhythm and the same number of words.

2. Paper cutting - Translated as “window flower,” these intricate, red paper cutting pieces are placed on windows and often represent the zodiac of the new year or other symbolic animals such as fish, dragons, and phoenixes.

3. Upside down characters/Fortune - Many Chinese people during the new year hang up positive characters such as Fu, which means happiness and good fortune. It is written in calligraphy on a red piece of paper and then put upside down on doors and windows. It is hung upside down because the people want the good fortune to fall down onto them.

4. Red lanterns - These lanterns push away bad luck and are seen during both the Spring and Autumn Festival. They can be hung on trees, outside houses, etc. There are also many styles - they can come in many shapes and have symbols written on them.

5. Kumquat trees - As said before, citruses represent good luck and fortune. People place kumquats and citrus fruits on their tables or decorate their homes with small kumquat trees.

You can read more about decorations here as well as here.

Common colors seen during Chinese New Year are red and gold, but green can also be found.

The color red is not only dominate during Chinese New Year, but it is also very representative of Chinese culture as well. Red signifies fire, good fortune, and happiness. It is representative of good luck, keeps the holiday very joyous, and scares away bad spirits.

Gold or yellow is considered to be a very beautiful color. Gold symbolizes wealth, riches, and prosperity.

Green represents money, harmony, and growth. 

Though these are the most common colors, it should be noted that a color combination of green and red is considered to be tacky in Chinese culture. 

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What do people wear during Chinese New Year?

On the first day, it is traditional to wear new clothes and new accessories as it symbolizes new beginnings. However, there are people who like to wear sentimental accessories to respect and remember their ancestors.

Some people like to wear traditional Qipao/Cheongsam, Tang Suits, and Hanfu, but many people stick to western clothes like skirts, dresses, and pants. There is also a tradition of wearing lucky, red underwear for New Years.

Tang suits are the most popular to wear during the New Year, Qipao is also popular, but it is often too cold to wear during the winter months. Many people are starting to wear Hanfu again to celebrate the new year, but it isn’t widely accepted yet to wear during the new year.

During the new year, people wear a lot of red and gold. It is important to NOT wear mostly white and/or black. These symbolize death, and white is worn at funerals. Anything that is bright, bold, and upbeat should be fine to wear, but you should go for something that is red.

*If you want to wear something that is traditional Chinese for New Years, please make sure you know about cultural appropriation and know how to wear these properly.

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As there is so much information about Chinese New Year, I cannot possibly tell you all about it in one post. It is truly something that you must experience in your lifetime. It is very beautiful, fun, and there are so many things to do and celebrate. I ask you that you please research this more and look at all the beautiful pictures of food, lanterns, fireworks, etc. 

Please stay safe and 新年快乐！

[sonasiaholiday]

Vietnam mid-autumn festival

In Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Full Moon Festival or Tết Trung Thu, is an occasion for a children’s night out and family reunions. Children enjoy art performances like singing, plays and lion dances, light up the night with colorful lanterns and enjoy mooncakes. 

A long-standing traditional festival that showcases Vietnam’s undeniable charm takes place when nature is at its breathtaking best.

For thousands of years, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been an occasion for family reunions and a children’s night out. It dates back to the Wet Rice Civilization of the Red River Delta over 4,000 years ago.

Back then, rice was harvested before the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. The festival falls on the full moon night of Lunar August, the most beautiful night of the year, when the moon is perfectly round and bright, and shines a magical golden hue.

The event takes place in the middle of the eighth lunar month. In 2022, the festival falls on September 10th. For the upcoming year, please find below in the article. Now, let's see more detail and prepare for it.

The origin of the mid-autumn festival

Many people say that Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival originated from China but in fact when going into anecdotes, Vietnamese and Chinese people have different origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

According to the legend of China, the early form of the Mid-Autumn Festival was derived from the custom of moon worship during the Zhou Dynasty over 3,000 years ago.

In ancient China, most emperors worshiped the moon annually. Then the custom was accepted by the masses and became more and more popular over time.

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam dates back to ancient times when this event was printed on the surface of the Ngoc Lu bronze drum. According to the stele of Doi Pagoda in 1121, from the Ly dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival was officially held in the capital city of Thang Long with boat racing, water puppet and light procession festivals. In the Le – Trinh dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival was held extremely lavishly in the Lord's palace.

The Mid-Autumn Festival originated from agricultural civilization of the Vietnamese people. At this time, the air is cool, the crops are waiting to be harvested; therefore, people hold the festival and celebrated this important day.

Our best-known tale is about a man named Cuội who hung on to a magical banyan tree as it floated up to the moon. We say that if you look closely at the full moon, you can see the shadow of a man sitting under a tree. Children parade lanterns in the streets the night of Mid-autumn Festival to help light the way to earth for Cuội from the moon.

The celebration of the harvest is an important part of Tết Trung Thu, as many Vietnamese live in rural areas and work as farmers. Tết Trung Thu marks a joyous occasion when the work is finished and there’s time to spend with loved ones.

A meaningful traditional festival

Traditionally, all members of a family would gather around a lavish tray of fruits along with moon cakes, and savor them together while admiring the full moon.

Adults would tell kids the story of Hang Nga – the beautiful daughter of the Jade Empire and Cuoi. Children would enjoy art performances including singing, plays and lion dances and then light up the night with colorful lanterns held in their little hands.

While the Chinese perform the dragon dance during this festival, the Vietnamese go for the unique unicorn dance or lion dance, which symbolizes luck, wealth and prosperity.

While children find joy playing under the full moon, adults enjoy a long-awaited family reunion, with loved ones who work far from home who take the trouble to get back for the festival.

Despite it is not being an official holiday in Vietnam, most people would spend time with their loved ones recalling events of bygone days. Above everything, the Mid-Autumn Festival has always been about one fundamental thing: love.

Sincere gratitude

In the old days, occupied with the harvesting season, parents did not have much time to take care of their children. Therefore, when the autumn approached, marking an abundant crop, they would make full use of the Mid-Autumn Festival to spend time with the kids. Children are the happiest ones at this time because parents prepare various types of lanterns, mooncakes as well as masks as presents.

Moon cakes, sweet and flavorful, have been an inseparable part of the festival, and become a symbol of close family ties. It is a long-standing tradition that people gift moon cakes during this festival, especially to parents and grandparents.

In modern times, gifting the moon cake to employees during the Mid-Autumn Festival carries great meaning. It embodies the bonds between the management cadre and their colleagues, a way for the former to express their gratitude to the latter. Most businesses, therefore, would select moon cakes made by a prestigious brand that represents high quality and attractive packaging.

How do Vietnamese people celebrate the festival?

Preparations

In the weeks before Tết Trung Thu, you will see and hear groups of lion dancers practicing on the streets. Mooncake stalls appear on every other corner, pop-ups with elaborately decorated boxes filled with a variety of mystery cakes and fillings. 

City districts team up with preparations of toys, lanterns and colourful masks in anticipation. The most popular Trung Thu lantern is a star made with red cellophane. You will see these lanterns for sale on streets all over Vietnam in the days leading up to the festival.

Main events

Worshiping the God of Earth

Usually, a worshiping platform is set up in the yard during the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, on which mooncakes, fruit, and snacks are laid. Later, family members sit together to eat the food while appreciating the moon.

The platform is not taken down until midnight, when the food has been completely eaten. Most families also set up a special platform for children, so that they can enjoy food at any time during the evening.

Mooncake madness

All across Vietnam, families welcome Tết Trung Thu by placing a five-fruit tray and cakes on our ancestral altar. People offer the food to their ancestors and worship, before feasting on mooncakes - usually outside under the light of the moon. Round or square, these cakes are molded with elaborate details of flowers, carp, and geometric patterns.

The two most common types are bánh dẻo (soft, sticky cakes with a mochi-texture) and bánh nướng (baked cakes with a thick wheat crust). Mooncakes in Vietnam come in a seemingly infinite variety of flavours, both sweet and savoury. Feel free to buy a box of mooncakes to enjoy yourself, or to share with your Vietnamese friends and hosts.

Carrying Carp-Shaped Lanterns

It is also a tradition for the Vietnamese to light lanterns during the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. A legend states that a carp spirit once killed many people during the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, so that no household dared to go outside during that night.

Later, a wise man thought of an idea: he made a carp-shaped lantern with a stick in its belly, and then advised people to walk at night holding a carp-shape lantern. The carp spirit was terrified by the light from these lanterns and has not dared to go out to kill anyone during the Mid-Autumn Festival since then.

Nowadays, children hold various kinds of paper lanterns and play in the moonlight, while eating mooncakes during the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Watching the Lion Dance Parade

At night, groups of children parade through the streets, going from door to door and asking the owners for their permission to perform the lion dance. If it is agreed then the children will put on a show, which is believed to bring luck and fortune. Afterwards, the owners will give the children 'lucky' money for their gratitude.

These lion dances are fascinating, and huge numbers of children, ranging from little kids to teenagers, participate in this activity. As a result of having so many groups of children marching around, the streets of the cities echo with the sound of drums, as dozens of lions roam about.

Where to enjoy the moon festival in Vietnam?

Below you will see the some of the best places to join the mid-autumn festivals in some big cities of Vietnam

Hanoi

Normally, there are 2 good places to admire the moon festival in Hanoi.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

"Festive Drums of Autumn Moon" featuring images of drums of all shapes, sizes and colors arranged and displayed to remind visitors of the festive ambiance of the Vietnamese countryside will be held until Friday at the citadel, 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Children can try their hand at making mooncakes, paper masks, kites, statuettes and sketches, matching pictures, and kneading dough figurines. They can also play various games.

The Old Quarter

More 10 days before the festival, the authorities will ban vehicles from certain streets in Hanoi's Old Quarter for the festival preparations and celebrations. They are not allowed to enter Hang Luoc, Hang Ruoi and Hang Chai streets and sections of Hang Ma and Hang Khoai streets from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

At the Kim Ngan Temple in Hang Bac Street, artisans will teach audiences how to make traditional toys including star lanterns, paper kites and terracotta figurines until the main events of the festival.

The Hanoi Ancient House at 87 Ma May Street will exhibit a photo collection of the Mid-Autumn Festival of Hanoi in the 20th century.

At the Cultural Exchange Center at 50 Dao Duy Tu Street, visitors will be taught traditional crafts like mask and bamboo light drawing, postcard making and painting on paper made from the bark of trees.

The Phung Hung fresco street has been attracting youths who come to take selfies among the hundreds of illuminated lanterns lined up there, which turn it into a miniature version of Shifen old town in Taiwan. 

On the evening of the main date the pedestrians-only zone around Hoan Kiem Lake will see several traditional and contemporary activities to celebrate the festival.

Hội An

Hoi An’s compact old quarter comes alive during Mid-Autumn Festival with folk games on the streets and floating lanterns on the river running through the town, making for a magical atmosphere. In the weeks leading up to the festival, Hoi An’s streets, especially those near markets, are filled with moon cakes, lanterns, lion costumes and toys. 

The sound of drumbeats fills the air as groups of lion dancers engage in mock dance battles in a contest of skills, involving the coordinated efforts of up to a dozen people performing a mixture of rhythmic dance and acrobatics. Sometimes, fireworks are even included, spewing sparks from the lion’s mouth.

Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some places to admire mid-autumne festival in Ho Chi Minh city

Phu Binh lantern-making village

This is one of the few villages in the city that still make glass paper lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Situated in a small alley off Lac Long Quan Street in District 11, the lantern-making village was formed in the mid-1950s when artisans from the renowned craft village of Bac Co in northern Nam Dinh Province migrated to Saigon and brought their lantern-making skills. It has survived for more than half a century.

When the festival nears, dozens of families in this village are busy completing the last orders from the market.

Take a stroll around and see the red of the paper lanterns filling up the place and the bustling atmosphere as family members gather at a corner in front of their houses, decorating lanterns in various shapes and colors.  

Nguyen Hue pedestrian street

There will be a lantern parade and art performances on this busy street on the day of the main events, and it will be very crowded.

Nguyen Hue, which runs up to the Saigon River, in District 1 has been receiving thousands of visitors every day since its center strip became a pedestrians-only zone since 2015. It gets particularly crowded during weekends and holidays.

When is Mid-Autumn festival?

Below is the calendar of Mid-Autumn festival until 2027.

Are moon festivals the same everywhere in Asia?

Though the similar purpose and meaning, distinctive Moon Festival celebrations across Asia add up to the diversity of humanity as a whole.

Japan

Japan has two moon festivals every year, following lunar calendar. Zyuyoga is associated with the traditional customs of "Otsukimi" (meaning watching the moon on the full moon day in autumn). For the people in the land of the rising sun, the festival is the time for them to honor the moon in the fall, the only time the moon is at its fullest.

In the Otsukimi festival, the Japanese often make Dango, a type of rice dumplings (mochiko). It is quite similar to mochi and is served with tea.

On the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, the Japanese personally hand mix flour with water, pound it to create that structure-builder before proceeds to baking.

Dango cake is presented with a Susuki grass vase during moon festivals. Also known as tail flower, susuki is a perennial tall grass that blossoms in the autumn. The moon watching ritual cannot be done without dango cake.

The legend of Dango cake is traditionally passed on from one generation to the next on the full moon day of the 8th lunar month.

When the Jade Emperor descended from Heaven to Earth, he accidentally encountered a rabbit. The Jade Emperor was too hungry and asked for food, but the rabbit had nothing to give him. The bunny ended up jumping into the fire to become food for the Jade Emperor.

Touched by the generous act, the Jade Emperor brought the animal to the moon. From then on, on every full moon day of the eighth lunar month, the rabbit would make Dango cake on the moon and give to people on Earth.

South Korea

Moon Festival is not simply a celebration of full moon in South Korea. Chuseok festival, which literally means “Autumn Eve”, is also referred to as Korean Thanksgiving. This is the time when all family members reunite under one roof.

The harvest festival is considered one of the biggest and most important holidays in South Korea. It falls on August 15th in the lunar calenda. Traditionally, the whole family cooks together and enjoys traditional dishes like songpyeon (crescent-shaped rice cake), and sindoju wine (made with new crop rice on Chuseok).

On Chuseok, Koreans mold flours into crescent shapes. Instead of making a round cake that symbolizes full moon, Koreans believe that because crescent always becomes full moon, the shape symbolizes fertility, prosperity and happiness. After the flour is crescent molded, green beans are inserted as stuffing. The final stage involves steaming the dough with some fresh pine leaves.

Korean songpyeon comes with many colors. Apart from the typical white songpyeon, pink rice cakes get their color from strawberry, while dark green cakes from wormwood leaves, and yellow from pumpkin.

According to the legend, single women who can make beautifully shaped and delicious rice cakes will meet a compatible life partner, while married women will be blessed with wonderful offsprings.

North Korea

Also known as Autumn Night festival, the special occasion for North Koreans is also watching the full moon together. North Korea’s traditional sweet treat is crescent-shaped muffins made of rice flour. The stuffing varies, which can be green beans, jam, or apples. Alike other cultures that celebrate Moon Festival, North Koreans also gift one another moon cakes.

Thailand

The people of the land of golden temples celebrate Moon Festival with a lot of lanterns. They gather in traditional costumes and release the sky lights up in unison, as a way to pray for good wishes.

On the moon festival tray of tributes to the ancestors, Thai people always have pomelo fruit, which symbolizes reunion. Most Thai houses traditionally install an altar. Above the altar, a peach and moon cakes are placed.

By offering the peach, Thai people believe that after the Bodhisattva of Compassion receives the peach, the Gods will bless them with good things in life. That is why moon cakes in Thailand are peach-shaped. Today, one of the most popular moon cakes in the country is the grilled moon cake with durian and salted egg stuffing, signifying the full moon.

Here is everything about Thailand Loy Krathong Festival & Chiang Mai Yee Peng Festival

Similar traditions in some other Asian countries

Many festivals revolving around a full moon are also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India. Like the Mid-Autumn Festival, these festivals have Buddhist origins and revolve around the full moon; however unlike their East Asian counterparts they occur several times a year to correspond with each full moon as opposed to one day each year. The festivals that occur in the lunar months of Ashvini and Kṛttikā generally occur during the Mid-Autumn Festival

Cambodia

In Cambodia, it is more commonly called "The Water and Moon Festival" Bon Om Touk. The Water and Moon festival is celebrated in November of every year. It is a three-day celebration, starting with the boat race that last the first two days of the festival. 

The boat races are colorfully painted with bright colors and is in various designs being most popular the neak, Cambodian sea dragon. Hundreds of Cambodian males take part in rowing the boats and racing them at the Tonle Sap River. 

When night falls the streets are filled with people buying food and attending various concerts. In the evening is the Sampeas Preah Khe: the salutation to the moon or prayers to the moon. 

The Cambodian people set an array of offerings that are popular with rabbits, such and various fruits and a traditional dish called Ak Ambok in front of their homes with lit incenses to make wishes to the moon. 

Cambodians believe the legend Cheadok, where a rabbit lives in the moon and watches over the Cambodian people. At midnight everyone goes up to the temple to pray and make wishes and enjoy their Ak Ambok together. 

Cambodians would also make homemade lanterns that are usually made into the shape of the lotus flowers or other more modern designs. 

Incense and candles light up the lanterns and Cambodians make prayers and then send if off into the river for their wishes and prayers to be heard and granted.

Here is everything about Bon Om Touk Festival

Laos

In Laos, many festivals are held on the day of the full moon. The most popular festival known as the That Luang Festival is associated with Buddhist legend and is held at Pha That Luang temple in Vientiane. The festival often lasts for three to seven days. A procession occurs and many people visit the temple.

Here is the detail about That Luang Festival

Myanmar

In Myanmar, numerous festivals are held on the day of the full moon; however Thadingyut Festival is the most popular one and occurs in the month of Thadingyut. It also occurs around the time of the Mid-Autumn Festival, depending on the lunar calendar. 

It is one of the biggest festivals in Myanmar after the New Year festival, Thingyan. It is a Buddhist festival and many people go to the temple to pay respect to the monks and offer food. It is also a time for thanksgiving and paying homage to Buddhist monks, teachers, parents and elders.

Here is the detail about Thadingyut Festival

Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, a full moon day is known as Poya and each full moon day is a public holiday. Shops and businesses are closed on these days as people prepare for the full moon. Exteriors of buildings are adorned with lanterns and people often make food and go to the temple to listen to sermons. 

The Binara Full Moon Poya Day and Vap Full Moon Poya Day occur around the time of the Mid-Autumn Festival and like other Buddhist Asian countries, the festivals celebrate the ascendance and culmination of the Buddha's visit to heaven and for the latter, the acknowledgement of the cultivation season known as "Maha".

India

Onam is an annual Harvest festival in the state of Kerala in India. It falls on the 22nd nakshatra Thiruvonam in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August–September. According to legends, the festival is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.

Onam is a major annual event for Malayali people in and outside Kerala. It is a harvest festival, one of three major annual Hindu celebrations along with Vishu and Thiruvathira, and it is observed with numerous festivities. Onam celebrations include Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower Rangoli), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women's dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), and other celebrations.

Onam is the official state festival of Kerala with public holidays that start four days from Uthradom (Onam eve). Major festivities take place across 30 venues in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala. It is also celebrated by Malayali diaspora around the world. Though a Hindu festival, non-Hindu communities of Kerala participate in Onam celebrations considering it as a cultural festival.

Sharad Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin (September–October), marking the end of the monsoon season.

[plurdledgabbleblotchits]

What is the lunar new year?

Lunar New Year is a new year celebration festival in the lunar calendar, it usually falls from late January to starting of February.

Lunar New Year is the most important festival for the family in East Asia regions; it’s called different names in different regions Chinese Spring festival, Korean Seollal, Vietnamese Tet Nguyen den, Tibetan Solar, Japanese Ryukyu, Mangolian Tsagan Sar.

In the lunar new year 2023, this festival will come on Sunday, January 22, Animal singing will be the Rabbit.

“Why does Japan not celebrate Lunar New Year? Meiji Restoration:- In 1868, the Meiji government was formed which lasted until July 30, 1912, known as the Meiji Era, during this period, Japan underwent major changes and political revolutions, which resulted in the Gregorian calendar being replaced by the Lunar calendar, and the New Year on 1 January Has been done .People of European or Western civilization considered Asian culture, tradition, and superstitions to be insignificant and indecent; So Japan wanted to change itself. Japan abandoned Chinese civilizations, superstitions, and traditions due to growing differences with China. Every second or third year in the Lunisolar calendar is a lip year with 13 months instead of 12, for which the employees had to pay an additional salary of one month. Japan was emerging as a world power with which it befriended western countries, so Japan wanted a similar year calendar. But Lunar New Year has not become extinct in Japan, even today, this culture exists in some places and villages, But they do not get any national holiday for this.”

“Some places in Japan where even today Lunar New Year can be seen, Yokohama celebrates the Lunar New Year for 15 days, some cities in Okinawa, southern islands, Ikebukuro of Tokyo, Kobe, some places in Chinatown, Nagasaki’s annual lantern festival; these are some of the places which celebrate the lunar new year, Yokohama and Chinatown are very famous, it is celebrated just like the traditional Chinese New Year.”

Why doesn't Japan celebrate Lunar New Year?

Why doesn’t Japan celebrate Lunar New Year?

Japan celebrates the New Year with great enthusiasm on January 1, the new year celebration called Ganjitsu in Japanese, we all know that this date is based on the Gregorian calendar; But he did not always consider January 1 as New Year nor did he celebrate this day. Until 1872, Japan used to celebrate its new year according to the Lunar or Lunisolar calendar; Japan adopted the Lunisolar calendar…

[canonicallyanxious]

“i’m really glad i met her.”

Druck | Fatou/Kieu My | 1.3k words

Inspired by the following prompt from anonymous:

kieutou and meeting the parents? (Possibly featuring more of kieu my's mom's cooking?)

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Slight deviation in that i don’t imagine this as the first time Fatou meeting Kieu My’s parents, but rather what a meeting between them on Tết [Vietnamese Lunar New Year] might look like. hope you enjoy!

[disclaimer: my depiction of Tết in this fic is based on my own experiences and is not meant to be representative of everyone’s experiences. That said my family is from South Vietnam not North Vietnam - where Kieu My’s family is from as far as I can tell - so while i did my best to leave the specific details vague there might still be some inaccuracies. My apologies if this is the case!]

Kieu My seems nervous on the way back to her place. It’s not hard to spot if you know what you’re looking for, and at this point Fatou likes to think she knows quite well. They’re sitting side by side on the bus, shoulder pressed warmly against shoulder and thigh lined up against thigh, and it should be comfortable but there’s a certain way Kieu My’s holding herself, so careful Fatou can feel it from the places where their bodies touch. Fatou takes her hand, squeezes it in an attempt to reassure her; and Kieu My smiles back at her but her leg is still bouncing up and down so Fatou knows it didn’t work, not quite.

Fatou brings Kieu My’s hand up to her mouth and brushes a gentle kiss over her knuckles. “Hey,” she says. “You doing okay?”

“Yeah. Sorry.” Kieu My shakes her head a little, as if attempting to clear her thoughts. “I just, um… I’ve never done this before.”

Fatou frowns, confused. “I’ve met your parents before.”

“No, I meant…” Kieu My tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear, looking down almost bashfully. “I’ve never brought anyone home for Tết before.”

“Oh.” Honestly Fatou doesn’t fully understand how significant that must be for her. She can’t, really; she didn’t grow up with the Lunar New Year like Kieu My did. But a little over a month ago Fatou’s parents had invited Kieu My over for Christmas Eve and she remembers how overwhelmingly huge it had felt to treat Kieu My as one of her family, even if it had only just been for just a night - and even after nearly a year of being together, months of weekend dinners with her parents and gentle teasing after Fatou came back all flushed and smiling from a date. She can only imagine how Kieu My must be feeling now.

Kieu My glances at her, smiling a little self-deprecatingly. “It’s stupid, isn’t it?”

“No,” Fatou says. “But it does make me feel very special.”

Kieu My lets out a surprised-sounding huff of laughter and knocks their shoulders together. “Don’t let it get to your head, Miss Jallow.”

“Too late,” Fatou says breezily, leaning over to press a kiss to Kieu My’s temple. It’s brief, but it seems to be enough; her shoulders relax against Fatou’s, just a little.

They get to Kieu My’s flat about half an hour before seven in the evening, putting their shoes neatly by the door before fully entering like they always do. It’s bright in here, fresh flowers adorning the side table by the door and all the lights turned on as if the whole place was waiting patiently for their return. From the living room Fatou can hear the faint sound of a Vietnamese program playing from the TV, and though she can’t understand the words by now she easily recognizes the up and down lilt of the voices, enough that the very sound of it feels comfortably familiar to her. 

She likes the way it feels in Kieu My’s home. It’s warm like it always is, not just in the air but also in the smell, vaguely fragrant with an undercurrent of incense smoke beneath it all, and the soft yellow lights, and how much of Kieu My’s family she can see in everything around her. The graceful paintings hanging on the walls; the pieces of old wooden furniture, the age of their surfaces a clear sign of how well-loved they are; the shoes arranged in neat rows by the door. There’s a whole world that lives here between these walls. Fatou never tires of learning about it.

They walk into the kitchen where Kieu My’s mother is standing at the stove. It smells incredible in here, like she’s been cooking all day which according to Kieu My isn’t even that implausible - most years she’ll take a whole day off from working at the store just to prepare for the eve of the Lunar New Year. The dinner they have the night before Tết is one of the most important meals of the year, Kieu My’s said before. 

Her mother looks up with a wide smile as they enter. “Welcome, Fatou! It’s good to see you again.”

“Thank you,” Fatou says as Kieu My walks over to kiss her mother on the cheek. “I’m really glad to be here, dinner already looks amazing.”

Kieu My’s mother beams. “I was so happy when Kieu My said you could come tonight. She should be more like you, more respectful to your elders.” Here there’s a mischievous glint in her eye, and Fatou knows she means it as a joke. Kieu My knows it too, from the roll of her eyes even as she wraps her arms around her mother in an embrace.

“I’m gonna go take a shower,” Kieu My says. “Do you need help with anything, mom?”

“Got it all taken care of,” her mother says, turning back to the stove. “Go get ready for dinner, I think dad will be home soon.”

Kieu My glances at Fatou and raises her eyebrows, a silent question: will you be okay in here?

Fatou smiles slightly, and nods. Visibly reassured, Kieu My leaves the room.

There’s quiet, for a bit. Fatou debates with herself whether she should stay in the room or go wait at the table or offer to help like Kieu My did a few moments before. She doesn’t know what the preferred response would be. In the end her indecision leaves her standing awkwardly in the same place, playing with the hem of her shirt as she tries in vain to think of something to say.

Her silent agitation must be noticeable to Kieu My���s mother even across the room. She glances at her, then down at Fatou’s hands in her shirt. “I like your outfit.”

Fatou looks over at her, a little taken aback. “Oh, thanks.” She pulls at the hem a little self-consciously. “Kieu My told me red’s kind of the color of Tết so… thought I’d dress for the occasion.”

“You look so nice in red,” Kieu My’s mother says with a nod. “Such a warm color against your skin.”

Fatou can feel her cheeks warm. “Thank you.” Strange that that’s the only thing she knows how to say right now.

Kieu My’s mother turns to face her, meeting her gaze steadily. Fatou wasn’t lying before, they have met several times already. But she understands a bit better the nerves Kieu My was feeling earlier, because they’re hitting her all at once now. She knows how much Kieu My values her mother’s opinion, and she knows it’s not for no reason. Her mother is short, shorter even than Fatou, but there’s something in her eyes that seems so sharp and perceptive, so understanding even of all the things Fatou can’t bring herself to say out loud. Almost like she can read her mind - see right through her. It’s a little intimidating.

“Did Kieu My tell you how important Tết is for our family?” she says. “It’s the biggest day of the year for us. Really important for us to be at home together.”

Fatou swallows. “Kind of, yeah.”

She smiles. It makes her eyes soft, and warm.

“It’s good Kieu My brought you home this year,” she says. “It’s only right. We have to greet the new year together, right?”

Something swells up in Fatou’s throat, something she has no name for. Somehow she hadn’t been expecting to hear something like this.

She doesn’t know how to say that out loud. Instead she says, voice a little unsteady, “I would be honored to.”

There’s no answer to that. But the silence doesn’t feel unkind. It’s hard to imagine anything from Kieu My’s mother feeling unkind. Especially not now, when the smile on her face has turned so gentle.

“I…” She falters. Takes in a breath; tries again. “I’m really glad I met your daughter.”

The smile that answers her is so bright, so full of life. Fatou thinks she can see where Kieu My gets it from, just a little.

“Yes,” her mother says. “Me, too.”

[lediinh]

Fieldwork CH. 1

Vietnamese Culture Calendar

This calendar originally originated from the Agricultural Calendar, the Agricultural Calendar is East Asia’s traditional calendar. After Vietnam regained its independence in 1945, they recreated the agricultural calendar. They decided to utilize lunisolar occasions and remembrances, like Tết and Tet Trung Thu which is known as our Mid-Autumn Celebration. The calendar was recreated by a man named Thuận Thiên. In 1945, he used the Chinese Calendar model and rearranged things around so it could include the big highlights of my culture. The main difference between the Chinese calendar and Vietnam calendar is the days of the months, the Chinese goes by our standard calendar days. The  look of the first original calendar wasn’t released until 10 years later after Thuan Thien discovered it.

The traditional Asian calendar is manufactured in China.

The impact that this calendar has on my life, as well as my family’s life is that it is known as our “rebirth month”. The meaning behind this calendar is that it represents our age. Every lunar’s new year's you age. Meaning, if I am currently 19, Lunar new year comes around, I am now 20. The Vietnamese Calendar goes by a month later than the solar calendar. Another impact this calendar has on my family is we are able to keep track of our “Co Hon” days. This event is a very big event across our Vietnamese culture. This month is known as the devil month, they stay extra cautious during July, they burn things rapidly to remove bad energy and surroundings.

The people that are involved in creating this item are known as the Chinese people. They are our manufacturer. In China, there are many factories that are known as vendors that create and resell them. The factory vendors resell them to the mini stores on side streets of Vietnam buy bundles of these most importantly around our Lunar New Years because they are very popular and in demand for the holiday. Prior to our New Years celebration, the Chinese people would start making them because there are twelve zodiac signs in the calendar. Therefore prior to our festival, they create the calendar based on our animal for the year. For instance, a rat. This is one of our zodiac animals. The phrase, “Year of the rat” has a meaning, it means “Welcomed as a bringer of good luck”. The problem is, the Chinese people have to make these calendars two or even three months prior to the USA New Year even come around because once it comes around, our Lunar New Year follows up and all the factories start to take a month break off and it would cause a shortage on calendars for the season.

[vietnamtour-blog]

Ha Giang: Things you should know before visiting

Ha Giang: Things you should know before visiting

Vietnam owns majestic mountains and winding passes, which can match the beauty of widely known spots in the world. When it comes to mountainous areas, we cannot help but mention Sapa and Ha Giang.

Both Sapa and Ha Giang are gateways to the outstanding mountain scenery of the Northwest and extreme north of Vietnam. However, in comparison with Sapa, the town hidden in the clouds, Ha Giang is not yet on the beaten trail. So, let’s get to know more about magnificent Ha Giang!

1. Overview of Ha Giang

As the northernmost province of Vietnam, Ha Giang is regarded by many as “The Final Frontier of Viet Nam,” which is a home for ethnic minorities such as Hmong, Tay, Lo Lo, etc.. Each of which has its own history, tradition, clothes, and cuisine that create a unique regional culture.

Ha Giang is also known for the buckwheat flower season in November, which drives people to visit this space to admire blooming flowers on rocks. Moreover, since it is far from the city center and the infrastructure is not yet expanded, tourism is left behind. Therefore, everything is reserved in their pristine beauty. Let’s make your way to Ha Giang to be rewarded by sweeping views of karst mountains, carpets of flowers, and colourful markets!

2. Geographical features

Naturally, Ha Giang is divided into 3 sub-regions. As the northern part is called, “Dong Van Karst Plateau”, there are numerous rocky mountains, deep canyons, large caves and separated rivers. The plateau is covered in bare limestone, which created bizarre, yet splendid sceneries.

Dong Van Karst Plateau. (Credit: Tien Nguyen)

Secondly, the western area consists of 2 districts: Hoang Su Phi and Xin Man. This one has many sloping mountain sides, high pass, valley and narrow springs, and is famous for its wonderful terraced paddy fields.

Finally, the southern part, including the small, provincial capital city of Ha Giang is mostly covered by low hills and valleys along the blue Lo river.

3. Local Culture (History, people)

History

Since ancient times of the legendary Hung kings, Ha Giang was called Tan Hung. It was an autonomous zone under the control of various tribes of Thai and Tay people.

In 1886, the French occupied this region and named it Ha Giang. After independence, Ha Giang was a part of Viet Bac, the local base of support for the Viet Minh troop. The city had to be rebuilt after being heavily bombed in both Indochina wars and Chinese’s artillery in 1979. It was not until 2010 did this city gain attraction when the Dong Van Karst Plateau was designated as a member of the UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network.

People and Culture

Unlike many parts of Vietnam that are dominated by the Kinh ethnic minority, the community of Ha Giang are formed by minor ethnics, such as H’mong, Tay, Nung, Dao, Giay. While some of them have lived in the region for thousands of years, some have only migrated here in the last few centuries, living on different terrain and altitude. For example, while the H’mong live on the high mountains of 800m and above, the Tay live in valleys and near the rivers. After hundreds of years living together, their culture blended together, too, to create one of the most diverse yet unique cultures in northern Vietnam.

Among many ethnics living in Ha Giang, the Hmong people are a colorful and culturally and historically-rich ethnic minority that occupies the majority of the population in Ha Giang. If there are two things you should know about the H’mong culture, they are “Khen” and linen waving.

Khen

Khen is their traditional musical instrument. It is a polyphonic instrument in the shape of a set of bamboo pipes of varying sizes. This instrument is an integral part of the life of the Hmong people since they use it as a way of communication and express their liberal soul. Therefore, they always bring khen with them.

(credit: vnexpress.net)

Linen waving

A woman is waving linen at Lung Tam Commune

While khen is still a preserve of men, textile is the passion of Hmong women. They are still an important part of modern Hmong culture. The Hmong women employ many techniques such as embroidery, applique, reverse applique, and batik to brocade costumes with various symbols that tell stories.

A H’Mong saying goes: “A beautiful girl that can not make linen is also an ugly one.” Hence, Mong girls are proficient in weaving linen. Of course, in the modern context, you should not take this proverb literally. Please just bear in mind that this custom drives them to make the best clothes for themselves to wear on the festival, to go to the fair, and especially to dress-on on the wedding day.

4. Things to do in Ha Giang (What to eat, where to visit)

What to eat:

Steamed rolls: Trust me, Ha Giang’s version of steamed roll is quite different from Hanoi’s: stuffed with minced pork or cloud ear fungus; served with broth. Perfect for breakfast or a late-evening (9P.M or later) meal.

Au tau porridge: As its name suggests, the dish is made from rice with au tau’s root and porks’ legs. The main ingredient, au tau, gives the dish a bitter taste, and can cause harm if not made well. Luckily, the locals of Ha Giang are experts in using Au Tau. They turn the poisonous roots into something that helps ease joint pain and aiding sleep.

Recommendation: Ms.Huong’s porridge, at 161 Tran Hung Dao Str., Ha Giang City.

Thang Co: The dish’s name derived from Chinese, which literally means “soup cooked in the big pan”. The main materials of Thang Co are bone, internal organs (heart, lungs, nerves, e.t.c…) and meat of a horse, or a buffalo, cooked together in a big pan, then served in a small bowl. It is common to have a sip of corn wine while savoring Thang Co . The added spices such as hemp, cardamom, cinnamon, and anise made Ha Giang’s Thang Co unique and, probably, the best Thang Co in northern Viet Nam.

Where to go:

Ma Pi Leng Pass: Undoubtedly, Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the most astonishing mountain roads in Vietnam. The 20 kilometre-long road has many sharp turns and incredibly panoramic views. Especially from Ma Pi Leng Viewpoint, you can overlook Tu San Canyon and Nho Que River which flow between its ridges. An hour boat-trip on the Nho Que River is a must when visiting Ha Giang.

H’Mong Royal Palace (Palace of the Vuong): Located in Sa Phin valley is the residency of Vuong Duc Chinh, the King of Opium. Built from stone and fir wood and terracotta tiling in a combined Qing-Chinese, French, H’mong traditional style, the building is considered a gem of the northern district of Dong Van.

Legend has it that before the beginning of the construction, Vuong Chinh Duc went to China to find a Feng-shui Master to Vietnam. They went through 4 district areas under his jurisdiction to find out the best terrain. Ultimately, they decided to choose Xa Phin village – the land located in the middle of the Sa Phin valley. Thanks to a block of soil rising high like a turtle’s hood, symbolizing the Golden Turtle God in Vietnamese legends, this place was chosen. It was believed that by forming up Vuong Chinh Duc’s erection in this territory, his ambition would become true.

As Vuong Chinh Duc was a Hmong wealthy and powerful man for trading goods, especially opium. Sa Phin is the transshipment place for opium from the Burmese golden triangle and the Yunnan region of China to Indochina. This made him decide to incorporate the design of opium into the building. The pillar footstones are shaped into opium fruit, its outside also has unique patterns. Not only the footstones of the pillars but under the eaves and rafters are also sculpted in the shape of opium fruits and poppies.

Khau Vai love market: Another must-do activity is to visit Khau Vai love market, a special and unique annual festival that is held at 26 of the third Lunar month. Lively, colorful and crowded, this is the place where lovers meet and talk, ex-lovers who can’t make it together reunite and tell the story of their life.

Hoang Su Phi: The western mountainous district of Hoang Su Phi is famous for its wonderful terraced paddy fields, poetic Shan Tuyet tea hills from Thong Nguyen’s famous trekking path and the gigantic 2400-meter high mountain of Kiou Leou Ti (Chieu Lau Thi).

Lung Cu Flag Point

Located on the top of Lung Cu with a height of about 1.470m above sea level, this flag’s size is exactly 54 square meters, representing Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Lung Cu Flagpole was built first in the Ly Thuong Kiet dynasty and was originally made of wood only. However, it has been rebuilt and repaired many times, and nowadays, the 9m high flag handle is made of stainless steel.

Interestingly, this place has various legends. The most famous one is attached with King Quang Trung. The legend tells that after a grand victory over Thanh’s army, the King was punished for placing a gigantic drum on Lung Cu’s peak. At a particular time, he signed a soldier to beat the drum three times to affirm Vietnam’s sovereignty over China. After years, as a habit, whenever there is a problem at the border, the Vietnamese beat the dumb again to awake people’s patriotism.

What to do, see: From the top of the flagpole, you can admire two ponds on both sides of the mountain that never run out of water. The landscape at the foot of the Lung Cu flagpole is mountains interspersed by terraced fields creating a wild beauty, the typical feature of the Northwest regions of Vietnam that you do not want to miss. The most exciting and unexpected thing is that coming to the Lung Cu flagpole, you will stand right next to the border of Vietnam and China to have a glance of the neighboring country.

Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate

Located at 1.000 meters above sea level, Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate is the first gateway of Ha Giang to Dong Van Plateau. It owns the pretty magnificent scenery of the Northwest mountains. The most exciting thing is that Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate creates the feeling of bringing visitors up to the clouds to touch the sky, true to its inherent name.

Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate is associated with many historical events, especially military ones, such as the struggle between Vietnam and France to preserve the country. Therefore, during the war years, the gate had a wooden door built by the French to separate two ethnic groups, the Kinh and Hmong. However, presently due to severe weather conditions, that door was replaced by a large sign which makes Quan Ba heaven gate just a distance between two mountains. Even so, the landscape that you can observe from the Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate will take your breath away.

What to do, see: Climb to the top of the mountain to observe a breathtaking view of the Dong Van Plateau, and sightsee the vast valley of Quan Ba, offering the silent charm of the yellow ripped rice, the terraces, the houses of hill tribes, and Co Tien Twin Mountain, which is a natural work of art that makes a captivating poetic frame of clouds stretching all the way. Also, Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate is the first attraction in Ha Giang, so you can grab coffee and locally produced honey here after a long ride.

Lung Tam Weaving Village

Located not far from Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, Lung Tam village is a small valley with a flowing through Miem river. It is also a home for Hmong people, who are seasoned professionals in textile art.

In the past, Lung Tam village was a typical village of the hill tribe. However, when the traditional trade seems to be extinct, one strong, smart woman appeared to save the craft and bring brocade linen products to the domestic and international markets. The name of this woman is Vang Thi Mai, the founder of The Linen Co-operative. Despite the traditions of hill tribes, where a woman’s role is limited to household matters, Mrs. Mai helps people continue to preserve and uphold traditional values and culture by bringing Lung Tam linen down the mountain, up to the city’s streets and then fled abroad.

Lung Tam Linen Commune

Linen weaving in Lung Tam is a traditional handicraft with a long history, not only bringing income to households in Lung Tam village but also contributing to preserving the traditional cultural values of Mong people. And thanks to one wonderful woman, the linen village of Lung Tam is now an unmissable authentic destination that attracts thousands of visitors.

Souvenirs at Lung Tam Commune

What to do, see: Coming to Lung Tam village, you can see beautiful Hmong batik hemp panels, hear stories about savior Mrs. Mai, who they are proud of, and linen development. Of course, you can also purchase hand-crafted hemp products with specific details, which have a particular meaning, as a souvenir. In addition to buying special gifts, you can also learn about the uniqueness of an old brocade-weaving village of Ha Giang mountain land and join in some parts of the 50 stages of waving linen.

Nho Que River

Nho Que River

Nho Que River is one of the deepest canyons in Southeast Asia and one of the unique geological formation valleys in Vietnam, which originates from the mountains of Nghiem Son (China), from an altitude of 1500m. Nho Que flows smoothly all year round through the majestic mountains with a poetic, mysterious, and fanciful beauty that you will find hard to leave.

In previous times, the Nho Que River was not as smooth as it is now and considered to serve the fishing purposes of the Ha Giang people only. However, since a hydroelectric project was built, water flows more smoothly. Moreover, after construction, locals opened boat trips on the river to help travelers explore Tu San Canyon, the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia.

What to do, see: Nho Que River is quite wide, therefore to fully admire the beauty of the Nho Que River, you can settle on the Ma Pi Leng pass to observe all the splendor of the river and the grandeur of nature Ha Giang. There are two stations leading to this blue river, one can be reached by foot, one by bike. Make sure when traveling to Ha Giang, you can try to mingle with nature on the Nho Que river and combine a Tu San canyon visit, which will bring exciting experiences.

Meo Vac Market

Since Ha Giang is the home for various ethnic groups, to explore local culture, the best way to do it is to shop like the locals at their markets. It is highly recommended to visit the famous Meo Vac market, which is a museum about the lives of ethnic minorities in the borderland of Meo Vac. Every Sunday, all minority groups will come there to hold the market in the middle of the district’s central town, which makes a good chance for you to survey locals’ culture and lifestyle. It is also a fantastic venue to see the ancient bartering of remote ethnic people in Ha Giang. It is unknown when the Meo Vac market was formed, but every Sunday at dawn, people are eagerly dragging each other down to the market at crossroads. Going to the market has become an indispensable cultural feature of Meo Vac people in particular and Ha Giang highlands in general. After those hard-working days, the market day is also the time for ethnic minorities to go to the market, to purchase necessities for daily life. Also, it is a very important need, exchanging with each other. This is a rather special value of the Meo Vac upland market, different from the lowland markets. It is a mental factor characteristic that you do not want to miss.

What to do, see: There you can walk through stalls that are divided into 2 sections: outdoor and indoor markets selling everything, starting from mobile phones to livestock.

On the livestock section you can see little piglets, goats, chicken, ducks and even puppies sold along the street. Not far from this section, you can also find a cattle market, where locals inspect water buffaloes or cattle on sale. Besides, you can watch how the various parts of the animals are checked before a sale is completed.

What is most fascinating is that here you will get treated to some interesting views, such as locals walking a piglet with a lead, men carrying a couple of chicken holding their feet, motorbikes passing where the chicken are hanging with their feet down the handle, or having to share a cage at the back of the bike with a dog. However, if you are not a fan of such views, you can move to the indoor market, another area to explore local culture. There, you can find a few food stalls with the fireplaces preparing food, which make a great sight. It is a nice place to have a cheap, uncommon delectable breakfast.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Ha Giang is in dry season: from early October to late April

October: It is the time when the paddy field turns yellow, which is stunningly beautiful. Also, it is interesting to see local ethnics in their colorful dresses happily harvesting the rice, putting it in the sack and transporting home. It is recommended that you should visit Hoang Su Phi’s terraced paddy fields during this time of the year.

November: The northern plateau is covered by the purple of buckwheat flowers, the symbolic flower of Dong Van. Sidenotes: This is also the time of “Buckwheat flower festival”, therefore a large number of tourists will flock into Ha Giang, and the whole plateau suddenly becomes crowded. Reservations should be made at least a week prior to the trip.

December – mid January: It is when rapeseed flowers blooms. The weather gets really cold, and the wind is chilly. There might be snow-if you are lucky enough, which is amazingly beautiful, but also quite rare in a tropical country like Vietnam.

Late January – February: It’s the end of a Lunar year, and the beginning of a new one. The people of Ha Giang celebrate Tet, too, just like any other Vietnamese, and all tourists are welcomed to join. You’ll have a good chance to learn the culture and traditions in the most natural way.

March: When the mountains of Ha Giang enter springtime, the landscape is full of life with numerous kinds of different species of flower bloom at its fullest beauty, most notably the pink color of peach blossom, and the white of plum flower, along with their nice fragrance. Many spring festivals are held, such as Buffalo fighting, Horse racing, Long Tong (the festival of Tay ethnics people to pray for a good crop and bountiful harvest).

April: It is the time when the local people water the terraced paddy fields so they look like giant mirrors, which is breathtakingly beautiful. The weather in April is also warmer, which makes trekking and biking more pleasant. It is also the time when the famous Khau Vai love market festival is held.

How to get to Ha Giang

Located northwest of Ha Noi, without an airport or railroad connected, the most recommended form of transportation is bus, which is surprisingly cheap, from 8 to 13$ for a ticket, depending on departure time and how comfortable the bus is. It would take 6 to 8 hours to get to Ha Giang.

Travel in Ha Giang : Of course, it is possible to travel in Ha Giang by bus or private car, but I strongly recommend to hire yourself a bike, so that you can stop at any point of your adventure, and take a snapshot of the breathtakingly beautiful nature of Ha Giang

Some alternative route to Ha Giang: Beside the main road of QL2 straight from Hanoi to Ha Giang, Ha Giang can be accessed from the nearby attractions such as Sa Pa, Ba Be Lake or Cao Bang.

From Sa Pa: The border road from Sa Pa, via QL4D through Lao Cai City – Muong Khuong- Si Ma Cai – Xin Man (Coc Pai)- Hoang Su Phi Ha Giang. You can also take a detour to visit the beautiful town of Bac Ha, which is only 10km from the main road, or take a half-day, or a full-day trekking in Thong Nguyen or around the Kiou Leou Ti mountain in Hoang Su Phi.

From Ba Be Lake: There are two options: From Ba Be to Yen Phu town of Bac Me, then take a detour to Du Gia Commune of Yen Minh – a famous destination for trekking and Meo Vac town to start the famous Ha Giang Loop via DT176 and DT182, or straight to Ha Giang City via QL34.

How many mountainous areas in Vietnam have you visited? Please tell us, we would love to hear from you. Get prepared with more tips and travel plans in Vietnam at Eviva’s blog or contact our travel consultant for more support.

Writers: Pham Thi Nhat Le and Nguyen Le Hai

Source: https://blog.evivatour.com/ha-giang-things-you-should-know-before-visiting/

[jaibasbibliopiratas]

Mid-autumn festival

-even if we’re still around 38 (lower than our July 46s)

As usual I came down from my class and my front neighbor/student “Alex” came over to say hi to Taco, the most famous dog in the block. She wanted me to come to the festival, right on my street. The soundcheck had gone all morning long so, why not.

As I arrived, a man who reminded me of my grandfather greeted me with the most gentle and amicable smile, the tenderness of his handshake was heartwarming. He must be the chairman of the district (or ward?), I’m not quite sure how it works.

The women I encounter everyday during my strolls were all there, wearing beautiful Ao Dai and airs of extreme importance, they were hosting THE festival.

Drums rolled, a funny monkey costume and three amazing mythological lions jumped and danced out of nowhere. This fun dance symbolizes good fortune, but I believe it is also meant to scare the kids, or at least that’s what it did.

The Mid-Autumn festival dates back to the Rice Civilization of the Red River delta, over 4,000 years ago.  It is held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (often in late September or early October) in the middle of autumn and it is celebrated for a whole day. . It is also known as Children's Festival because of the event's emphasis on children. In olden times, the Vietnamese believed that children, being innocent and pure, had the closest connection to the sacred and natural world. Being close to children was seen as a way to connect with animist spirits and deities.

Even with those symbols and by-the-book-traditions it didn't feel that it was about superstition, but of community. Is this what this communism is really about? Gathering with your neighbors, organizing in harmony, for the children, and the elders, for those of service… eating, dancing, giving each other lucky money.

Suddenly they start calling people to the stage, and there it goes, “MIN FROM DRAGONSKI” Well my name got really lost in translation this time, i have no idea of what to do or say, I get dragged to the stage where I’m supposed to give a gift, and obviously this had to be the one day I go out without my wallet, I give a bow and a huge smile, I shake hands and with the confusion of both sides, I go back to my seat.

The treats start to arrive, and even if Mark had already brought me his homemade red bean paste mooncake here they had the whole lot, with different coatings and flavors, I felt personally engaged in a sweet sugary gingery filling which nobody could tell me exactly what it was made of.

As soon as the plates were empty, everybody left, and I just stepped into my house, still grinning, Vietnam is good to me.

[magicianapprenticelyra]

»  CHARACTER  INTERVIEW !   /   repost. don’t reblog.

NAME:  Lyra NICKNAME: . . . actually I never thought about this. Someone wanna help? SPECIES: Human

PERSONAL !

MORALITY:     lawful   /   chaotic   /   good  /   neutral   /   evil   /   true  RELIGION: Back in her home country/region, it is loosely based on Buddhist (mun has Vietnamese ancestry but is raised in the U.S.), but even then her immediate family weren’t really strict about it. The big religious festivals and Lunar New Year, food offerings and providing offerings to the ancestors on the 1st and 15th lunar day every month, offerings on death anniversaries, and so on, were definitely observed. SINS:     greed   /   gluttony   /   sloth  /   lust  /   pride   /   envy   /   wrath VIRTUES:     chastity    /   charity   /   diligence   /   humility   /   kindness   /   patience   /  justice KNOWN LANGUAGES: Vesuvian/Common, and her mother tongue. SECRETS: The entire reason of WHY she came to Vesuvia in the first place. No one in Vesuvia really knows all the details, except the uncle she’s gone to live with because of it.

PHYSICAL !

BUILD:     scrawny   /   bony   /   slender  /   fit  /   athletic   /   curvy   /   herculean   /   pudgy   /   average   /    fat HEIGHT:  5′ 6″ SCARS   /   BIRTHMARKS:  There’s a swath of cafe au lait spots across her upper back/shoulder blades. Typically you can’t see them because she tends to cover herself up. ABILITIES   /   POWERS: Fire Magic (in the main story-line of the game this basically confirmed) RESTRICTIONS: She can carry a lot of weight, but she’ll need to take breaks every so often if she needs to go quite the distance. Her anxiety can also stall her at times, and she gets stuck making decisions until she says something impulsively or someone makes the decision for her.

FAVORITES !

FOOD:  Her food from her home region/what her mom used to make and pastas with cheese and seafood. DRINK: Milk tea, either with a bit of sugar or no sugar at all. PIZZA TOPPING: Modern!AU: Pepperoni, mushrooms and olives. COLOR: Greens/Blues/Light Browns/White (not a solid white though-where she came from, solid white is typically related to funerals). MUSIC GENRE: Modern!AU: It’s a bit of everything, but nothing heavy metal/screamo. In-game: she’s quite partial to whatever is being played within earshot. She loves the songs that can get her dancing around, or the more melodic tones. She’s not one to like the bawdy songs that can be heard late late into the night though. BOOK GENRE: This is like asking someone to pick a favorite child. (She tends to shy away from Horror/steamy romance novels though). MOVIE GENRE: Modern!AU: If it involves magic some way or another, 90% chance yes. Otherwise it’s typically animation/the stuff deemed ‘for kids’. She doesn’t mind action movies but if the plot suddenly makes no sense she mentally checks out of it. CURSE WORD: Damn it/FUCK! SCENTS: Whoever her LI is, vanilla, tea (not green tea), and the smell of books, old or new.

FUN STUFF !

BOTTOM OR TOP: Initially in the relationship, not at all. Some variable time later (at least a few years), depends on what her partner prefers. SINGS IN THE SHOWER: Sometimes. LIKES PUNS: Y e s

Tagged by: @tiredapprenticesuri

Tagging: anyone that wants to do this.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 8.17

309/310 – Pope Eusebius is banished by the Emperor Maxentius to Sicily, where he dies, perhaps from a hunger strike. 682 – Pope Leo II begins his pontificate. 986 – Byzantine–Bulgarian wars: Battle of the Gates of Trajan: The Bulgarians under the Comitopuli Samuel and Aron defeat the Byzantine forces at the Gate of Trajan, with Byzantine Emperor Basil II barely escaping. 1186 – Georgenberg Pact: Ottokar IV, Duke of Styria and Leopold V, Duke of Austria sign a heritage agreement in which Ottokar gives his duchy to Leopold and to his son Frederick under the stipulation that Austria and Styria would henceforth remain undivided. 1386 – Karl Topia, the ruler of Princedom of Albania forges an alliance with the Republic of Venice, committing to participate in all wars of the Republic and receiving coastal protection against the Ottomans in return. 1424 – Hundred Years' War: Battle of Verneuil: An English force under John, Duke of Bedford defeats a larger French army under Jean II, Duke of Alençon, John Stewart, and Earl Archibald of Douglas. 1498 – Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI, becomes the first person in history to resign the cardinalate; later that same day, King Louis XII of France names him Duke of Valentinois. 1549 – Battle of Sampford Courtenay: The Prayer Book Rebellion is quashed in England. 1560 – The Catholic Church is overthrown and Protestantism is established as the national religion in Scotland. 1585 – Eighty Years' War: Siege of Antwerp: Antwerp is captured by Spanish forces under Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma, who orders Protestants to leave the city and as a result over half of the 100,000 inhabitants flee to the northern provinces. 1585 – A first group of colonists sent by Sir Walter Raleigh under the charge of Ralph Lane lands in the New World to create Roanoke Colony on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina. 1597 – Islands Voyage: Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, and Sir Walter Raleigh set sail on an expedition to the Azores. 1668 – A magnitude 8.0 earthquake causes 8,000 deaths in Anatolia, Ottoman Empire. 1712 – Action of 17 August 1712 New Deep naval battle between Denmark and Sweden. 1717 – Austro-Turkish War of 1716–18: The month-long Siege of Belgrade ends with Prince Eugene of Savoy's Austrian troops capturing the city from the Ottoman Empire. 1723 – Ioan Giurgiu Patachi becomes Bishop of Făgăraș and is festively installed in his position at the St. Nicolas Cathedral in Făgăraș, after being formally confirmed earlier by Pope Clement XI. 1740 – Pope Benedict XIV, previously known as Prospero Lambertini, succeeds Clement XII as the 247th Pope. 1784 – Classical composer Luigi Boccherini receives a pay rise of 12000 reals from his employer, the Infante Luis, Count of Chinchón. 1798 – The Vietnamese Catholics report a Marian apparition in Quảng Trị, an event which is called Our Lady of La Vang. 1807 – Robert Fulton's North River Steamboat leaves New York City for Albany, New York, on the Hudson River, inaugurating the first commercial steamboat service in the world. 1808 – The Finnish War: The Battle of Alavus was fought. 1827 – Dutch King William I and Pope Leo XII sign concord. 1836 – British parliament accepts registration of births, marriages and deaths. 1862 – American Indian Wars: The Dakota War of 1862 begins in Minnesota as Dakota warriors attack white settlements along the Minnesota River. 1862 – American Civil War: Major General J. E. B. Stuart is assigned command of all the cavalry of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. 1863 – American Civil War: In Charleston, South Carolina, Union batteries and ships bombard Confederate-held Fort Sumter. 1864 – American Civil War: Battle of Gainesville: Confederate forces defeat Union troops near Gainesville, Florida. 1866 – The Grand Duchy of Baden announces her withdrawal from the German Confederation and signs a treaty of peace and alliance with Prussia. 1883 – The first public performance of the Dominican Republic's national anthem, Himno Nacional. 1896 – Bridget Driscoll became the first recorded case of a pedestrian killed in a collision with a motor car in the United Kingdom. 1914 – World War I: Battle of Stallupönen: The German army of General Hermann von François defeats the Russian force commanded by Paul von Rennenkampf near modern-day Nesterov, Russia. 1915 – Jewish American Leo Frank is lynched in Marietta, Georgia after a 13-year-old girl is murdered. 1915 – A Category 4 hurricane hits Galveston, Texas with winds at 135 miles per hour (217 km/h). 1916 – World War I: Romania signs a secret treaty with the Entente Powers. According to the treaty, Romania agreed to join the war on the Allied side. 1918 – Bolshevik revolutionary leader Moisei Uritsky is assassinated. 1942 – World War II: U.S. Marines raid the Japanese-held Pacific island of Makin. 1943 – World War II: The U.S. Eighth Air Force suffers the loss of 60 bombers on the Schweinfurt–Regensburg mission. 1943 – World War II: The U.S. Seventh Army under General George S. Patton arrives in Messina, Italy, followed several hours later by the British 8th Army under Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, thus completing the Allied conquest of Sicily. 1943 – World War II: First Québec Conference of Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and William Lyon Mackenzie King begins. 1943 – World War II: The Royal Air Force begins Operation Hydra, the first air raid of the Operation Crossbow strategic bombing campaign against Germany's V-weapon program. 1945 – Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaim the independence of Indonesia, igniting the Indonesian National Revolution against the Dutch Empire. 1945 – The novella Animal Farm by George Orwell is first published. 1947 – The Radcliffe Line, the border between the Dominions of India and Pakistan, is revealed. 1953 – First meeting of Narcotics Anonymous takes place, in Southern California. 1955 – Hurricane Diane made landfall near Wilmington, North Carolina, and it went on to cause major floods and kill more than 184 people. 1958 – Pioneer 0, America's first attempt at lunar orbit, is launched using the first Thor-Able rocket and fails. Notable as one of the first attempted launches beyond Earth orbit by any country. 1959 – Quake Lake is formed by the magnitude 7.5 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake near Hebgen Lake in Montana. 1962 – Peter Fechter is shot and bleeds to death while trying to cross the new Berlin Wall. 1969 – Category 5 Hurricane Camille hits the U.S. Gulf Coast, killing 256 and causing $1.42 billion in damage. 1970 – Venera program: Venera 7 launched. It will later become the first spacecraft to successfully transmit data from the surface of another planet (Venus). 1977 – The Soviet icebreaker Arktika becomes the first surface ship to reach the North Pole. 1978 – Double Eagle II becomes first balloon to cross the Atlantic Ocean when it lands in Miserey, France near Paris, 137 hours after leaving Presque Isle, Maine. 1985 – The 1985–86 Hormel strike begins in Austin, Minnesota. 1988 – President of Pakistan Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq and U.S. Ambassador Arnold Raphel are killed in a plane crash. 1991 – Strathfield massacre: In Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, taxi driver Wade Frankum shoots seven people and injures six others before turning the gun on himself. 1998 – Lewinsky scandal: US President Bill Clinton admits in taped testimony that he had an "improper physical relationship" with White House intern Monica Lewinsky; later that same day he admits before the nation that he "misled people" about the relationship. 1999 – The 7.6 Mw  İzmit earthquake shakes northwestern Turkey with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), leaving 17,118–17,127 dead and 43,953–50,000 injured. 2004 – The National Assembly of Serbia unanimously adopts new state symbols for Serbia: Bože pravde becomes the new anthem and the coat of arms is adopted for the whole country. 2005 – The first forced evacuation of settlers, as part of Israeli disengagement from Gaza, starts. 2005 – Over 500 bombs are set off by terrorists at 300 locations in 63 out of the 64 districts of Bangladesh. 2008 – American swimmer Michael Phelps becomes the first person to win eight gold medals at one Olympic Games. 2009 – An accident at the Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam in Khakassia, Russia, kills 75 and shuts down the hydroelectric power station, leading to widespread power failure in the local area. 2015 – A bomb explodes near the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, killing at least 19 people and injuring 123 others. 2017 – Barcelona attacks: A van is driven into pedestrians in La Rambla, killing 14 and injuring at least 100. 2019 – A bomb explodes at a wedding in Kabul killing 63 people and leaving 182 injured.

[noble-pro]

Vietnam Trail Marathon 70km - The Inaugural Edition

The Vietnam Trail Marathon was in its inaugural edition. The team already organised the Vietnam Mountain Marathon and the Jungle Marathon so were experienced in race directing. Nonetheless I didn’t expect such a quality show. We landed at 05:30hrs and got a taxi into Hanoi were we collected our race bibs. From there it was an organised bus ride 5hours to the north west. Destination Moc Chau. Moc Chau reminded me of a mountain resort but with a rather misplaced corporate luxury hotel in the middle of it. The race brief was amidst a performance of local traditional dance. It felt very patriotic as they displayed what was good about their province including dancing around with pictures of milk urn, it was very colourful and jovial. Buffet dinner with lots of sticky rice, spring rolls and noodles and then bed. The alarm was set for 2.30am. It was 8.30pm in the UK so on getting up it felt like I definitely wanted to be heading to bed but typically I woke before the alarm thinking ‘oh god I’ve overslept’. However, pre race routine kicks in and I headed towards the kettle for a coffee and bowl of oats. The bus left at 3am and the race started at 4am. It was warm to me coming from a British winter but all the locals were really wrapped up in coats and gloves. They kept touching me and asking me why I wasn’t cold! Moc Chau is an area famous in Vietnam for its tea plantations and peach blossom. The race took place at the height of the peach blossom season so people were bringing the trees into their homes for lunar new year. Mopeds with trees attached to them flooded the roads. This race took my breath away. Running through the dark for the first 2hours or was over pretty technical terrain. I used the LED Lenser SEO 7R.  As the darkness lifted I was amazed to see what I was running through. We climbed up to a plateau in the dark on a technical single track. It was humid so the rocks were slippery and everytime I reached to grasp something for balance it was thorny and spiky. The plateau revealed small villages that no car can access. They were so deeply hidden in rugged terrain with no running water or electricity. However the people did have plenty of energy as they tended their crops and smiled and waved. The children ran along side laughing which was a very precious experience. The trails weaving through the landscape changed from jungle like with roots and vines that tangled between your feet to rural farms with cows, buffalo and pigs to flower fields, tea plantations and blossom orchards. However the think sticky mud didn’t change – it was so slidey and hard to move through. One French runner lost the sole of his Hoka Shoes and so had to finish the last 30km with just the uppers of his shoes held onto his feet by socks worn over the top. My race was made because of the scenery. I had no expectations. I felt pretty rotten from the beginning. I had done 3 weeks of decent running but nothing over 4hrs or 20miles. Then 10days of being ill and then a week limping about on my sore foot hoping it would hold up to the rigours of 70km. My body clock wasn’t sure if I should be sleeping or whether breakfast was appropriate. I felt nauseous especially as the sun came up and the humidity rose. My foot was really sore (long standing issue I manage). I guess it’s fair to say I wasn’t feeling the love for ultra-running. In hindsight I had arrived in Vietnam after a really tiring and stressful 3 or so months so not sure I was in the most optimal condition but whinging (even to myself) in a place like this was totally ridiculous. I resolved to just make sure I would do my best. The race continued up and down slipping and sliding over its 3645m and I kept pushing on needing to see more beautiful scenery. The race was superbly marked and although I ran alone I never felt unsafe. I was pleased to finish I must admit. 9hrs 37mins. 1st female. 5th overall. It took a few hours to stop feeling sick but the sun shone and lying prone in a tea plantation was delightfully relaxing. The people were so friendly. I mingled amongst runners and traditionally dressed locals. I felt a bit like a giant at times. I was delighted to win a wooden water buffalo having said hello to so many on route. It was a great day for many reasons. I’d been able to run in one of the most beautiful places in the world; to help put things into perspective; Jon won his age group in the 21km race; the sun shone and I met more new friends. 3 days relaxing afterwards was spent kayaking, swimming, cave exploring all in Ha Long Bay. The name Hạ Long means ‘descending dragon’ and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. The bay features about 2000 limestone islets in an area around 1,553 km2.  The limestone has gone through 500 million years of formation with tectonic influenced plate activity, rain and humidity shaping the topography of the area. Heading back to the chaos of Hanoi was quite a contrast. The red on the traffic lights doesn’t mean red! Just cross with confidence apparently and you’ll be dodged! There was weasel coffee to be tried- the weasel eats the coffee cherries, partially digests  the coffee beans, poos them out where they are collected, cleaned, dried and roasted. Following the French invasion in the 1800s, coffee was introduced into Vietnam, but was considered a luxury so only the French colonists along with Nguyen dynasty’s nobles could drink it. The farmers were forbidden from consuming it therefore the only way to drink it was to pick up the Weasel poo which was a block of coffee beans sticking together. They soon discovered it was more aromatic, smoother and less bitter. With time before leaving the country for the 11hour flight home there was also time for a Vietnamese massage which was a whole body experience. Lots of pressure, clicks and cracks! An amazing place! So many experiences. The trip contrasted; from being physically demanding in the mountains motivated by the people and breathtaking landscape; and yet mentally relaxing with the time on the ocean. Thank you to the race organisers and as always to all my sponsors. SCOTT Running, KOMFUEL, Led Lenser UK, Beta- running, Rocktape, Squirrel Nut Butter, Coffee Buddies, & Symprove.   Read the full article

[ezvietnamesecuisine]

Tây Phương Pagoda (Chùa Tây Phương)

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Tây Phương Pagoda (Chùa Tây Phương)

Tây Phương Pagoda (Chùa Tây Phương) locates in In Yen Village, Thach That District, Ha Tay Province and about 30km from Hanoi City. It is also an exposition gallery for many national engraving and sculpture masterpieces. From the long time ago, it is considered as one of Vietnam Popular Destinations.

This place which becomes one of Vietnam Popular Destinations was built in the 8th century and has been restored several times since. In 1632, the pagoda was rebuilt according to the Sino-Vietnamese character Tam (three), featuring three sections: the upper sanctuary, back palace, and lobby rooms.

After climbing 239 stone steps bearing the signs of the passage of time and sheltered by the shade of age-old trees one reaches a gate. The gate carries the name of the structure: Tay Phuong Co Tu (Ancient Pagoda of the West). According to the inscription on a 17th century stone stele it also has two other names: Sung PhucTu and Hoang Son Thieu Lam Tu.

In 1794 under the Tay Son regime, it was completely renewed, hence its present design. It comprises three successive constructions: the Hall of Prostration, the Main Shrine, and the Sanctuary, all with double tiered roofs. It seems that this architectural arrangement is inspired by Buddhist and Confucianism thought: the three constructions symbolize the three forces governing the world.

 The central construction has a directing role and is consequently raised higher than the others. It symbolizes Heaven. The construction at the rear plays the role of a foundation: it symbolizes the earth. The construction closest to the world of man stands in front. The whole structure is the symbol of Thai Cuc (the Prime Principle, from which the whole world derives). The double tier of the roof symbolizes the double principle, LuongNghi, yin and yang. The slopes, the roof on the four sides symbolize the four elements of heaven, TuTuong; the sun, moon, stars and deities, while the slopes on the eight sides stand for the Eight Signs of the Sacred Octagon (Bat Quai).

All the wooden parts of the pagoda are beautifully sculpted following folk motifs: mulberry leatFicusleat lotus flower, chrysanthemum; dragon, phoenix, etc. But the Tay Phuong Pagoda is mostly famous for the statues it contains, magnificent wooden sculptures representing Buddhas as well as Vajrapanis (Kim Cuong, English name is diamond) and Arhats (La Han, English name is saint) who are middle-ranking Buddhist deities.

 One, in particular, portrays Sakyamuni in meditation at the foot of Tuyet Son (Snow Mountain). He was then leading a life of extremely severe ascetics, and his emaciated body, as represented by the statue, shows good knowledge by the artist of human anatomy. The figures of the Arhats each bear distinctive features which depict meditation in original aspects. All are impressive works of art.

Tay Phuong Pagoda in Vietnam

A festival is held in the grounds of the Tay Phuong Pagoda in early spring each year. It features many games and entertainment: marionette performances, tug-of-war, cock fighting, chess with human chess pieces… The central piece of the festival is the Sam Hoi (Expiation) ceremony, held on the 6th day of the 3rd lunar month, which calls on all men to practice compassion and charity, to avoid wrong doing, and aim for serenity and quietude. It is the end of the tour around one of Vietnam Popular Destinations like this place.

Tây Phương Pagoda is not only an historical site with valuable architecture, but also a scenic spot in Ha Tay Province. This place attracts a high number of tourists for this province each year, especially the Luna New Years’ time. Come to one of Vietnam Popular Destinations like this place at that time, you will probably like it too much. Hope you have a happy trip in my beautiful country.

From Vietnamese Food Team.