POPULAR TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL OF CHINESE MINORITY IN SAIGON

The Chinese ethnic group is one of the multicultural and multi-religious ethnic communities in Vietnam. With a history of more than 300 years of living in Saigon, the Chinese ethnic group has contributed to creating a diverse and unique cultural picture of this city. Among them, unique traditional festivals are always the attraction of domestic and foreign tourists. This article will introduce the unique traditional festivals of the Chinese people in Saigon: Vu Lan Festival, Nguyen Tieu Tet, and Hoa Dang Festival.

1.Tet Nguyen Tieu - A unique festival of the Chinese people

Tet Nguyen Tieu is one of the traditional festivals of the Chinese people, taking place on the full moon day of the lunar month. This is an opportunity for Chinese people to remember and pray to gods and ancestors, along with enjoying typical dishes and participating in traditional cultural activities.

Nguyen Tieu Tet has many other activities such as lighting fireworks, burning gold, making offerings, and enjoying specialties. In particular, the Chinese also organize traditional cultural activities such as lion dances, dragon dances, and street battles. During the Lunar New Year, Chinese people still have other full meanings such as:

+ Hang lanterns to create a spiritual and brilliant atmosphere.

+ Light a yellow candle to pray for peace and success.

+ Burn flowers to purify and bring luck

2. Vu Lan Festival - Spiritual beauty of Vietnamese people

Vu Lan Festival, also known as the Filial Reporting Festival, is one of the oldest traditional festivals and is held on the full moon day of the 7th lunar month every year. This is an opportunity for children and grandchildren to express gratitude to their parents and ancestors for nurturing and protecting us. According to legend, the full moon day of the 7th month is the day when the gates of hell are opened, allowing the souls of the deceased to visit their families and receive offerings from their descendants.

Spirituality and emotions during the Vu Lan ceremony

Vu Lan Festival is not only an opportunity to express gratitude to parents but also an opportunity for people to express their feelings and gratitude to each other. During these days, many people will go to the temple to pray and offer flowers, candles, and moon cakes to the spirits. What's special is that people believe that prayers and offerings will help the soul of the deceased be happy and continue to care for their descendants.

In addition, the Vu Lan Festival also carries spiritual meaning and gratitude to those who have passed away. This is an opportunity for people to remember the good memories and actions of the deceased and is also an opportunity to remind themselves of their feelings and responsibilities towards their family.

Specialties operating during the Vu Lan festival

During the Full Moon Day of the 7th lunar month, temples and shrines will be sparklingly decorated with lanterns and lotus flowers. In addition, there are many activities taking place on this day such as singing songs, burning gold bars, distributing gifts to lonely children and the elderly, and offering mass and praying for the souls.

A special activity during the Vu Lan Festival is the sacred moon cake. This is a cake made from sticky rice flowers and green beans, placed in small boxes and decorated with beautiful drawings. The sacred moon cake is not only a spiritual gift but also carries the meaning of connection and love between people. Next, during the Vu Lan Festival, there are still meaningful activities such as:

+ Sing songs, and burn gold to pray for the souls to be happy.

+ Giving gifts to lonely children and the elderly is to share love and gratitude.

+ Offer flowers, candles, and moon cakes to show gratitude to parents and ancestors.

3. Hoa Dang Festival - A unique feature of the Chinese ethnic group in Saigon

Saigon is one of the largest and most modern cities in Vietnam, but it still contains clear characteristics and traditions of the Chinese people. In this city, the Hoa Dang Festival is held on the full moon night of the heavy month with special activities and attracts many people and tourists to participate.

Explore the Hoa Dang Festival in Saigon

The Hoa Dang Festival in Saigon takes place on the city's main streets such as Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, and Le Loi. A special feature is that lanterns are hung on green trees and Saigon River embankments, creating a romantic and colorful atmosphere.

In addition to hanging lanterns, the Hoa Dang Festival in Saigon also has traditional cultural activities such as lion dances, dragon dances, and street battles. In particular, there are many stalls selling traditional food and toys for customers to enjoy and shop.

The Hoa Dang Festival also attracts a large number of tourists to visit and experience ethnic Chinese culture. This is also an opportunity for children to understand more about the history and traditions of the Chinese people in Saigon.

Things to know when participating in the Hoa Dang Festival in Saigon:

Time: Hoa Dang Festival in Saigon takes place on the full moon night of the heavy lunar month every year.

Location: Main streets of Saigon city such as Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, and Le Loi.

Activities: Hanging lanterns, lion dance, dragon dance, Street parade, enjoying food, and shopping for traditional items.

Note: You should arrive early to take advantage of the atmosphere and take beautiful photos, as well as avoid cars and crowds.

Nguyen Tieu Tet, Vu Lan Festival, and Hoa Dang Festival are three of the unique features of the Chinese ethnic group in Vietnam, bringing not only joyful and spirited activities but also spiritual and artistic meaning. deeply sharp. Tet Nguyen Tieu is an occasion to remember ancestors and pray for peace and success. Vu Lan Festival is to express gratitude to our parents and ancestors for nurturing and protecting us, while the Hoa Dang Festival is an opportunity to take advantage of the brilliant atmosphere and participate in traditional cultural activities. In particular, in Saigon, the Hoa Dang Festival brings the modern and vibrant beauty of a big city and is a destination that attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

Hopefully, through this article, you will have more information and understanding about the unique traditions of the Chinese people in Vietnam. Let's join and experience the Lunar New Year and Hoa Dang Festival to feel the diversity and uniqueness of Vietnamese culture.