A warm and joyful birthday celebration.

Celebrating longevity at the beginning of the year is a beautiful cultural tradition of the Vietnamese people.

On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, the Bich Nhoi 1 residential area cultural center in Minh Tan ward (Kinh Mon district) was bustling with activity, unlike usual, because today the Elderly Association, in coordination with the residential area, organized a ceremony to celebrate the golden and silver birthdays of 34 elderly people.

The longevity celebration for the elderly was held in a solemn and warm atmosphere. Representatives from the Minh Tan ward government and the Senior Citizens' Association wished the elderly a peaceful and healthy New Year and presented them with gifts. Their children and grandchildren attended with pride, having prepared gifts and fresh flowers for them. Many also contributed special musical performances to celebrate the beginning of the new year.

Mrs. Trieu Thi Gai, residing in Bich Nhoi 1 residential area, is one of five elderly people celebrating their 90th birthday this year. Thanks to her attention to health, regular exercise , and balanced diet, Mrs. Gai remains healthy and, along with her husband, cooks and manages their daily lives. Her children and grandchildren's filial piety and the warmth of their home are a special source of spiritual strength that contributes to her longevity.

Holding a bouquet of fresh flowers, Mrs. Gai happily said: “The happiest thing for me is that all my children and grandchildren who live far away have come together and received the attention of the local community and neighbors. This is a precious gift, giving me motivation to live happily and healthily, to continue living as an exemplary person, and to encourage my children and grandchildren to study, work, and contribute to building a more prosperous homeland.”

Mr. Tran Van Vien, the eldest son of Mrs. Gai, happily shared: "During Tet, the children and grandchildren finally have time to gather together, wish our parents a long and healthy life. Celebrating our grandparents' longevity is an honor and a source of pride for the family; they will always be role models for their descendants to follow."

Mr. Nguyen Tat Mon from Xa Son village, Quang Thanh commune (sitting on the left) is delighted to receive birthday wishes for his 95th birthday.

At 95 years old, Mr. Nguyen Tat Mon in Xa Son village, Quang Thanh commune, is still quite lucid. After a lifetime of hard work, his greatest asset is his 11 children, nearly 30 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. At his birthday celebration, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren attended in large numbers, offering best wishes and meaningful gifts to express their gratitude for his upbringing and nurturing. Mr. Mon's face beamed with happiness on this special day. "In the Vietnamese folk belief, everyone is born hoping to achieve the Five Blessings in life. The Five Blessings include: Happiness, Prosperity, Longevity, Health, and Peace. Of these, Longevity is the most elusive, and therefore the most desired, including mine. Gatherings like this, with many children and grandchildren, living in harmony and showing filial piety, are the most precious gifts," Mr. Mon shared.

Attending the birthday celebration, Mr. Nguyen Tat Khoi, son of Mr. Mon, emotionally said: “Celebrating the birthdays of our grandparents and parents is a joy and a source of pride. This is a momentous occasion for the family, so my siblings and I decided to come home early to prepare for the celebration. We hope he can live a long and healthy life with his children and grandchildren.”

Family and descendants gathered to celebrate the 75th birthday of Mr. and Mrs. Bui Dinh Phi and Ho Thi Ngoi (fourth and fifth from the right).

As for Mr. Bui Dinh Phi, 75 years old, residing in residential area No. 3, Phu Thu ward, the joy was multiplied when both he and his wife were honored at the ceremony. After attending the birthday celebration at the community center, Mr. Phi's children and grandchildren also held a birthday party at home. They came in turn to pay their respects, offering their grandparents and parents best wishes, presenting meaningful gifts, and excitedly reporting on their achievements in work and study, as well as their future plans.

Ms. Bui Thi Hang, daughter of Mr. Phi, shared: “On the occasion of our parents' birthday celebration, children and grandchildren from near and far have the opportunity to gather and listen to Mr. Phi recount stories of Tet celebrations from the past. This helps us understand the hardships and difficulties our grandparents and parents went through, and motivates us to strive in work and study. My siblings and I encouraged each other to prepare the birthday celebration meticulously, recording as a memento the moments of reunion, the great joy and blessings of our family, and sharing a meal together.”

Celebrating longevity is a beautiful cultural tradition in the Vietnamese people's "Drinking water, remembering the source" spirit, which is still preserved through generations, making Tet more heartwarming and the spring days even more meaningful.

NGUYEN HAU

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/am-ap-ngay-vui-mung-tho-373017.html