Heartwarming moments at "Meals of Great Unity"

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the National Unity Day celebrations held in residential areas throughout the province, the image of the "Meal of National Unity" has become a beautiful and meaningful cultural tradition. More than just a gathering meal, it symbolizes mutual support and compassion, a bond connecting the community, and contributes to strengthening national unity – a crucial foundation for building a cultural life, developing the economy, and creating an increasingly prosperous and beautiful homeland.

The people of Lai Khe village, Tran Thuong commune, happily gathered together for a "Meal of Great Unity".

A meal that strengthens bonds of friendship.

From early morning, the festive atmosphere of Lai Khe village, Tran Thuong commune, permeated every alley and hamlet. At the cultural center – the venue for the National Unity Day celebration – the ceremonial and festive parts followed one another, filled with the excitement of the people with self-composed and self-performed "homegrown" cultural performances, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. The villagers reviewed the results of a year of implementing the "National Unity for Building a Culturally Rich Life" movement in the locality. Behind the hall, the kitchen area was equally bustling as many people busily prepared the "National Unity Meal" for the entire village.

Preparing the "Meal of Unity" by hand for the community's communal celebration has been a long-standing tradition among the people of Lai Khe village, Tran Thuong commune.

The food for the meal was all selected from local producers in the village and surrounding areas: green vegetables from home gardens, chickens from women's association members, and clean pork from farmers. Everything was prepared the evening before so that on the morning of the festival, the meal would be complete and well-presented. In the communal kitchen, everyone was busy, but the atmosphere was lively and joyful. When the festival ended, dozens of tables laden with traditional dishes, full of the warmth of the countryside, were meticulously arranged, ready to welcome everyone together for the only communal meal of the year.

While busily arranging the food on the table, Mrs. Vu Thi Lan – one of the women participating in the cooking – happily shared: “It has become a tradition for many years now that our village organizes a communal meal. Preparing this meal ourselves, although more laborious than ordering catering, is a great joy. Everyone helps each other, each person doing their part, whoever is skilled at a dish makes that dish. The whole village gathers in the kitchen, chatting and laughing, creating a very warm atmosphere.”

Not only in Lai Khe, but these days, the spirit of the festival is spreading throughout villages and residential areas in the province. Whether in rural or urban areas, the "Meal of Great Unity" is usually simple, featuring familiar traditional dishes with the common criteria of simplicity, economy, and joy, reflecting the voluntary and unanimous participation of the people. The meal may not be elaborate, but it embodies the spirit of sharing – which creates the lasting cultural value of the festival.

A self-composed and self-performed cultural show by the people of Yen Su village, Yen Tu commune, during the National Unity Day celebration in the residential area.

In residential areas, to facilitate the full participation of the people, especially those working in government agencies, companies, and businesses, and those who have moved away from home, the National Unity Day is usually held on weekends. The festivities are lively with vibrant cultural and sporting activities. Each activity is imbued with the spirit of unity, making the "Meal of National Unity" not just a meal, but a true community celebration.

Mr. Nguyen Van Ngo, from Yen Su village, Yen Tu commune, emotionally shared: "After the province and commune mergers, everyone in the community is overjoyed. This year, the festival takes place on a weekend, so children and grandchildren who work far away can come home to reunite, contributing to a more joyful and warm atmosphere. The heartfelt stories shared during the 'Great Unity Meal' make the joy even more complete and strengthen the bonds between villagers," Mr. Ngo said.

The family meal - a thread that connects the community.

In every residential area, the "Community Meal" is more than just a shared meal. It's an opportunity for generations in the village, from grandparents and parents to children and grandchildren, to meet and chat. It's a moment for long-time families to share their village customs and traditions with newcomers. It's a place where simple stories help bridge gaps and heal differences…

Mr. Chu Viet Binh, a native of Binh Son commune currently residing in Hanoi , shared: "The National Unity Day holds special significance for someone like me who lives far from home. Returning to attend the festival, meeting relatives and friends, and seeing my homeland changing day by day, I deeply feel the warmth of community spirit. The communal meal is what moves me the most every time I return," he said.

"The communal meal" has become a bond that connects the community and warms neighborly feelings in residential areas.

The "Meal of Great Unity" may be simple, but it carries a profound message: when people are united, all movements become more effective; when the community is close-knit, the implementation of movements and campaigns becomes smoother. Over the years, fostering community cohesion through the National Unity Day, many villages have maintained and effectively developed self-governing community models: people's security teams, neighborhood fire prevention and control teams, flower-lined roads, waste collection, scholarship funds, cultural and sports clubs, etc. Many poor households have received economic development support, many green, clean, and bright roads have been completed, and disadvantaged children have been helped to attend school.

This year's festival has come to an end, but the echoes of the "Meal of Great Unity" remain, reminding everyone of the spirit of "unity for development." In each residential area, this community-bonding meal has become a cherished cultural tradition, contributing to fostering bonds, love, and shared responsibility in building an increasingly prosperous homeland.

Hoa Hien

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/am-tinh-nhung-bua-com-dai-doan-ket-251118001933162.html