Admire a collection of Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns spanning over 100 years in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Concerned about the loss of historical and cultural values, the Khoi Dang Tac Khi group has persistently pursued a project to restore ancient lanterns for the past three years, bringing them back from oblivion to the present.
Praying mantis lanterns were chosen by the group as the main theme for this year's collection.
Ms. Nguyen Minh Nguyet, representative of the Khoi Dang Tac Khi group, said: "Combining a cultural event, recreating the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival in an ancient architectural space like Son Tra communal house, has created a special resonance, helping to connect old values with modern life."
The highlight of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival lantern collection by the Khoi Dang Tac Khi group is the praying mantis lantern. Ms. Nguyet shared: “The image of the praying mantis is associated with many folk songs and proverbs such as 'The praying mantis catches the cicada, the sparrow stalks its prey.' This is a reminder that we should not be so preoccupied with chasing immediate gains that we forget the dangers lurking around us.”
Ms. Nguyen Minh Nguyet (in the blue shirt) is explaining the historical significance of each lantern to visitors.
"In particular, the praying mantis is currently listed in the Vietnamese Red Book, and it is one of the animals that are beneficial to farmers. The group uses the image of the praying mantis to call on people to not only preserve culture but also preserve the biodiversity of nature," Ms. Nguyet further shared.
The grasshopper lantern has been recreated with many intricate details and patterns.
The "Carp Gazing at the Moon" lantern is one of the most popular lanterns.
This collection of lanterns is the result of nearly a year of hard work by the entire team. The process required meticulous attention to detail and patience, with many designs taking up to a month to create, and the assembly process being equally elaborate. For example, the praying mantis lantern required 10 workers to work continuously for 10 days to complete.
Inside the modest space of Son Tra Pagoda, visitors can admire nearly 7 sets of lanterns along with many traditional lantern designs that have been meticulously restored by the group. The works vividly depict images of folk animals such as dragons, grasshoppers, praying mantises, carp, crabs, rabbits, etc.
Crab-shaped lanterns and butterfly-shaped lanterns were displayed at the event.
Mr. Phan Nguyen Nhung, a visitor, shared emotionally: “Coming here, I am most impressed with two sets of lanterns: 'Respecting the Elderly and Gaining Longevity' featuring butterflies, and 'Carp Gazing at the Moon' depicting the legend of a carp transforming into a dragon. Because when I look at them, I feel like I am connected to the past and the memories of my ancestors.”
"I highly appreciate the dedication of these young people, because collecting, restoring, and recreating ancient lantern collections is a huge challenge. I hope to have more opportunities to participate in exhibitions like this to spread the cultural and historical heritage of Vietnam," Nhung added.
Mr. Phan Nguyen Nhung is listening as Ms. Nguyet introduces the story behind the ancient lanterns.
After touring the exhibition, Ms. Tran Ngoc Phuong Thy, a teacher at the Vietnam Academy of Contemporary Visual Arts, said she was quite surprised that there are still people who know about the lanterns of the past; and that those who are restoring them are young people. "I am very curious and want to learn more about the stories of these old lanterns, as well as learn about the traditions of our ancestors," Ms. Phuong Thy shared.
Ms. Tran Ngoc Phuong Thy was surprised when she visited the collection of traditional Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns.
"Before coming here, I didn't pay much attention to the patterns on the lanterns, but thanks to the explanations from the group members, I learned that they all originate from ancient legends and stories," added Ms. Phuong Thy.
The highlight here is that upon entering the main hall, all eyes are drawn to the majestic Great Dragon lantern – a 20-meter-long dragon made of cellophane paper. This impressive artwork was inspired by a photograph capturing a dragon lantern procession during the Phu Day festival (formerly in Nam Dinh province) more than a century ago.
The Great Dragon Lantern impresses with its majestic appearance, measuring 20 meters in length and winding around the main hall.
To create this masterpiece, the team spent about three months working tirelessly. The dragon frame alone was a challenge, requiring the use of entirely bamboo due to its flexibility, even though it was more expensive than regular bamboo. This investment was entirely worthwhile, as the bamboo frame not only helped create the intricate curves of the dragon's head but also ensured the artwork's durability for many years.
Due to their enormous size, the dragon's body and head had to be custom-made and transported by truck for assembly at the temple. To ensure visitors can take the best photos, the area around the lanterns is decorated with antique tables and chairs, flower mats, and miniature lotus scenes, creating a nostalgic corner next to the ancient altar.
Ms. Chau Anh and her group of friends took photos to preserve these beautiful moments.
Having followed the products of the Khoi Dang Tac Khi group for some time, Ms. Chau Anh (a tourist from Hanoi ) couldn't hide her awe. She shared: "This is the first time in my life I've seen such a large lantern. But what impressed me most wasn't just its grandeur, but also its exquisite craftsmanship. When you look closely at each detail, you can fully appreciate the meticulousness and skill of the young artisans in recreating these ancient lantern designs."
The exhibition recreating traditional Mid-Autumn Festivals is taking place at Son Tra Temple (113A Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), open from 2 PM to 8:30 PM daily and running until October 12th.
Text, photos, and videos: Lưu Niệm/News and Ethnic Groups Newspaper
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/anh/chiem-nguong-bo-suu-tap-long-den-trung-thu-xua-20250907131112396.htm
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