In Asia, many countries celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, but each country has its own unique features. In Korea, the Mid-Autumn Festival is considered a thanksgiving festival, celebrating a bountiful harvest. In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is called the Festival of Reunion, a family reunion.

For Vietnamese people, Mid-Autumn Festival is often considered a Children's Festival. On every Mid-Autumn Festival tray, there are always children's toys: star lanterns, lanterns, dough animals...

Nowadays, every Mid-Autumn Festival, Hang Ma Street ( Hanoi ) is brightly lit by the colors of lanterns, star lanterns, papier-mâché masks and many other unique toys, becoming a space where tradition and modernity intersect, where old toys blend with new products of today.

Traditional Mid-Autumn lanterns of all colors and shapes are decorated all over Hang Ma Street.

Modern style lanterns.

Modern toys are often eye-catching, come in many designs and colors, and are made in the style of famous cartoon characters, easily attracting young people.

Artisan Dang Van Hau, who has been involved in making traditional toys for many years, shared: “Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional holiday, so traditional toys always have their own place. Behind each traditional toy are cultural and historical messages - something that modern toys do not have. Artisans like us always strive to be more creative so that Mid-Autumn Festival toys both maintain traditional features and are suitable for modern trends. This is not only a job to make a living, but also a story about preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the nation.

To he artisan Dang Van Hau at his to he stall at 75 Hang Ma Street.
The dough figurines (to he) are meticulously shaped in many different designs.

The efforts of the artisans have been partly rewarded, as more and more young people are interested in and appreciate traditional values, and have love and pride for traditional Vietnamese culture.

Nguyen Phuong Dung, a student at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, shared: “I think traditional Mid-Autumn toys are not just for fun, but also a part of the memory and culture of Vietnamese people. When I see star lanterns, to he figurines or papier-mâché masks, I feel the connection between generations, from grandparents, parents to children. Although times have changed, these simple items remind me of my roots and the traditional values ​​that we need to preserve.”

Nguyen Phuong Dung eagerly chose for herself a traditional lantern.

In the hustle and bustle of modern society, traditional Mid-Autumn Festival toys still hold a special place in the hearts of every Vietnamese person. They are not simply toys but also a bridge between the past and the present, a part of childhood memories. When lanterns and star lanterns still shine on the streets every Mid-Autumn Festival, our national culture is still preserved, spread and continued.

Article and photos: LAN ANH - DUY HOAN

*Please visit the Culture section to see related news and articles.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/do-choi-trung-thu-giao-thoa-qua-khu-va-hien-tai-truyen-thong-va-hien-dai-849205