A shop in Hoi An ancient town is sparkling with lanterns. Photo: Tan Thanh.
Mr. Nguyen Van Son - Chairman of Hoi An City People's Committee said that the custom of using lanterns in occasions of joy, happiness, festivals, etc. in Hoi An has been around for more than 400 years. Hoi An lanterns not only show off their colors and shapes but are also varied in many styles such as embroidery with symbols, cultural and historical relics, calligraphy embroidery, bringing the beauty of traditional Vietnamese culture to every family, especially international tourists.
In addition to traditional lantern products, there are also foldable lanterns for convenient storage and easy transportation. Hoi An lanterns are considered to have pure Vietnamese aesthetic and cultural values, including 9 designs including round, octagonal, hexagonal, pumpkin-shaped lanterns... In addition, there are lanterns with a variety of colors.
Since around the 16th century, Hoi An has been a bustling trading port, with many Chinese and Japanese merchants frequently coming and going to trade, carrying lanterns hanging in front of their doors. Later, many locals also hung lanterns in front of their houses to pray for good luck. Since 1988, the local government has decided to organize the Lantern Festival on the full moon day of each month as a unique feature of the ancient town.
According to many Hoi An people, lanterns are not only simple decorations but also have many spiritual meanings such as warding off evil spirits, bringing luck and happiness to everyone. Especially, on the Mid-Autumn Festival night, lanterns are even more meaningful when they connect families and friends in a cozy, warm and joyful atmosphere.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hong - Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam shared that the lantern festivals in Hoi An ancient town are one of the unique and special tourism products of the world cultural heritage.
“Since 2009, the city has proposed the initiative to organize the Hoi An Lantern Festival as a regular event during each Lunar New Year, with many exciting and attractive activities, such as the Artistic Lantern Creation Contest, the creation of applied lantern models, the experience of being a lantern artisan, the lantern procession... which has contributed to promoting the image of the cultural festival in Hoi An.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hong added: “Every 14th night of the lunar month, the city organizes the festival “Hoi An Ancient Town Night”, turning off modern lighting equipment to create a space of brilliant lantern lights and typical cultural activities. Many famous travel magazines and websites in the world recommend this as one of the most beautiful Lantern Festivals.
“It can be said that the Lantern Festival is one of the cultural and tourism products that attracts the attention of locals and tourists when coming to Hoi An. This is also one of the activities that contributes to preserving and promoting the Hoi An lantern brand as well as honoring the artisans and craftsmen in Hoi An,” Mr. Hong emphasized.
Source: https://daidoanket.vn/doc-dao-den-long-hoi-an-10308146.html
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