FAMILY – THE BEGINNING OF LOVE AND THE FULLNESS OF HAPPINESS

Every year, on June 28, Vietnamese people remind each other of a very special occasion – Vietnamese Family Day . This is not only a milestone to honor the cultural values of family that have been cultivated for generations, but also an opportunity for each person to calm down in the hustle and bustle of life, to take a moment of silence for love – for the home that they belong to.

Since ancient times, Vietnamese families have been the cradle that nurtures the soul and personality of people. Houses with three or four generations living together are not only a common thing, but also a symbol of solidarity, filial piety and respect for elders and children. In that warm home, parents take care of grandparents, children and grandchildren take care of their parents - a circle of love that always continues. The family is not only a place to take shelter but also a place to pass on family traditions and customs, and the first lessons in how to live as a human being. Living together helps the family maintain family traditions, habits and customs, and at the same time know etiquette, respect for elders and children. That is the traditional beauty in Vietnamese families that has passed down and preserved those good values until now.

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh once emphasized: “If the sprout is green, the tree will be strong, if the bud is green, the leaves will be fresh, the fruit will be good…” meaning that the role of nurturing people from within the family is the root in building a nation. These teachings are still valuable today – reminding us that, if we want a strong society, we must start with warm and disciplined families. The family is the first and most important environment to shape each person's personality. Children growing up in families filled with love and respect will certainly become healthy individuals and live responsibly towards society. The family is also a spiritual and cultural support, helping to maintain an ethical lifestyle, contributing to building a disciplined and peaceful society. Because in a prosperous country, a modernized society, the family is still the core, the cradle of society, the link to the past and the bridge to the future of each of us.

Acquiring the traditional cultural values of the nation and following Uncle Ho's teachings, in today's era, future generations continue to preserve those good traditional values, always study and follow Uncle Ho's example, the whole country joins hands in the work of preserving and protecting the family, caring for and educating children to nurture the future with practical activities such as organizing family cultural festivals with special attention to young families, connecting love, organizing propaganda on preventing domestic violence, promoting the cultural identity of Vietnamese families...

In the era of globalization, market economy and strong digital transformation, Vietnamese family models are also transforming from traditional to modern. However, many challenges are arising: the increase in domestic violence, pragmatic lifestyle, broken family relationships due to lack of communication and companionship. But at that time, preserving a beautiful lifestyle, harmonizing traditional values and modern lifestyle becomes even more necessary. There is no need for great actions, sometimes just a message asking how we are, a full meal with all members, or a comforting handshake... is enough to light up happiness in every home. Therefore, sustainable development cannot lack the participation of the family. Each family needs to become a "cultural fortress", repelling social evils; at the same time educating people to live responsibly and humanely.

In the hustle and bustle of life, family members have to face many different jobs, but to build a happy family, members must care for each other, husband and wife must understand the value of home; children have the duty to respect, love, be grateful, be filial, support their parents, preserve the honor and good traditions of the family. Perhaps, in the family, each person has their own way of expressing their feelings, but all emphasize the importance of loving and caring for each other. Even the smallest act of caring for the sick contains a deep meaning of family affection. When family members are close together, or far apart due to geographical distance, but if we put all our love into our loved ones, we will see that seemingly simple actions such as video calls, encouraging messages, and inquiries can make the longing and moments of separation become closer, making family affection a solid support, a place where happiness is filled at all times and anywhere.

Moreover, in everyone's life, there will be times when we encounter difficulties and adversities. The spiritual support that helps us get up and escape from difficulties and failures that seem insurmountable is being with our loved ones in the family. That helps us realize the preciousness of family happiness. Family affection brings an invaluable strength that no one can deny, becoming the most valuable thing left after going through many different relationships in society. Therefore, family affection is a noble, sacred and extremely durable thing, but if we do not know how to appreciate it, we will lose that beautiful affection.

Family happiness is not only about material things but also about the connection, sharing, love and mutual respect between members. Family is where each person finds comfort, understanding, and motivation to live better. Therefore, celebrating Vietnamese Family Day is also an opportunity for each person to express their feelings and give love to their relatives. This is also a meaningful day if we give words of love to family members, while preserving traditional values towards good ethics to help children and grandchildren cherish family affection, respect and express gratitude to grandparents and parents - those who have devoted their whole lives to raising us.

Family is not only the place of birth, but also the place of spiritual nourishment, the most sustainable root in the career of building people and developing society. Honoring family is not only a nostalgia for tradition, but also a practical action to build the future. It is our responsibility and honor to be part of a warm family with strong Vietnamese love.

“Family is where life begins and love never ends”

Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2025

Dao Thi Hong Quyen

Department of Communications, Education and International Relations

Source: https://baotangphunu.com/gia-dinh-noi-bat-dau-cua-yeu-thuong-va-diem-tua-cua-hanh-phuc/