On the afternoon of December 7, within the “Happy Vietnam Festival” event series, the “Bach Hoa Hy Su” costume parade created a striking highlight along the lakeside. Nearly 800 participants appeared in wedding attire representing different eras of Vietnamese history, from the regal Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), to the nostalgic subsidy period of the 1990s, and into the present day.
Setting off from Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square at 3 PM, the procession made its way through Hang Dau Street and the Trang Tien–Hang Khay intersection, circling the lake before returning to the festival's main stage. The flowing silhouettes of ao dai , Nhat binh (costumes of queens, princesses, concubines and ladies of the Nguyen Dynasty), ngu than (traditional 5-panel ao dai) and other traditional garments painted a captivating cultural tableau, drawing crowds of residents and tourists eager to capture the colorful spectacle.
As the Organizing Committee emphasized, the event is designed not only to highlight the artistry of Vietnamese traditional dress, but also to honor the deeper values of happiness, family bonds, and Vietnam's timeless cultural heritage. Reenacting the Nguyen Dynasty Wedding.
One of the most exciting moments of the festival was the reenactment of traditional wedding ceremonies, encouraging younger generations to reconnect with the refined customs of their ancestors.
Inspired by Nguyen Dynasty rituals, the wedding procession featured distinguished family members from both sides, accompanied by guests in ceremonial attire.
The bride and groom walk gracefully side by side in imperial wedding costumes.
The groom's family presented symbolic offerings such as gold, silver and fine silk.
Meanwhile the bride's possessions were carried in crafted wooden chests. A loyal maid accompanying the bride, adding a touch of authenticity to the historical recreation.
Against the backdrop of bustling modern streets, the entire scene felt like a vivid historical film unfolding before the audience.
Both families' officials appear in elaborate garments, capturing the elegance and grandeur of traditional Vietnamese weddings.
Curious onlookers stopped to take photographs with the processing members.
The cultural journey continued with a lively reenactment of a 1990s Vietnamese wedding- an era fondly remembered for its simplicity and charm.
The bride and groom donned familiar outfits from the subsidy period.
Walking alongside them are young boys carrying betel leaves, areca nuts, green rice cakes, lotus seeds, and other timeless offerings rich with meaning.
Graceful young women in red ao dai, bring gladiolus flowers- a beloved wedding bloom of the time.
The festival gathered a vibrant community of traditional costume enthusiasts, cultural researchers, heritage practitioners and engaged couples.
By bringing together history, fashion and performing arts, the event beautifully showcased the richness of Vietnamese wedding traditions.
More than a parade, “Bach Hoa Hy Su” offered a heartfelt message about culture, family and joy, inviting visitors and locals alike to appreciate, preserve and celebrate the enduring cultural heritage of Vietnam.
By: Jenna Duong – Huy Pham
Source: http://sodulich.hanoi.gov.vn/hanoi-revives-centuries-of-vietnamese-wedding-traditions.html
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