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| Young people make traditional Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns at Mid-Autumn Festival-decorated check-in spots. Photo: Le Duy |
Trends for celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival among young people.
At a mooncake-making workshop in Tam Hiep ward, the atmosphere has been bustling since the beginning of the eighth lunar month, with more than 20 young people enthusiastically kneading dough, shaping fillings, and sharing their baking experiences.
Nguyen Thanh Thao, a student at Dong Nai University, said: “I want to make cakes myself to fully appreciate the flavor. This not only brings me joy but also helps me understand more about the meaning of cakes in traditional culture.”
Beyond personal experiences, these workshops are also linked to charitable activities. Specifically, on September 28th, 179 Baker's Mart (located in Tam Hiep ward) and its customers will participate in a program to make and donate mooncakes to 150 children, elderly people living alone, and people with disabilities in the local area. This is not only an activity of sharing and spreading the spirit of "one cake - one joy" but also contributes to making the Mid-Autumn Festival more meaningful and full of human kindness.
The cultural values of the Mid-Autumn Festival are not lost but are being reborn in new ways, more suitable to the pace of modern life. It both preserves the essence of the past and becomes an opportunity for young people to express their creativity and love for Vietnamese culture.
Besides, instead of making their own lanterns like at workshops in Ho Chi Minh City, many young people in Dong Nai are seeking out shops selling lanterns in the shape of carp, stars, jade rabbits, etc., to decorate their living spaces or use in small parties with friends.
Trinh Hoang Nam (20 years old, residing in Trang Dai ward) shared: “Holding a traditional cellophane carp lantern in my hand, I feel like I'm going back to my childhood. Now, it's not just for carrying lanterns; many people also hang them in their rooms or use them as props for photos, which is very interesting.”
Besides crafting activities, many young people also choose to go out into the streets to "hunt" for the Mid-Autumn Festival atmosphere. Along Nguyen Ai Quoc Street (Dong Nai province), the days leading up to the full moon of the eighth lunar month become a popular spot for groups of friends to take photos. Stalls selling modern lanterns and cafes with colorful Mid-Autumn Festival decorations, from cartoon characters to illuminated musical lights, create a festive atmosphere.
Some young people visiting lantern accessory shops at Bien Hoa market said: “My friends and I often go to the streets or traditional markets to decorate for the Mid-Autumn Festival and take photos. It’s fun and we have a set of commemorative photos every Mid-Autumn Festival. Although we know traditional lanterns are beautiful and meaningful, modern designs also bring a sense of novelty.”
Today's Mid-Autumn Festival is also an opportunity for young people to unleash their creativity and keep up with trends. Instead of sticking to traditional activities, many choose to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere through social media. Trends like creating TikTok videos with carp-shaped lanterns, the "check-in with the full moon" challenge, or creating outfits based on Mid-Autumn Festival colors have become widely popular.
Traditional culture remains strong.
Dr. Vo Nu Hanh Trang, head of the Postgraduate and International Relations Research Department at Dong Nai University, shared: "The diverse ways young people celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival reflect the inevitable changes in modern society, but the positive aspect is that they still cherish core values. Surveys show that young people haven't turned their backs on tradition. They are simply seeking ways to innovate to suit the pace of life and current experiential needs. Making mooncakes, lanterns, or participating in folk art performances are proof that traditional culture always has and continues to have appeal if presented in an appropriate way."
Dr. Vo Nu Hanh Trang emphasized: “The creative activities of young people are an opportunity to bring folk culture closer to the community. We need to encourage models that combine tradition and modernity; and at the same time, have policies to support artisans and craft classes to create a playground for young people. If done well, the Mid-Autumn Festival will not only be a holiday but also a cultural bridge between generations.” From a social perspective, the Mid-Autumn Festival also contributes to nurturing community spirit. Whether choosing a traditional or modern way of celebrating the festival, the common point remains the connection: families gathering around the feast, friends carrying lanterns together, or the whole community participating in the festivities. This is the enduring value that the Mid-Autumn Festival brings, transcending all trends or fads.
It's evident that today's youth celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in diverse ways, reflecting a wide range of choices and affirming their cultural identity. In this age of technology, where electronic lights and modern games dominate, many young people still patiently embrace traditional mooncakes, sticky rice cakes, and handcrafted lanterns.
traditional.
Le Duy
Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202510/muon-kieu-don-trung-thu-cua-gioi-tre-do-thi-1ed01e3/
