Origin and meaning of Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

When the full moon of the eighth lunar month arrives, the streets are filled with lanterns and sweet moon cakes, and Vietnamese people remember one of the most special traditional festivals: the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is not only a joyful occasion for children but also a festival with many layers of history, legends and profound cultural values.

History and origin

From agricultural civilization

Since ancient times, Vietnamese people have lived on agriculture. The full moon of August appears when the weather is cool, trees are blooming and the crops have been or are about to be harvested. Autumn is also the time when farming is idle, favorable for organizing festivals, gatherings, singing and playing. The imprints of the Mid-Autumn Festival have appeared very early, reminiscent of the image of the bright moon on the surface of the Ngoc Lu bronze drum about 2,500 years ago.

The first records

According to ancient steles, under the Ly dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival was held in Thang Long citadel with many activities such as water puppetry, lantern processions, etc. During the Le - Trinh dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival became a lavish festival in the lord's palace, reflecting the important position of the festival in social life.

Myths and legends

Many folk tales associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, notably Cuoi and the Banyan Tree, and Hang Nga, tell of characters living under the moonlight, explaining the phenomenon of the full moon and fulfillment. Another legend says that ancient kings held moon-watching and lantern-carrying ceremonies to enjoy the moon and bring joy to the people.

Cultural and social significance

Union members and their families

Mid-Autumn Festival is considered a festival of reunion, an occasion for family members to gather, reunite, and share time together. For those who are far from home, Mid-Autumn Festival is an occasion to remember home, childhood and the familiar full moon. Preparing a tray of offerings, eating moon cakes, and admiring the moon are also ways to express gratitude and remembrance of ancestors.

Children - the joy of childhood

Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Children's Festival, is a day when children enjoy special privileges: breaking the cake, carrying lanterns, receiving gifts and receiving more attention from their parents. This is also an opportunity to promote creativity and ingenuity in making lanterns, masks or moon cakes, while passing on folk cultural values from generation to generation.

Symbol of harvest and nature

The full moon in August is considered the brightest and roundest moon of the year, a symbol of fulfillment and fullness. The moon worship and ancestor worship ceremony is not only a spiritual ritual but also shows respect for nature, praying for favorable weather and bountiful harvests.

Traditional historical and cultural values

Customs such as lantern processions, lion dances, drum singing, star lanterns, and feasting… demonstrate community spirit, connecting villages and families. Preserving the Mid-Autumn Festival is not only about maintaining the festival but also about protecting cultural identity amidst the modern flow, helping the younger generation to be aware of the nation’s origins and traditions.

Special features of Mid-Autumn Festival today

Nowadays, the Mid-Autumn Festival has become more diverse with traditional moon cakes, moon cakes, cakes with unusual fillings, less sweet, small in size and beautiful gift boxes. Lanterns, gifts and toys are designed in many colors, creating joy for children. Street Mid-Autumn Festivals in many big cities are organized to maintain the traditional atmosphere and attract tourists, at the same time promoting the development of local culture and tourism .

Mid-Autumn Festival – the full moon of the eighth lunar month – has evolved from a farmers’ festival with moon worship and thanksgiving to heaven and earth, and has now become a sacred part of the Vietnamese people’s consciousness. Through many generations, Mid-Autumn Festival reminds us of precious values: solidarity, family affection, childhood joy, gratitude and respect for nature. Preserving and promoting these values is not only a responsibility but also a way for Vietnamese culture to continue to live in modern life.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/nguon-goc-va-y-nghia-tet-trung-thu-o-viet-nam-169751.html