Brief Introduction to Mid-Autumn Festival | Happy Festival

The upcoming 4th of October 2017 has been driving the whole nation of Vietnam agitated for a few months by far, especially children. Known as one of the biggest annual events in the latter half of the year, Full Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Affair is a traditional holiday in some Asian countries when the Moon becomes fullest and brightest. In Vietnam, the event has been called Trung Thu which literally means “in the middle of Autumn” as it falls on the 15th of Lunar August.

Dating back to thousands of years ago, there was no precise record found regarding the origin of the festival. Nonetheless, it can be mostly assumed that the event was obviously brought to the land of Viet people by mainland Chinese roughly 4000 years ago through tradings and dominations. Vietnamese archaologists claimed carved images of ancient activites celebrating Mid-Autumn from the Viet ancestors were discovered on the surface of Ngọc Lũ bronze drum*.

Accordingly, regardless of whether the event was transported from China or not, the moment of Mid-Autumn is when Viet peasants and villagers ritualized after an abundant harvest. As days go by, the ritual evolved into a kind of recreation for both adults and children, as parents tend to make a preparation for a worship to their ancestors in day time and let their kids hangout on the streets altogether holding colourful lanterns. Moon observation and moon-cake consuming are other essestial customs.

Visiting Vietnam during this occasion can bring you an outright freshness and excitement while the catching sight of many lanterns hung up high for sale with people flocking inside out every shop. Frequently made out of cellophane, plastic or cotton paper in a wide range of shapes, from animals, flowers, cars, Disney princesses to basic regular models such as a star of five sections. The night can easly turn into a street party as youngsters mostly from the age of 15 to 20 bring out drums and perform some kind of magical fire dance in the shout of joy from the crowd. This can be hard to find in big cities but small villages. Different from Chinese that usually perform dragon dance in the festival, Vietnamese will fill their joy with unicorn dance or lion dance. Asian unicorn is the symbol of luck, wealth and prosperity.

Beyond that, moon cake is basically the first thing that comes to mind of most Viet citizens when asked about Full Moon festivals. Moon cake can be shown in various shapes and taste. The most popular one must be the one in round shape with an image of flower carved on top, filled with mund bean, lotus seed paste, yolks and salted duck eggs. The balanced tender taste would bring a perfect feeling of  relaxation, fullfilness, and happiness. A supper with moon cakes and hot tea while watching up the full moon is an iconically ideal image of how Viet families enjoy their peaceful union on the occasion.

However, the latest trend is coming up close. Beside traditional styles, new models are widely offered with many more colours, decoration and ingredients. For instance, chocolate, cheese or fruity tatse are used for replacement. Now you will be satisfied picking a unique one for friends and relatives with a wide range of price set.

 Would you be excited with our traditional ritual and would like to celebrate the festival with us? Leave a comment down below and toss us some of your thoughts!