Learning Vietnamese is about more than just mastering the language. It’s also about diving into the vibrant culture of Vietnam. Vietnamese culture has a long history and is a beautiful blend of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, all intertwined with the country’s history and traditions.
From the colorful festivals and celebrations to the delicious cuisine and traditional clothing, Vietnamese culture is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s learning to make traditional dishes likephoor exploring the legends and folklore of Vietnam, immersing yourself in Vietnamese traditions is a fun and exciting adventure.
So, embrace the culture, learn the language, and experience the beauty of Vietnam firsthand through this article, all about Vietnamese traditions! Make visiting Vietnam a memorable trip by learning about its traditions, festivals, and more!
Vietnamese Tradition | Linking Traditional And Contemporary Values
Explaining The Differences Between Western Countries And Vietnamese Society
Vietnamese culture and traditions are vastly different from Western culture in many ways. For starters, family and community are at the heart of Vietnamese traditional and contemporary values. It is common for Vietnamese families to have several generations living under a single roof!
Respect for elders and authority figures is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese society, with ancestor worship being adefining trait of Vietnamese culture. In contrast, Western culture tends to emphasize individualism and personal achievement more.
Another significant difference is the importance placed on Vietnamese customs and traditions. In Vietnamese culture, traditions are passed down from generation to generation. As a result, they are deeply rooted in the country’s history and folklore.
In contrast, Western culture tends to be more focused on progress and forward movement, with less emphasis placed on preserving the past.
Vietnamese food and cuisine are other areas where the two cultures differ significantly. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and unique cooking techniques, emphasizing rice, light seasoning, and herbs. In contrast, Western cuisine often includes heavier dishes and indulgent flavors.
While many Vietnamese people and other cultures have much in common, everyone’s roots and daily lives are vastly different. From how family members are treated and how Vietnamese etiquette changes depending on how old someone is, there’s much to learn about each other.
Festivals And Celebrations In Vietnamese Culture
Tết Nguyen Dan(Lunar New Year)
Vietnamese lunar new year, orTết, is themost important holiday in Vietnam, celebrated by more than a billion people each year (worldwide, that is!). It is celebrated on the first day of the Lunar New Year, which varies every year – either in late January or early February. Chinese culture is ingrained within Vietnamese traditions, influencing even their modern holidays!
People celebrateTếtby making it a joyful family reunion, exchanging gifts, and decorating their homes. They also visit temples and pagodas to pray for good luck and fortune in the coming year. People enjoy traditional Lunar New Year dishes and snacks, such asbanh chungandbanh tet.
Tết Trung Thu(Mid-Autumn Festival)
The Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known asTet Trung Thu, is a significant event in Vietnam that falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, usually in September. The festival celebrates the harvest season and the full moon, which symbolize abundance, happiness, and prosperity.
During this festival, children carry colorful lanterns in various shapes, sizes, and designs while parading through the streets, singing, and dancing.Bánh trung thu(mooncakes), a traditional pastry with different fillings, are a must-have during the festival, as families gather to enjoy them while admiring the full moon.
Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương(Hung Kings Temple Festival)
TheGiỗ Tổ Hùng Vương(Hung Kings Temple Festival) is an important annual celebration in Vietnam. The ritual takes place regularly, held on the 10th day of the third lunar month. During the festival, millions of people pilgrimage to the temple to offer prayers and incense to their ancestors.
The festival displays Vietnamese culture and national pride. It is a time for people to remember their origins and express their respect and gratitude to the first King of Vietnam, King Hung. Celebrations include food, flowers, and incense offerings, as well as traditional music and dance performances.
Ancestors Death Anniversary
In Southeast Asia, only Vietnam has a yearly ancestors’ death anniversary celebration. Traditionally, families would only observe the anniversary on the actual day of death. Still, the government has standardized it to be held on the 10th day of the third month of the lunar calendar (which happens to fall in April).
On the day, family members gather to enjoy a big ol’ banquet and offer rice to the soul of the deceased. It’s a time to come together, celebrate life, and show love and respect for those who have passed on. Plus, it’s believed humans still exist in soul parts after passing away, so you’re feeding their souls, too! How cool is that?
Traditional Vietnamese Clothing
Áo Dài
The traditional Vietnamese clothing,áo dài,(spelled in the west asao dai) is a long dress traditionally worn by Vietnamese women. Usually made of silk, this dress is buttoned down the front and worn with trousers. It originated in the 18th century when Lord Nguyen Phúc Khoát of Huedecreedthat both men and women at his court should wear trousers and a gown with buttons down the front.
This outfit was described as theáo dài(long shirt) by writer Lê Quý Dôn.Áo dàiwas extremely popular in South Vietnam in the 1960s and early 1970s and is still appreciated by young and old Vietnamese women.
It is commonly worn on special occasions such asTếtand other celebrations. It is also a popular choice for formal events by many Vietnamese women, such as wedding ceremonies!
Nón Lá
Ever wonder what the straw hats the Vietnamese were called? It’s called thenón lá,a conical hat typically made from straw or palm leaves. It is believed to have originated from Vietnam’s fascinating cultural heritage of rice farming. So, the legend goes, during a torrential downpour of rain that lasted weeks, a farmer had the idea to make a hat out of straw to protect himself from the rain.
This hat eventually became known as thenón láand has been worn since ancient times to protect the wearer from the sunshine and rain of Vietnam’s tropical monsoon climate. It has been around since the 13th century during the Tran Dynasty and is worn by men and the opposite sex.
Why Traditional Clothing In Vietnam Is Still Significant
Besides being part of its national identity, Vietnam has a long history when it comes to its traditional clothing. In feudal Vietnam, clothing was a significant sign of social status, with strict dress codes varying from region to region. In addition, the traditional clothing represented the lifestyle of Vietnam’s past, something the country holds on to as a source of pride.
Today, traditional Vietnamese clothing is still worn, particularly during festivals and special occasions. It is a way of preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage and identity. So if you’re lucky enough to attend a Vietnamese festival, you might catch a glimpse of these beautiful, traditional outfits!
Myths And Folklore In Traditional Vietnamese Culture
The Legend Of Sword Lake
The Legend of the Sword Lake is aVietnamese folklorethat dates back to the Ming dynasty. According to the legend, a fisherman named Lê Thận from Chu River in Thanh Hóa Province hauled up his fishing net one night and found a sword inside. He then presented the sword to the warrior king Le Loi, who was fighting against Chinese domination.
The king was then gifted the sword by a giant turtle living deep beneath Hoan Kiem Lake’s crystalline waters. The blade was said to have magical powers that could change fate. The lake was then namedHoan KiemLake, which translates to “Lake of the Returned Sword” or “Lake of the Restored Sword.”
The Legend Of The Trung Sisters
The Trung Sisters are alegendary pair of sistersfrom Vietnam who are celebrated as national heroines for their rebellion against Chinese rule in the year 40 AD. According to folklore, the sisters led their followers into battle atop two giant war elephants and are often depicted in paintings riding these elephants.
These sisters are celebrated each year in Vietnam on the anniversary of their deaths in honor of their courage and sacrifice. They are also regarded as powerful symbols of the country’s resistance and freedom.
Traditional Music And Dance In Vietnam
Ca Trù
Ca trù is an ancient Vietnamese musical tradition that dates back to the 15th century, widespread among the royal palace and aristocrats. It was traditionally performed in communal houses, inns, and private homes.
In 2009, Ca trù singing was inscribed onUNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Urgent Safeguarding List. Since then, the status and practice ofca trùhave been revived and innovated. The entire country’s effort toward protecting and celebrating its heritage is admirable!
Hát Xẩm
Hát Xẩm, also known as “blind wanderers’ music,” is anancient Vietnamese folk musictradition that dates back to the 13th century. The performers ofHát Xẩmare typically blind musicians who wander from place to place with a small wooden box and a stick, playing and singing songs of everyday life, love, and hardship.
The lyrics ofHát Xẩmsongs are often improvised and reflect the experiences and emotions of the performers. In recent years, the Vietnamese government has made efforts to preserve and promote Hát Xẩm as a cultural heritage, eliminating the Vietnamese conception that it is a dying art.
Various Folk Dances
Vietnamese folk dances are a vital part of the country’s culture and heritage. The most popular dances include the Fan Dance, Lantern Dance, Lotus Dance, Flag Dance, Platter Dance, Candle Dance, Incense Dance, Hat Dance, Scarf Dance, Lion Dance, Ribbon Dance, and Water Puppetry.
These dances are often performed during festivals such as the Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, as they symbolize prosperity, longevity, and happiness. For example, the Lion-Dragon Dance is a popular traditional dance performed throughout Vietnam, and theWai Khruis a ritual dance performed before martial arts contests.
Immerse Yourself In Vietnamese Culture With Ling App
Besides learning about sacred sites, and famous tourist sites and looking at the daily life of people from Ho Chi Minh City, how else can you immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture? By learning Vietnamese, of course!
The Ling app provides a way for you to learn Vietnamese or any of the 60+ languages we offer through expertly crafted lessons, all built to make learning fun, memorable, and exciting!
Learn more than the basics about Vietnamese or any foreign language today by downloading the Ling app from the App Store or Play Store.
As a passionate enthusiast and expert on Vietnamese culture, language, and traditions, my journey into this fascinating realm began with an immersive exploration of the language itself. Having studied Vietnamese extensively, I can attest that learning the language goes beyond linguistic mastery; it is a gateway to understanding the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture.
My expertise extends to the intricate details of Vietnamese traditions, including the profound influence of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism that intricately weave into the country's history. I have delved into the vibrant tapestry of festivals, celebrations, and culinary delights that make Vietnamese culture a treasure trove of experiences.
In the realm of family dynamics, I understand the core values that place family and community at the heart of Vietnamese society. The deep-rooted respect for elders, the significance of ancestor worship, and the contrast with Western values of individualism have been subjects of my in-depth exploration.
Vietnamese cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and unique cooking techniques, is a topic I've delved into extensively. The cultural significance of traditional dishes, such as banh chung and banh tet during Tết, reflects the profound connection between food and festivities in Vietnamese culture.
The exploration of traditional Vietnamese clothing, including the iconic áo dài and nón lá, is an area where my knowledge shines. I understand the historical context, the evolution of these garments, and their continued significance in modern times, particularly during special occasions and festivals.
Moreover, I have immersed myself in the myths and folklore of Vietnam, from the Legend of Sword Lake to the inspiring tale of the Trung Sisters. These narratives are not just stories but windows into the cultural ethos that shapes Vietnamese identity.
In the realm of music and dance, I've explored ancient traditions like Ca trù and Hát Xẩm, recognizing their historical roots and the efforts made to preserve them as UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage. Vietnamese folk dances, each symbolizing different aspects of life, have been subjects of my thorough study.
This depth of knowledge culminates in a holistic understanding of Vietnamese culture, as showcased in the provided article. From the significance of festivals like Tết and Tet Trung Thu to the cultural importance of ancestral celebrations and traditional clothing, every aspect contributes to the vibrant mosaic that is Vietnam.
As an advocate for cultural immersion, I wholeheartedly endorse the article's message of embracing Vietnamese traditions, learning the language, and experiencing the beauty of Vietnam firsthand. The article rightly emphasizes that learning Vietnamese is not just about words; it's about unlocking a profound connection with a culture that is as diverse as it is enchanting.
