(VOVworld) – The Vietnamese family order entails not only a proper way of behavior and communication, but also love for family tradition and culture. These can be shown as respect for the elderly and teachers, a fondness for learning, a passion for the family occupation, and handling responsibilities for preserving legacies left by the previous generations.
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Traditionally, two or three generations of a Vietnamese family lived together, even four generations under the same roof. That’s why family traditions are very important for happiness as the saying goes: “Every family should have traditions”. People followed a hierarchical order: respecting and obeying their elders, while loving the young. Such a simple philosophy of life helped maintain happiness among generations of Vietnamese families.
Another prominent feature of the traditional family is remembering the root and being grateful to the parents. Ms. Duong Thi Hau who lives in Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung district has 8 siblings. Now even as a grandmother, Hau together with her husband, children and grandchildren continues to visit her parents in Thuong Tin district on the outskirts of Hanoi. Duong Tu Cuong is Hau’s father: “We always remember what our parents did for us. Happy children frequently visit their parents and present gifts to them. We are very pleased that our offspring respect us”.
Ms. Hau has taught her children how to behave toward their elder relatives. And first of all, the elderly should be an example for the younger to follow. Retired military officer Dinh Van Hanh in Ly Nam De street, Hanoi, told VOV: “Although being retired, we are still engaged in social activities. We try to be exemplary in lifestyle and communication for our offspring. We also help educate the younger generations. In my lifetime, I have never used force against my children or grandchildren”.
In today’s modern life, young couples often live separately from their parents. But family traditions remain. Ms. Do Thi Hien and her husband in Hoang Cau street, Hanoi, usually travel far from home on business trips. No matter how busy they are, they arrange to be reunited with their other family members at the weekend. In such one family gathering, Hien was moved to receive a gift from her son on her wedding anniversary: “I was surprised when I got a picture my son created for me on our wedding anniversary. I feel very touched and happy as my children have grown up”.
Every family has its own destiny, but there’s one common thing: family love and bonds. The harmony of traditional and modern family values contributes to the firm foundation of Vietnamese society.