Lunar New Year folk rituals re-enacted at Thang Long Imperial Citadel
(VOVWORLD) - A Vietnamese Tet (traditional Lunar New Year) program re-enacting folk rituals, customs and games is being held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel as part of celebrations for the Year of the Cat.
 The display area of folk paintings (Photo: Thuy Tien/ VOV) |
The display area highlights Vietnamese customs of worshipping ancestors, hanging calligraphy and folk paintings, and extending New Year wishes. Dong Ho, Hang Trong, and Kim Hoang folk paintings are on display in one corner while the other corner showcasing preparations for Tet. 43-year-old Vu Thi Thu Ha said: “The exhibition reminds me of the past, like the craft of making Dong Ho paintings. Other pavilions display ceramic pigs reminding us of the way we keep lucky money during Tet.”
60-year-old Nguyen Huy Thuong shares his impression with the Tet program: “There are many photos and objects that remind me of the traditional lunar New Year celebration in the old days, such as firecrackers, lemon wine, and Chung cakes (square sticky rice cakes). I’m impressed by the pavilion displaying items of Tet in the past.”
 An area showcases preparations for Tet (Photo: Thuy Tien/ VOV) |
The area showcasing items of traditional Tet attracts adults and young people alike who come to learn more about Vietnamese customs and traditions.
Le Anh Thu, a high school student in Hanoi, said: “Vietnamese people have a worshipping rituals on the 23th day of the last lunar month and worshipping ancestors on the first three days of the first lunar month. I think these are fine customs of Vietnamese people which remind us of our ancestors during Lunar New Year.”
The Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation center will launch a display of royal rituals on January 14 (the 23th day of the last lunar month).