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About Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)

 

The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as Tết Trung Thu. Tết Trung Thu is a popular lunar harvest festival celebrated by the Vietnamese people. The festival is a wonderful, ancient festival that revolves around children. Tết Trung Thu is one of the popular festivals in Vietnam, and has been an important holiday to families in Vietnam for many years.

It is said that originally, Tết Trung Thu came about as a way for parents to make up for lost time with their children after the harvest season. After spending much time working hard and away from the family, the parents were anxious to spend time with their children and do something special with them, as well as celebrate the harvest.  The celebration was held under the full moon, which represents fullness and prosperity of life.
     

To help children get ready for the Tết Trung Thu, parents help children make their lanterns and costumes for the lantern procession. Parents also use this opportunity to share the history and culture of Vietnam. During Tết Trung Thu, children parade on the streets, while singing and carrying colorful lanterns of different sizes. Some of the popular shapes include fish, stars, and butterflies. Dances, including dragon dancing are also part of the tradition of Tet Trung Thu. 
     

It is customary to give Banh Trung Thu, boxes of moon cakes to families and friends. Banh Trung Thu cakes are traditionally very rich in taste. The cakes are filled with lotus seeds, ground beans and have a bright yoke in the center to represent the moon.
      

Tết Trung Thu, as well as encouraging affection for children, promotes cultural heritage, poetry, dance and arts and crafts. It is a wonderful opportunity to share and learn about the Vietnamese’s culture, and a great opportunity for family fun.

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