Traditional festivals and celebrations always play a significant role in Vietnamese culture. Besides Tet festival, the biggest and the most important celebration for Vietnamese people, the Mid-Autumn Festival, or also known as the Moon Festival or the Children’s Festival, is also a special time in the year. It’s usually held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Vietnamese lunar calendar. This special celebration is mostly embraced by children as they will have an opportunity to dress in beautiful clothes with attractive and colorful lanterns of various sizes, shapes and designs in their hands, ready for a grand procession around their neighborhood. Traditionally, lanterns signify the wish for the light and warmth. The adults also feel extremely happy as they see the radiant look on their little angels’ faces in the parades. However, the Mid-Autumn Festival is more like an occasion for outdoor reunions among friends and relatives to eat mooncakes and watch the moon, a symbol of harmony and unity. This is also a special time for the traditional values and precious memories and life stories to be shared and handed/ passed down from generation to generation. Performances of dragon and lion dances are also a familiar sight on the streets when the moon is full. I really enjoy this traditional festival as this is the chance for me as well as other adults to relive our treasured childhood and a great occasion to strengthen our family ties and help the younger people to better cherish the important cultural values
