Vietnamese traditional festivals are a vibrant tapestry of culture and history, rich with unique customs, rituals, and language. They are not only a time for celebration but also an opportunity for language learners to immerse themselves in the Vietnamese language through specific vocabulary associated with these cultural events. Understanding these terms can provide deeper insights into the festivities and enhance communication with locals during these significant occasions.

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General Terms

One of the first terms you’ll encounter is Lễ hội, which translates to “festival.” This word is essential as it is used to describe any festival, whether religious or secular.

Lễ hội đền Hùng diễn ra vào tháng Tư. (The Hung Temple Festival occurs in April.)

Another fundamental word is âm lịch, meaning “lunar calendar.” Most Vietnamese traditional festivals are based on the lunar calendar.

Hôm nay là ngày mùng 5 âm lịch. (Today is the 5th day of the lunar calendar.)

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Specific Festival Names

Tết Nguyên Đán, often simply called Tết, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and is perhaps the most significant festival in Vietnam.

Tết Nguyên Đán là dịp để gia đình quây quần bên nhau. (Tet Nguyen Dan is a time for families to gather together.)

Tết Trung Thu is the Mid-Autumn Festival, another important celebration especially for children.

Tết Trung Thu năm nay có nhiều đèn lồng đẹp. (This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival has many beautiful lanterns.)

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Festival Activities

During festivals, several key activities take place, each with its own set of vocabulary. Giao lưu means “to exchange” and is often used to describe cultural exchanges such as singing, dancing, or games.

Chúng ta sẽ giao lưu văn nghệ với các bạn đến từ các tỉnh khác. (We will have cultural exchanges with friends from other provinces.)

Rước kiệu refers to the palanquin procession, a common sight in many religious festivals.

Rước kiệu đi qua các ngõ nhỏ của làng. (The palanquin procession goes through the village’s small alleys.)

Thi đấu means “to compete,” generally referring to traditional games and sports competitions held during the festivals.

Ngày mai sẽ có thi đấu kéo co. (Tomorrow there will be a tug-of-war competition.)

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Festival Foods

No Vietnamese festival would be complete without its special dishes. Bánh chưng and bánh dày are traditional cakes made of glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, typically eaten during Tết.

Bánh chưng được gói trong lá chuối. (Banh chung is wrapped in banana leaves.)

Bánh trôi and bánh chay are glutinous rice balls served during Tết Hàn Thực, also known as Cold Food Festival.

Mẹ tôi đang làm bánh trôi cho ngày Tết Hàn Thực. (My mother is making banh troi for the Cold Food Festival.)

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Religious Practices

Religious practices are central to many Vietnamese festivals. Lễ bái means “worship ceremony,” which is an essential part of these events.

Lễ bái tại đền thờ tổ tiên rất trang nghiêm. (The worship ceremony at the ancestral temple is very solemn.)

Cúng refers to the act of making offerings to deities or ancestors.

Gia đình tôi cúng hoa quả và vàng mã. (My family offers fruits and votive papers.)

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Decorations

Festivals also involve a lot of decorations, which have their own vocabulary. Đèn lồng are lanterns that adorn streets and homes.

Đèn lồng được treo khắp phố phường cho Tết Trung Thu. (Lanterns are hung all around the streets for the Mid-Autumn Festival.)

Hoành phi are horizontal lacquered boards engraved with Chinese characters, often seen in temples.

Hoành phi trong đền có khắc câu đối đẹp. (The horizontal lacquered boards in the temple are engraved with beautiful couplets.)

By familiarizing yourself with these terms and phrases, you can gain a more authentic understanding and appreciation of Vietnamese traditional festivals. This vocabulary not only enhances your language skills but also deepens your cultural insight, making your experience of these vibrant celebrations even more enriching.