Top 10 Essays on Vietnamese Festivals in English

Among all the special holidays in Vietnam, Tet is my favorite. It's a time when families come together in a joyful and warm atmosphere.

Before Tet, preparations begin early. People decorate their homes with flowers, buy kumquat trees, peach blossoms, apricot trees, clothes, food, and make traditional "chung" cakes.

The streets are beautifully lit and decorated with flowers. During Tet, I spend time visiting family, friends, and colleagues. We exchange the best wishes for the coming year.

Another tradition is giving lucky money, placed in red envelopes as a symbol of good fortune. Elders typically give it to children and older family members, but nowadays, anyone can give or receive it, including friends and neighbors. Additionally, many Vietnamese visit pagodas or temples to pray for health, prosperity, and success. There's a fun tradition where people avoid arguments and negative speech during Tet.

For Vietnamese, Tet is the happiest time of the year, when families reunite. It represents the meaningful spirit of the Lunar New Year, focused on returning to our roots, being kind to others, cherishing precious moments, and hoping for the best in the coming year.

Translation:

Among the special holidays in Vietnam, Tet is my favorite. It is a time for family reunions in a warm and festive atmosphere.

Before Tet, everyone gets busy preparing their homes with decorations like kumquat trees, peach blossoms, apricot trees, as well as buying clothes and food and making traditional "chung" cakes.

The streets are decorated with colorful lights and flowers. During Tet, I visit relatives, friends, and colleagues, exchanging best wishes for the new year.

Traditionally, elders give lucky money to children and the elderly. But today, anyone can give or receive it, whether it be from friends, parents, or neighbors. Additionally, many Vietnamese go to pagodas or temples to pray for health, wealth, and success. Interestingly, people avoid arguments and negative words during Tet.

For Vietnamese people, Tet is the happiest time of the year when families come together, celebrating the essence of the Lunar New Year, embracing the traditions of honoring our roots, being kind to others, enjoying precious moments, and hoping for good things to come.

After the Lunar New Year, the first major festival is Tet Nguyen Tieu, also known as the First Full Moon of the Year.

Many Vietnamese believe that the First Full Moon of the New Year is the most significant full moon of all. On the 15th of January in the Lunar calendar, people typically visit pagodas to pray for happiness and good fortune for their families and friends.

It is also common for people to eat vegetarian food and drink only plain water on this day, as the focus is on achieving inner peace and inviting good luck for the year ahead.

Translation:

After the Lunar New Year, the first major holiday is Tet Nguyen Tieu, or the first full moon of the New Year.

Most Vietnamese people believe that Tet Nguyen Tieu is the most important full moon day of the entire year. On the 15th of January according to the Lunar calendar, people usually go to pagodas to pray for good things to come to their families and friends.

It is customary to eat vegetarian food and drink only plain water during this festival, as the goal is to achieve a peaceful mind and to ensure a lucky year ahead.

Valentine's Day, also known as Saint Valentine's Day, is a global celebration observed on February 14th each year.

In many countries, this is the traditional day for lovers to express their affection by exchanging Valentine's cards, giving flowers, or enjoying a dinner together.

One of the most popular gifts on this day is chocolate. The holiday is named after a Christian priest named Valentine.

The symbol most closely associated with Valentine's Day is Cupid, the Roman god of love. Depicted as a young boy armed with a bow and arrow, Cupid represents love. The first celebration of St. Valentine's Day took place in England and later spread to other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and South America.

However, in some countries, like India, Valentine's Day is not officially recognized. In India, many couples are prohibited from expressing their love publicly or even spending time together on this day.

Translation:

Valentine's Day, or Saint Valentine's Day, is a global celebration observed on February 14th each year.

In some countries, it is a day for lovers to show affection by exchanging Valentine's cards, giving flowers, or dining together.

Chocolate is a common gift exchanged on Valentine's Day. The holiday is named after a Christian priest named Valentine.

The most recognizable symbol of Valentine's Day is Cupid, the Roman god of love. Cupid is portrayed as a young boy with a bow and arrow. The first Valentine's Day celebration was in England and later spread to various countries across Europe, Asia, and South America.

However, in certain countries like India, Valentine's Day is not permitted. In India, couples are often forbidden from going out together or displaying affection in public places.

Mother's Day is a special occasion to honor and celebrate mothers everywhere. It is observed annually on the second Sunday of May.

In modern times, it has become popular for children to celebrate Mother's Day at school, often in the presence of their mothers. On this day, mothers are typically given greeting cards or other thoughtful gifts by their children. Families often go out to enjoy a nice dinner together. In return, mothers may shower their children with gifts, love, and care.

It is also common for mothers to be invited to schools, where teachers, students, and mothers collectively celebrate the day. Both mothers and children participate in various activities to make the most of the celebration. Mothers prepare special meals like macaroni, fried noodles, sweets, cookies, and more, according to their children's preferences.

Mothers also join in activities such as dancing, singing, or giving speeches. Children take part in recitations, oral presentations, dancing, singing, and even essay writing, all themed around Mother's Day.

At the end of the celebration, mothers serve the dishes they’ve prepared to all the students and teachers in the classroom, sharing the love and joy of the day.

Translation:

Mother's Day is a special occasion to celebrate mothers. It is held annually on the second Sunday of May.

Today, it is common for children to celebrate Mother's Day at school, with their mothers often attending the event. On this day, children typically give their mothers greeting cards or gifts. Families go out to enjoy a nice meal, and mothers also give gifts and show extra love and care to their children.

Children invite their mothers to school, where teachers, students, and mothers celebrate together. Both mothers and children take part in activities such as cooking special meals like macaroni, noodles, sweets, and cookies, according to children's tastes.

Mothers also participate in various activities, such as dancing, singing, or giving speeches. Children may participate in rhyming recitations, oral discussions, dancing, singing, or writing essays related to Mother's Day.

At the end of the celebration, mothers serve the special dishes they have prepared to students and teachers, creating a joyful and memorable experience for all.

Like many other celebrations, Halloween has evolved significantly over time. Over 2000 years ago, the Celts, a group of people living in what is now Ireland, the UK, and parts of northern France, celebrated their New Year's Day on November 1st. They believed that the night before, October 31st, was a time when the living and the dead could interact.

Over a thousand years ago, the Christian church designated November 1st as All Saints Day (also called All Hallows), a special day to honor the saints and martyrs of the faith. The night before became known as Hallows Eve, which eventually morphed into Halloween.

Like the Celts, Europeans believed that on Halloween, the spirits of the dead roamed the earth. Fearing that evil spirits might cause harm, people would dress in costumes resembling ghosts or malevolent beings, hoping that by appearing as if they were dead, the spirits would pass them by.

The tradition of Halloween was brought to America by European immigrants. While the core customs remained, some aspects of the tradition changed. In Europe, people would carve lanterns from turnips, but in America, pumpkins became the preferred choice. They began carving pumpkins and placing candles inside, creating the Jack-o'-lanterns we know today.

Translation:

Like many other holidays, Halloween has undergone significant changes throughout history. Over 2000 years ago, the Celts, who lived in what is now Ireland, the UK, and parts of northern France, celebrated New Year's Day on November 1st. They believed that the night before, October 31st, was when the living and the dead would meet.

Over a thousand years ago, the Christian church established November 1st as All Saints Day (also known as All Hallows), a holy day to honor those who had died for their faith. The night before was known as Hallows' Eve, which later became Halloween.

Just like the Celts, Europeans at that time believed that the spirits of the deceased would visit the earth on Halloween night. Fearing that evil spirits might cause harm, people dressed up as ghosts or monsters, thinking the spirits would mistake them for the dead and leave them alone.

The Halloween tradition was brought to America by European immigrants, with some changes to the customs. For example, in Europe, people carved lanterns from turnips, but in America, pumpkins were more commonly used. People started carving pumpkins and lighting them with candles, creating the Jack-o'-lanterns we see today.

Christmas is, in my opinion, one of the happiest times of the year. According to ancient traditions, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, people decorate their homes with lights, Christmas trees, and other festive ornaments. They also prepare special meals for this occasion. Children eagerly hang their Christmas stockings, hoping to receive gifts from Santa Claus. Christmas Day is a time when families gather around the fireplace, enjoying the meal, chatting, and playing games in a cozy atmosphere. Later, many people attend church services, offering prayers to God, confessing their sins and struggles, and hoping for health and happiness in the coming year.

Everyone is smiling, especially children. It's an exciting time for them as they eagerly anticipate opening their presents and playing with new toys and games.

One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas is Santa Claus – the jolly old man with a white beard and red suit, who children believe brings them presents during the holiday season.

However, it's important not to forget the true meaning of Christmas. It's not about shopping, Christmas trees, or Frosty the Snowman. It's about love for one another and spreading peace throughout the world. Let’s keep this message alive.

Translation:

For me, Christmas is one of the happiest times of the year. According to ancient tradition, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, people decorate their homes with lights, Christmas trees, and other festive decorations, and prepare meals for the special day. Children hang their Christmas stockings, hoping to receive gifts from Santa Claus. Christmas is a time when families come together, gather around the fireplace, enjoy the meal, talk, and play games in a warm atmosphere. Afterward, people go to church, pray to God, confess their sins, and hope for health and happiness in the coming year.

Everyone wears a smile, especially the children. It's truly an exciting time for them. They're eager to open their gifts and play with their new toys and games.

The most famous symbol is Santa Claus – the imaginary elderly man with long white hair and a red suit, believed by children to bring them presents on Christmas Day.

Let’s not forget the true meaning of Christmas. It’s not about shopping, Christmas trees, or Frosty the Snowman. It’s about love for others and peace on earth. Let’s hope this message stays alive.

The Vu Lan ceremony is a Buddhist observance celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.

In Vietnamese belief, this is the day when the gates of the underworld open, allowing the spirits of the deceased to return to their homes and reunite with their families. The ceremony's purpose is to pray for the souls of departed loved ones, hoping they are spared from punishment in the afterlife.

Additionally, Vu Lan is considered Vietnam's Mother's Day, a time for children to express gratitude to their parents and reflect on their duties as sons and daughters.

The rose is a symbol of love, nobility, and fragrance. Honoring one's parents by wearing a rose on the chest is the most beautiful expression of love and respect, embodying the Vietnamese value of 'Hieu' (filial piety). Many Vietnamese people wear a pink rose during Vu Lan to signify having living parents, while those who have lost their mother wear a white rose as a mark of remembrance.

Translation:

The Vu Lan ceremony is a Buddhist holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.

In Vietnamese tradition, on this day, the gates of the underworld open, allowing the souls of the departed to return to their homes and reunite with their families. The purpose of the ceremony is to wish for the souls of the deceased to avoid suffering in the afterlife.

Additionally, this day is considered Vietnam's Mother's Day, a time for children to express their affection for their parents and to remember their responsibilities as children.

The rose is chosen as a symbol of love, nobility, and fragrance. Wearing a rose in honor of one's parents is the most beautiful gesture, reflecting the principle of filial piety. On Vu Lan, many Vietnamese people wear a pink rose to symbolize having living parents, while those who have lost their mothers wear a white rose.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, known as 'Tet Trung Thu' in Vietnam, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, marking the middle of autumn.

In preparation for the festival, people begin making colorful lanterns of various shapes. Moon cakes, or 'bánh trung thu', are also prepared, along with a variety of traditional toys for children. Some of the most common toys include star-shaped lanterns, paper animals, and other playful designs. Children carry lanterns as they walk through the streets, singing cheerful songs each evening.

When the main festival begins, lion dances take place, accompanied by the lively sounds of drums and cymbals.

Numerous activities are organized for the occasion, allowing both adults and children to enjoy the beauty of the full moon in their own ways.

Of course, no celebration of Mid-Autumn would be complete without moon cakes. The round shape of the moon cake represents completeness and family reunions.

Translation:

In Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival, known as 'Tet Trung Thu', is celebrated in the middle of autumn, on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It is considered the festival of children.

People begin preparing for the festival by creating colorful lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Moon cakes are also prepared, along with toys for children. Traditional toys include star-shaped lanterns, paper lions, and other playful items. Children carry their lanterns through the streets, singing joyful songs in the evening.

During the peak of the festival, lion dances are performed to the sounds of lively drums and cymbals. There are many activities arranged for everyone, and both adults and children celebrate in their unique ways.

And when talking about Mid-Autumn, one cannot forget the moon cakes. Their round shape symbolizes unity and the reunion of families.

The Western New Year, celebrated on January 1st, is one of the significant holidays in Vietnam. Over recent years, the observance of New Year's Day according to the Gregorian calendar has gained popularity in Vietnam and many other countries. New Year’s Day celebrations vary greatly from culture to culture, with some countries having traditions where children receive gifts on this day.

The New Year typically begins with fireworks and music as the clock strikes midnight, marking the transition from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day. In many countries where New Year’s Day is a public holiday, schools, post offices, government offices, and most businesses close for the occasion.

During this time, the Vietnamese government grants people time off to celebrate, and various related activities are held. This holiday provides an opportunity for people to go on picnics, travel, or simply gather with friends and family to enjoy small parties together.

Translation:

Western New Year is one of the most important holidays in Vietnam. Celebrating New Year’s according to the Gregorian calendar has become increasingly popular in Vietnam in recent years and is observed in many other countries as well. New Year celebrations vary significantly across different cultures, with some countries having traditions where children receive gifts on this day.

The start of the Western New Year is often marked by fireworks and music, as the clock strikes midnight between New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Schools, post offices, government offices, and most businesses are closed in countries where New Year’s Day is recognized as a public holiday.

During this holiday, the Vietnamese government allows for time off, and people participate in various festivities. It is a chance for people to enjoy outdoor activities, travel, or simply meet with loved ones and organize small gatherings.

The literal translation of "Giao Thua" is the "transition from the old year to the new year." According to Vietnamese tradition, there are 12 sacred animals of the Zodiac, each taking turns overseeing the affairs of the Earth.

Thus, Giao Thua (New Year's Eve) marks the moment when the old chief (the Rat for 2020) completes its rule and hands over authority to the new chief (the Ox for 2021).

Giao Thua is also the time when the Kitchen God (Ong Tao) returns to Earth after reporting to the Jade Emperor. Every family holds an outdoor ceremony to welcome him back to their home, specifically to their kitchen.

This time of the year is considered sacred. Therefore, the first guest to enter the house after midnight holds significant importance. If this guest is well-regarded, successful, or famous, the family believes that it will bring them good fortune and blessings for the year ahead.

Translation:

The term "Giao Thua" literally means "the passing from the old year to the new year." Vietnamese people believe that 12 animals of the Zodiac take turns overseeing human affairs. Therefore, Giao Thua is the moment when the old Zodiac animal (for example, the Rat of 2020) completes its tenure and passes on power to the new animal (the Ox of 2021).

It is also when the Kitchen God (Ong Tao) returns to the Earth after making his annual report to the Jade Emperor. Families traditionally perform an outdoor ceremony to welcome him back into their homes and kitchens during the midnight of Giao Thua.

Giao Thua is the most sacred moment of the year. The first guest to visit the family after the new year is particularly significant. If the guest is someone of high respect, education, success, or fame, the family believes that this will ensure good luck and prosperity for the entire year.