Top 7 Explanatory Essays on Vietnam's Traditional Customs

The tradition of making 'Bánh Chưng' during Tet has become an essential part of Vietnam's cultural identity, passed down through generations. Each Tet, families prepare these square, green cakes, offering them to their ancestors at the family altar. According to the legend of 'Bánh Chưng and Bánh Dày', during the sixth Hung Kings' reign, the king asked his sons to present a gift representing their respect for the ancestors. The 18th son, Lang Liêu, the poorest of the princes but known for his kindness and filial piety, crafted the 'Bánh Chưng' and 'Bánh Dày' using simple ingredients like glutinous rice, green beans, pork, and dong leaves to symbolize the Earth and Heaven. His humble offering pleased the king, and Lang Liêu was crowned. Thus, 'Bánh Chưng' and 'Bánh Dày' became sacred offerings in ancestor worship, a symbol of gratitude and respect that remains a staple in Tet celebrations. The unique square shape and green color of the 'Bánh Chưng' represent Vietnam's rice-culture heritage. The cake’s filling of tender, flavorful pork and green beans is wrapped tightly in dong leaves, then boiled for hours to ensure a delicious, aromatic result. The process of wrapping the cake is meticulous; the leaves must be wrapped tightly to keep the water out, and the string must be secure yet not too tight. These cakes are traditionally offered during the Tet celebration and are considered an essential part of the family meal, with their green color symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. After Tet, leftover 'Bánh Chưng' is often fried and enjoyed as a delicious snack, particularly favored by children. Each bite of crispy fried 'Bánh Chưng' evokes the essence of Tet and connects the Vietnamese to their cultural roots, offering a sensory experience that is rich in tradition and meaning.

In Vietnamese belief, the three Kitchen Gods, or 'Táo Quân', are responsible for determining the family's fortune based on the actions of its members. The altar for the Kitchen Gods is typically placed near the stove, and the Gods are often referred to as the 'Kings of the Kitchen'. On the 23rd day of the last lunar month, these Gods ascend to heaven to report the deeds of the family to the Jade Emperor (or Heaven). This day is also known as 'Tết ông Công ông Táo' or the Kitchen Gods' Festival. According to tradition, the Kitchen Gods report truthfully on the behavior of the family throughout the year, both good and bad. The Gods travel to heaven on golden carps, and families perform offerings ranging from simple to elaborate, depending on their means. A set of paper offerings, including the Kitchen Gods' clothes and shoes, are burnt after the ceremony. In some families, a chicken is also offered, particularly a young rooster, symbolizing strength and vitality for the children. In the North, families may release a live carp into a pond, symbolizing the fish transforming into a dragon to carry the Kitchen Gods to the heavens. In Central Vietnam, a paper horse is often used, while in the South, the offerings are simpler, including just the hats, robes, and shoes made of paper. The ritual is performed near the stove, and the family may light the stove to ensure a prosperous year. The ceremony can be done anytime between the 22nd and 24th of the last month, according to local customs. Regardless of the specific practices, the most important aspect is the sincerity of the offerings. This tradition reflects the Vietnamese people's respect for their ancestors and their dedication to preserving cultural customs, especially as the country celebrates the upcoming Lunar New Year with other important rites such as the year-end ceremony and the New Year's Eve celebration.

Over the course of more than four thousand years of Vietnamese history, we have developed and preserved many beautiful traditional customs. These customs are a hallmark of our culture, reflecting the deep identity of our nation. One of the most enduring traditions in Vietnamese culture is the wedding ceremony. While modern weddings have become simpler and more affordable, removing some of the complexity from the rituals, the core traditions remain intact, symbolizing the sacred bond between husband and wife.

It can be said that after more than a thousand years of Chinese domination, the Vietnamese wedding rituals were influenced by Chinese culture. However, this was a selective process where the Vietnamese people adopted valuable cultural elements and, through creativity and flexibility, developed a distinct tradition. The traditional wedding ceremony included six main rites: the Nạp Thái, where the groom's family presented a pair of birds to the bride's family to indicate their intention to marry her; the Vấn Danh, where a matchmaker would visit the bride's family to gather her name, birth date, and other details to ensure compatibility with the groom; the Nạp Cát, when the groom’s family would announce that the couple’s compatibility had been confirmed; the Nạp Tệ or Nạp Trưng, which involved the groom’s family delivering a dowry to the bride’s family as a confirmation of the engagement; the Thỉnh Kỳ, where an auspicious date was chosen for the wedding; and finally, the Nghinh Thân, when the groom's family came to escort the bride to her new home in a ceremony of ancestor worship to complete the marriage.

These rituals were an essential part of traditional Vietnamese weddings, but today many of them have been simplified or omitted to reduce costs and make the process easier for the couple and their families. Rites such as the Nạp Thái, Vấn Danh, Nạp Cát, and Thỉnh Kỳ are often skipped, and the celebrations are more intimate, sometimes only between the two families. The names of these rites have also been adapted to suit contemporary Vietnamese customs. The first step in the modern wedding process is the Dạm Ngõ, when the groom's family formally asks the bride’s family for her hand in marriage with betel leaves, areca nuts, and wine. If conditions allow, the family may also hold a formal Ăn Hỏi (Engagement) ceremony, during which the families publicly announce the engagement and set a date for the wedding.

The Ăn Hỏi ceremony is typically a small, informal gathering between the two families, where they discuss preparations for the wedding. The ceremony and the reception are usually held at the bride's house. The bride traditionally wears an intricately designed áo dài made of lace or silk in white or red, symbolizing joy, happiness, and luck, while the groom wears a formal suit to represent maturity and readiness to care for his future wife.

During the engagement party, the groom's family brings a dowry to the bride's house, including betel leaves, wine, tea, cakes, fruits, and sweets, all beautifully arranged in red embroidered baskets. At the appropriate time, the groom's family delivers the dowry to the bride's house, where it is received by the bride's family. Once approved, the groom will formally ask for the bride’s hand and they will both pay respects to the ancestors, followed by the exchange of engagement rings, symbolizing their commitment. Afterward, the two families will discuss the wedding details, including the time and date, and the bride and groom will visit both families to offer tea and take photos, marking the end of the engagement ceremony.

After the Ăn Hỏi, the next step is the wedding ceremony itself. On the wedding day, the bride wakes up early, applies her makeup, and dons her most beautiful wedding dress, waiting for the groom to arrive. The attire for both the bride and groom is similar to the engagement ceremony, with the bride possibly holding a bouquet and wearing a more elaborate wedding dress. She can choose between a Western-style gown or a traditional áo dài, while the groom typically wears a classic suit in black, gray, or white. Before the ceremony begins, the groom’s family sends representatives with wine and betel leaves to inform the bride’s family that the wedding procession is on its way, allowing them to prepare for the arrival of the bride.

The wedding procession consists of the groom’s family walking in two lines, with the elders leading the way, followed by the groom and the bearer of the dowry. Upon reaching the bride's house, the groom’s representative lights incense on the family altar to announce their arrival. The bride and groom then take their turn, offering incense to the ancestors and requesting their blessing. The newlyweds then invite both families to partake in betel leaves, while the parents and relatives offer gifts to the couple, traditionally gold jewelry such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets, symbolizing support for their future life together. After all the rites are performed, the groom’s family escorts the bride to her new home, where a group of young women are chosen to accompany her, ensuring a prosperous future for the bride. Following the wedding, a banquet is held to announce the marriage to the community, celebrating the union of the bride and groom with family and friends. During the wedding banquet, the parents of the bride and groom give speeches, and the couple exchanges wedding rings. Finally, the bride and groom invite their guests to toast to their new life together. In some regions, a tradition called 'Lại Mặt' takes place a few days after the wedding, where the couple visits the bride's family to offer gifts and perform a ceremonial feast, marking the beginning of their married life.

Vietnamese wedding customs, both traditional and modern, are rich with unique characteristics that preserve the nation’s cultural values. These traditions not only reflect the sanctity of marriage but also emphasize the bond between husband and wife, as well as the importance of family and community. While modern weddings are encouraged to be simple and efficient, we should never forget the beautiful traditions that enrich our culture, adapting them to current trends while preserving their essence.

For many generations, as winter fades and spring approaches, the Vietnamese people, along with several other East Asian cultures, eagerly prepare for Tết. One of the oldest traditions during this Lunar New Year is the planting of the 'nêu' tree. Whether in cities or villages, the sight of the nêu tree brings a sense of excitement and warmth, symbolizing family reunions and the arrival of spring. While the tradition of erecting the nêu has largely faded, it once stood as a symbol of the New Year, along with firecrackers and green sticky rice cakes. But what exactly is the nêu tree, and why was it erected? The answer is more complex than it seems.

The nêu tree is a tall bamboo plant, traditionally planted at the front of a house or in the garden, marking the arrival of Tết. The practice varies across regions—Northern Vietnam plants it at noon, Central Vietnam in the afternoon, and Southern Vietnam at dusk. The festival concludes with the 'Khai Hạ' ceremony on the seventh day of Tết, at which time the nêu tree is also removed. The nêu tree’s significance varies by region and ethnic group, but it is generally seen as a powerful spiritual symbol.

The traditional Vietnamese nêu is a bamboo pole, taller than the house, stripped of branches, and crowned with a basket containing offerings such as areca nuts, betel leaves, and incense. These items are tied with colorful paper streamers. The upright nêu stands as a commanding figure, symbolizing strength and prosperity for the coming year. In contrast, the Mường people’s nêu is slightly smaller and decorated with trellises and symbolic motifs representing wealth and good fortune.

Among the Co people in the Central Highlands, the nêu is made from a mixture of two different types of bamboo, adorned with a flag and a woven bird representing power and strength. For the Chinese, who are influenced by Taoist beliefs, the nêu takes the form of a 'peach tree' that wards off evil spirits. The Vietnamese legend of the nêu tells of how it was originally used to protect people from evil spirits, with the nêu serving as a magical boundary between the forces of good and evil.

Although many cultures have different variations, the common thread remains a spiritual connection: the nêu tree represents the fight against evil, bringing a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all. The nêu’s design also reflects the cycle of life, with its circular shape symbolizing the sun’s warmth and life-giving energy. Even today, the nêu tree continues to be an enduring symbol of Vietnam’s Tết celebrations, although it is slowly disappearing in urban areas.

Tet has long been a cherished cultural tradition in Vietnam. The ways of celebrating Tet have evolved over time, but one customs that has remained constant is the giving of red envelopes. Giving red envelopes during Tet has been a long-standing tradition in Vietnam.

There are no precise records of when the tradition of giving red envelopes started, but various interesting legends suggest its origin. According to one legend, a monster would appear on New Year's Eve, frightening children by touching their heads as they slept, causing them to cry out in fear. The next morning, the children would suffer from headaches and high fevers, making their parents stay awake to protect them. One year, a couple in their fifties had a son, and on New Year's Eve, eight celestial beings visited their home. They knew that the child was in danger of being harmed by the monster, so they transformed into eight coins and stood guard by the child. After the child fell asleep, the couple placed the coins in a red paper wrapper on the child's pillow before going to sleep. In the middle of the night, the monster appeared, but as it reached out to touch the child's head, the coins began to shine brightly, scaring the monster away. This miracle spread, and soon, during Tet, people would place coins inside red envelopes and give them to children. These coins came to be known as 'lucky money.'

Another legend connects this tradition to the son of Yang Guifei, a renowned beauty from the Tang Dynasty in China. Regardless of the legend, the tradition of giving red envelopes always carried the meaning of wishing children good health, fortune, and happiness as they entered the new year. This custom spread to Vietnam centuries ago, and it has continued to be a significant part of the Tet celebrations.

Giving red envelopes during Tet takes place in the early days of the new year, following the moment of the new year's arrival. The giving of money is not limited to just the first day of Tet, but can continue throughout the first three days, and sometimes as late as the ninth or tenth day of the new year. On New Year's Day, children visit their grandparents, relatives, and friends to offer well wishes for the new year. Adults prepare red envelopes containing money, which can be small or large, to give to the children. Red envelopes are typically used, as red is considered an auspicious color in Vietnamese culture, but nowadays, red envelopes come in various colors, shapes, and designs, featuring short meaningful phrases like 'Wishing you wealth and prosperity,' 'Wishing you health and happiness,' and 'Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year.'

The custom of giving red envelopes carries profound meanings. The envelope symbolizes discretion, avoiding any display of comparison that might lead to conflicts or misunderstandings during the celebrations. Giving red envelopes to children represents wishes for peace, safety, and good fortune as they grow older. Giving red envelopes to parents and elders shows respect and well-wishes for their health. Particularly, red envelopes symbolize wealth and prosperity; the more envelopes one receives or gives during Tet, the more one believes they will achieve prosperity in the coming year.

Giving red envelopes is not only a beautiful tradition during Tet, but also reflects the deep love and care shared among the people of Vietnam. Despite the many changes over time, the tradition of giving red envelopes has remained a cherished custom, preserving its significance year after year. A small red envelope holds many meanings of affection and goodwill, making it one of the most beloved customs in Vietnam.

Ancestor worship is a cherished cultural tradition among the Vietnamese, both past and present. The ancestor altar is an essential part of every home, regardless of wealth or social status. The practice of ancestor worship in Vietnam involves setting up an altar for deceased loved ones and offering daily or occasional rituals during important dates such as the Lunar New Year, death anniversaries, or the mid-month ceremonies. Many Vietnamese, regardless of their religion, also honor their ancestors.

For the Vietnamese, ancestor worship has evolved into a belief system. It’s not a religion, but a deep respect for one's parents, grandparents, and forebears. This practice plays a crucial role in shaping Vietnamese cultural identity and is integral to the nation’s traditions.

The roots of ancestor worship lie in the belief that the spirits of the deceased continue to exist and influence the lives of their descendants. The Vietnamese believe that death is not the end; while the body may decay, the spirit lives on, staying near the altar to protect and guide their family. They offer blessings in times of trouble and rejoice in moments of happiness, encouraging good deeds while punishing wrongdoings. This belief influences daily life, where people refrain from bad actions out of respect for their ancestors, often considering what their ancestors would approve of when making important decisions. The custom is based on the idea that the physical and spiritual worlds are intertwined, and the altar serves as a bridge between them.

Additionally, ancestor worship represents filial piety and gratitude towards one’s ancestors. It is a way to honor one’s roots, remember the sacrifices made by previous generations, and reinforce family bonds. On the altar, two candles symbolize the Sun and Moon, and incense represents the stars. Over time, the altar has become a sacred space, with various symbols reflecting respect for the deceased.

During rituals, incense is lit to communicate with ancestors, with prayers and offerings sent through the rising smoke. The altar must remain sacred, with offerings such as incense, flowers, tea, and fruit placed with care. Meat offerings are set on a separate table lower than the altar itself. The altar is usually placed in the most respected area of the home, where families “speak” with their ancestors during rituals, especially on key occasions such as death anniversaries, Tet, or other significant events. Even in modern times, it is common for newlywed couples to perform wedding rituals before the ancestral altar, symbolizing respect for their family heritage.

Incense is typically burned in odd numbers—1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11—as the Vietnamese believe that odd numbers are aligned with the spiritual realm. The incense sticks are carefully arranged, with the first offering placed in the center and the others on the left and right sides. This practice ensures the incense burns properly, as crooked or poorly placed incense could cause fire hazards.

The Vietnamese also observe regular ancestor offerings on the first day of each month (Sốc) and the full moon (Vọng), as well as on special occasions like births, marriages, or housewarmings. These offerings reflect the Vietnamese value of “Drinking water, remembering the source”, and the importance of honoring family and heritage.

Family bonds in Vietnam are complex, with extended families forming larger clans or lineages. The eldest member of the family is responsible for maintaining the ancestral rites, ensuring that the family remains connected to its roots. Clan members gather for annual memorial services, with offerings made to honor the founding ancestor of the clan. In the past, the ancestor’s name was often written in classical Chinese characters, but now many use the modern Vietnamese script.

Ancestor worship has been a part of Vietnamese culture for centuries, and it is essential for younger generations to continue this tradition, preserving the customs and values passed down from our ancestors.

The tradition of chewing betel has been deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture for centuries, symbolizing a strong connection to family and community. Betel and areca nut, often paired together, are linked to a long-standing custom known as the betel chewing tradition. This ritual not only reflects social interaction but also symbolizes fidelity and lasting relationships. So, where did this tradition originate, and what cultural significance do the betel and areca nuts hold in Vietnamese society both historically and in modern times?

The betel chewing tradition dates back to the reign of the Hung Kings (2879 - 258 BCE). According to the ancient text 'Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái' written between 1370 - 1400 by Trần Thế Pháp, the practice is rooted in a legendary story: Once upon a time, there was a man named Quang Lang, who was of a noble stature and was granted the surname Cao by the king. He had two sons, Tân and Lang, who were raised by a renowned Taoist master. As time passed, Tân, the elder son, married a woman, and this strained the relationship between the two brothers. One day, feeling disheartened, Lang set off on his own journey. Unfortunately, he was unable to cross a large river and perished from hunger, exhaustion, and thirst, his body transforming into a limestone rock. Grief-stricken, the older brother went in search of him, and upon reaching the riverbank, he too succumbed to his sorrow and turned into a betel tree. Tân’s wife, searching for her husband, also died near the river and became a betel vine that grew up the betel tree. The parents, mourning the loss of their children, erected a shrine to honor the family. One day, King Hung visited the area and heard the poignant tale. Moved by the story, the king ordered the betel nut, the betel vine, and some lime from the rock to be brought back to the palace. After chewing these ingredients, he felt a pleasant warmth spread through his body, and thus, he declared that this practice should become a cultural ritual to symbolize deep familial love and bonds. From that day forward, the Vietnamese betel chewing custom was born and has been passed down through generations.

For the Vietnamese people, the betel and areca nut symbolize a unique cultural identity. The betel leaf, with its red tint, the white lime, and the sliced areca nut, are not only the beginning of a conversation but also an expression of deep emotional connections. In fact, the saying ‘a betel nut is the beginning of a conversation’ highlights its role in bridging relationships. In ancient times, young lovers would use betel chewing as a way to express their affection, and even at community gatherings, it served as an icebreaker. Alongside the lime, the 'betel leaf of a phoenix wing' and the 'cut areca nut' were also part of the wedding dowry: 'Golden betel, green areca nut, our love shall be as enduring as our bond'.

Betel chewing was not only common during weddings and celebrations, but it was also a popular gift in Vietnamese villages, given during festivals and ceremonies. The poet Nguyễn Khuyến wrote, 'Offer a cove of betel to the elder, and ask for a pair of couplets to honor the elders.' Betel and areca nuts were also used in ancestor worship rituals, as expressed in the phrase, 'Offer a betel set and flower dish to honor the ancestors.' In this way, betel chewing has always been deeply connected to the daily life and cultural practices of the Vietnamese people.

The tradition of betel chewing was also closely linked with the practice of blackening teeth, a once-popular beauty standard among Vietnamese women in rural areas. Betel chewing was a part of their cultural expression, signifying beauty and femininity. This practice wasn’t exclusive to Vietnam—it also existed in countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and was notably practiced in India.

Today, although fewer people chew betel, the tradition is still maintained, particularly among the elderly in rural areas. In Vietnamese villages, one can still find elderly people quietly chewing betel and telling stories to their grandchildren in a calm and simple way. Despite the passage of time, the betel chewing tradition remains a significant part of Vietnamese culture and is expected to endure as a beautiful cultural heritage.