The exact origin of Family Reunion Tet remains unknown until today, but according to archaeologists, Mid-Autumn Festival came into existence thousands of years ago. Some believe it was introduced from China, while others think it has been passed down from ancient times of the kings.
So, What day is Family Reunion Tet? It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month annually, which is the full moon day of the 8th month. According to the 2023 calendar, Family Reunion Tet falls on August 15, 2023 in the lunar calendar, corresponding to September 29, 2023 in the solar calendar.
Mid-Autumn Festival is also celebrated in many other countries and regions around the world, including Japan, Thailand, China, South Korea, and more.
Significance of Family Reunion Tet
True to its name, Family Reunion Tet is a time for family members to sit together. A time for you to return to your loved ones after days of separation. Enjoy warm meals together, share life stories, and reminisce about memories.
Furthermore, Mid-Autumn Festival is an occasion for people to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and predict the crop season in the coming year. It is a day when the moon is at its fullest and brightest.
Mid-Autumn Festival is the perfect occasion for family members to gather around and cherish moments together.In the hustle and bustle of life, filled with work and studies, Mid-Autumn Festival stands out as a precious and cherished time, especially for those who live far from their families.
Every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, children are particularly excited and thrilled. The festival brings a feast of fruits, candies, colorful lanterns, and masks. Children enjoy lion dances, lantern parades, and the joy of breaking open mooncakes, fragrant and visually appealing.
Why is it called the Reunion Festival?
Mid-Autumn Festival is referred to as the Reunion Festival because on this day, family members come back together to unite and celebrate. This tradition is deeply ingrained in the subconscious of every Vietnamese. As Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, everyone tries to return home to gather with their family and share the joy of breaking mooncakes under the moonlight.
It's named the Reunion Festival as it's a time for family members to come together and bond.Children eagerly anticipate the playful masks and colorful lanterns. Mid-Autumn Festival is truly a meaningful and special occasion, filled with the warm laughter of family, living up to its name and significance as the Reunion Festival.
Customs of Celebrating the Reunion Festival in Vietnam
During every Reunion Festival in Vietnam, there are numerous diverse customs. Each custom brings distinctive characteristics to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Lantern Parade
The colorful lanterns have become a distinctive feature of Mid-Autumn Festival. Children carry vibrant lanterns, symbolizing luck and peace. According to ancient Chinese beliefs, lanterns represent good fortune and tranquility, so they are often hung in front of homes.
Lion Dance
Lion dance is a ubiquitous and essential activity during every reunion festival. Across villages and streets, the lively sounds of drums and lion dance performances fill the air. Lion dances are often showcased on the 14th and 15th nights. The lion dance team consists of a person wearing the lion head and controlling the entire team to mimic the gestures of this animal to the drumbeat. The lion symbolizes and heralds good fortune. Therefore, the Mid-Autumn lion dance seeks blessings for all households with positivity.
Breaking the Feast
On this day, people typically prepare a feast to offer to their ancestors and deities. The feast usually includes a variety of fruits, sweets, and beautifully crafted mooncakes. When the moon is at its fullest, families gather to break the feast under the moonlight.
Cutting Mid-Autumn Cakes
Mid-Autumn cakes are an indispensable element of the Reunion Festival. Families come together, cut the Mid-Autumn cakes, and enjoy them with a cup of tea, creating a delightful moment. Nowadays, Mid-Autumn cakes are becoming more modern, catering to a wider audience with diverse designs and colors.
On the night of the full moon during Mid-Autumn Festival, people often gather together, admire the round moon, eat cakes, and drink tea. Under the full moon, grandparents often tell children the legend of Cuoi and Hang sitting on the moon.
Heartfelt Mid-Autumn Festival Wishes for Loved Ones
Below, Mytour will share some meaningful and beautiful wishes for you. You can use these wishes to send warm greetings to your beloved ones.
Compilation of Heartwarming Mid-Autumn Festival Wishes for Family- Warm Wishes for Grandparents
On Mid-Autumn Festival, I wish my grandparents abundant health and prosperity, like the East Sea, longevity as South Mountain. May you have a warm and joyful Reunion Festival, filled with happiness alongside your descendants.
- Special Wishes for Parents
On the occasion of Mid-Autumn Festival, I wish Mom and Dad abundant health, prosperity, and happiness. I promise to strive to repay your nurturing kindness. Mom and Dad, please always stay by our side as a strong support for us.
- Best Wishes for Siblings
I wish you a peaceful and meaningful Mid-Autumn season. Thank you for always being by my side and supporting me.
Meaningful Reunion Gifts
Mid-Autumn Festival is a wonderful time for exchanging meaningful gifts. Gifts that come from the heart and soul. However, different age groups may have different gift ideas, so consider carefully when choosing.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Family and Friends during Mid-Autumn Festival- Gifts for parents and grandparents: You can consider practical gifts such as tea, tea cups, mooncakes, health-related items, etc. These are highly useful and practical gifts you can explore.
- Gifts for siblings: You can choose based on their interests, sometimes a notebook, a book, etc.
- Gifts for younger siblings: You can buy items like toys, lanterns, masks, depending on their preferences.
Conclusion
Here, Mytour has just shared with you some information about what Reunion Festival is, when it is celebrated? As well as meaningful wishes and gifts on the Reunion Festival. Hopefully, it has provided you with useful knowledge and a better understanding of the significance and customs of this celebration. Mid-Autumn Festival is always a time to preserve the happiest moments when we are with our family.