We may take a deeper look into its given name. As being said, Tết Đoan Ngọ is how it is called, with Đoan: “start” or “beginning”, and “Ngọ”: “noon” that lasts around 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM. Hence, the festival is usually celebrated with the purpose of warding away illness as well as evil spirits.

Unlike China where Duanwu – Mid Year Festival named by Chinese – is known as a festival to commemorate Qu Yuan (340-278 BC), an ancient Chinese patriotic poet, Vietnamese Tết Đoan Ngọ turns up in its own way. Once upon a time, peasants were eager to their prosperous harvest, then came a dense swarm of insects that severely laid siege to all of their yields. On spur of moment, a mysterious old man showed up, guided the villagers to offer bánh tro (made of glutinous rice flour dipped in lye), and fruits in front of their houses, then went for a warm up. As a surprise, the insects died with all of the sudden. This story has been told every single year through generations. Then 5^th of May in lunar calendar was chosen to be a big sort of commemoration and celebration, which got its name as “Tết Giết Sâu Bọ” – “The festival of killing insects” accordingly.

Vietnamese people hold the event not only just for the story of “killing insects” mentioned above but also for remaining their good health. This time of the year is a shift between two seasons (from Spring to Summer) that is believed to lead to the outcome of some epidemic diseases and illnesses. Then people tend to have foods and drinks like sticky rice wine – com ruou (fermented rice bathed in wine), bánh tro (made of glutinous rice flour dipped in lye) and fruits of sour taste to purge all diseases from their bodies. Above all, to most of our families, the festival is such a good opportunity for a big reunion.

The post The Festival of Killing Inner Insects in Vietnam | Travel Fest appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Peach Blossom (Hoa Đào)

if you ever pay a visit to Hanoi during Lunar New Year, you will definitely agree that all over the place is covered with a cheerful color coming from these pink petals of peach blossoms. This kind of plant is known as an iconic flower for Northern Vietnamese when it comes to spring. It is believed that not only peach blossoms can chase away evil spirit, but they also bring in a fresh vitality to your home, which helps you stay healthy and peaceful. Not just that, if you are a businessman, then peach blossom cannot be forgotten due to its symbol as fertility and hope.

The best place to see the flowers is Nhat Tan (Nhật Tân) peach blossom garden located in Au Co Street, Hanoi.

Apricot Blossom (Hoa Mai)

Whilst peach blossom is the most popular Tet holiday’s auspicious flower in Northern Vietnam, apricot blossom can be seen as the spirit of Tết for Southern Vietnamese. Contrary to the pink that gets a great harmony with the freeze and coldness in the North, yellow petals from apricot blossoms represent for the torrid heat and humidity Southern Vietnamese have been enduring all year round. An image of five-petal apricot blossom symbolizes for “Five Blessings” in Oriental belief: longevity, wealth, peace, health and love of virtue, which mark the dearest hope of every Vietnamese in particular and Asian in general. Coincidentally, the word “Yellow” (vàng) in Vietnamese sounds identical to the word “Gold” or “Golden” (vàng). Consequently, apricot blossoms are decorated in most of the houses with a hope of good luck, happiness and, prosperity.

White daffodil (Hoa Thủy Tiên Trắng)

Apart from peach blossoms, white daffodils find favor with lots of Hanoi citizens in terms of their multi-function and symbolic meaning. Unlike any other holiday ornamental plants, every single part of a daffodil can be exerted: flowers, fragrance, leaves and tuberous roots. Water must be replaced in every morning in order that roots can be kept clean and not turn smeared. According to Oriental or Asian outlook, this plant bears a good meaning. Word-of-mouth has it that, if  white daffodils bloom right in the moment of  New Year’s Eve in one’s house, the whole family will end up with happiness, good luck, and prosperity. Bưởi market, a local village fair in Hà Nội, is where people always come to find white daffodils by the time of Tết. Besides using them as ornamental plants, trimming and arranging the daffodil flowers can be an absolutely great art.

Kumquat tree (Cây Quất)

Vietnamese believe that owning a luxuriant kumquat tree in the middle of their home brings good health and good luck to their business.  It is a symbol for a greatly prosperous year ahead. Hence, there is no doubt to see kumquat trees displayed for sale at every single corner of the street in many flower markets all over Vietnam. Located next to China, Vietnam has adopted a lot of Chinese cultures, customs, and beliefs. Feng Shui is not an exception. As a result, planting and trimming a kumquat tree must be conformed to some decorating rules, in order to turn it into a perfect shape. An ideal sample of kumquat tree will have big shiny dark green leaves, and all the fruits must bear a similarity in size and give a juicy look. When people are running a business, they should place a kumquat tree at the front door of their offices or stores so that it can bring wealth and clear sight. That is the reason why man must serve good experience in life as well as Feng Shui application once it comes to purchase and display kumquat trees.

Fig (Sung)

Rather than being seen as a usual tree in a back garden of someone’s house during Lunar New Year, figs are usually displayed as one of the main fruits on a five-fruit tray, especially in Southern Vietnam. A typical five –fruit tray will include custard-apples, coconuts, papayas, mangoes, and figs, which can be literally translated as “wishing for a well-off life” in Vietnamese when combined in sound. By itself, “fig” in Vietnamese sounds identical to “comfortable”, “well-off” or “prosperous”. Apparently, we can totally understand why figs are favored by Vietnamese during Lunar New Year.

Daisy (Hoa Cúc)

Regardless of where they come from, both Northern and Southern
people all enjoy having lots of daisy pots placed around their gardens or along the porches. If these flowers are in yellow and red, they will be more preferred. Daisy is a symbol for life, even if a single sprig of daisy put inside a small bottle can help balance the vital force in your house. However, laying your daisy pots where they can take the most illumination in order to get the best of luck must be kept in mind.

In conclusion, reading through the article, we all can infer that Vietnamese lead a very rich mental life, affected by a long-standing rice civilization. The aspiration for a prosperous and happy life is inarguable, especially on this big occasion of Tết, or Lunar New Year. It can be reflected through the meaning of some typical ornamental plants in every region of our country. It is an absolute honor for all of us, as local Vietnamese, to show you a part of our culture. And moreover, you can put it into the comparison with other Asian countries to figure out the specialty in our belief.  

The post Top Lucky Plants and Flowers for Tet Holiday appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Quan ho in Bac Ninh province, Vietnamese folk music originated around the 13th century, was recognized in 2009 as a part of UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is traditionally associated with Bac Ninh’s spring festivals that follow the celebration of the Vietnamese New Year (Tet). Up on the Lim hill-top stays a temple with a worship of Hieu Trung Hau, the founder of Quan Ho folk singing. Every 13th of lunar January, Northern Vietnamese people coincidentally go to the area to join one of the biggest spring festivals in the region of the Gulf of Tonkin, the Lim Festival.

Lim Festival falls between 12th and 14th of Lunar Calendar in the District of Tien Du, Bac Ninh province. Tonkin is the land with a huge fame of folk tales, legends and antique vestiges. Consequently, Bac Ninh, a city in the middle of Tonkin, has gained a big reputation for traditional festivals.

The date of 13th would be chosen as the main time over the process of the festival. Started with a big parade, the ritual attracts thousands of people in classic traditional costumes, with shining colors forming up a long line reaching nearly a kilometer. The biggest important activity out of all the rituals would be singing an honor song. All the village elders and notables need to assemble in front of the temple to make an offer to the deity, one of which is a ritual of sing Quan Ho. During this time, male and female singers are queuing in two paralleled lines, face to face and giving out grateful and admirable music lines to offer the inventor of Quan Ho folk singing.

The second section of the festival would be all about competitions. Those belong to traditional games such as martial arts, wrestling, chess, cooking and teetering. However, the most exciting part would be singing Quan Ho in the river. A boat of red lacquer trimmed with gold leaves the bank with two groups of singers. Group of female called “liền chị” is standing in the middle of the boat wearing a type of traditional costumes called “tứ thân”, while the group of men will be sitting at the front and back of the boat. The night of 12th would be the competition among Quan Ho villages and several tents from the teams are set up on the ground of a big yard on the hill of Lim.

With all these spectacular activities and traditional festivals, Bac Ninh has become the capital city of festivals in the land of Tonkin.

To see more photos, check the open album below or go to Flickr:
Photo Album Flickr
(Please use the left/right arrows to navigate in the files of the open album)

Words by Oanh Nguyen
Photos by Chi Nguyen

The post Lim Festival in Bac Ninh Province | Travel Photoblog appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Legend has it that, once upon a time in Phong Lệ village, there stayed a green grass isle. One day, a man herded his flock of ducks onto the top of the isle. Suddenly, the ducks’ webbed foot got stuck in the soil that they could hardly move. Villagers named it “Isle of God” due to the fact that they thought the God showed up and grabbed the whole flock with his own hands. After that, everyone was afraid of this place and they never came here. However, on another day, some buffaloes got lost wandering off around the area, and the herd-boys (boys taking care of these buffaloes) climbed up the isle. There was nothing bad happening to them. Then rumor has it that, only the herd-boys (Muc Dong) have got the permission from God to hang out nearby. The isle has got to become a meeting destination for local herd-boys later on. It has been remained the same throughout many generations and gradually formed up into an official festival in Da Nang. This festival used to be held once every 3 years then 6 years and nowadays 12 years to remind of the children who look after the buffaloes in Phong Le Village.

During the last ten days of March when people get more free time from their on-field work, it comes to a busy period for the festival’s preparation. The landowners considered middle –peasants as the ones to take care of everything inside out. Apart from small flags of the herd-boys, the big ones are carefully provided by 13 big cliques in the village as well. Big flags are seen with 5-meter bamboo flagstaffs, featured images of Four Holy Animals which are Dragon, Oriental Unicorn, Tortoise and Phoenix; or Four Main Classes known as Intellectuals, Farmers, Workers and Traders respectively. They are common expressions in a typical traditional Asian nation like China or Vietnam. Above all, the most popular images are always agricultural items like a plough, a hoe or a shovel.

On March 29^th, villagers are all gathering, even those who are settling down in far-off cities. The herd-boys will hold their flags altogether walking around the rice paddies in order to wish for a prosperous and abundant crop ahead. 30^th of March is the main day of the festival, when everyone unites at a temple called “Temple of the Herd-boy”. The leader walks, prays and places a statue of Agricultural God into a palanquin carried by a group of 4 herd-boys of the same height to the isle.

People say that the moment when the Sun is above the top of the bamboo range is also the right time for the festival to be finished. Everyone comes back to a normal daily life with their field works in a strong belief in a successful crop waiting ahead.

The post Muc Dong Parade Festival in Da Nang | Vietnam Travel Fest appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

During the festival, people pray for peace, as well as preserve their worthy customs and religious mental life. Dolta festival is one of the biggest annual Khmer festivals to thank the Moon for good harvests.

Khmer people perform considerate duties such as offering steamed rice in pagodas and worshiping their ancestors at home. Two weeks before the main festival, the atmosphere in most of the areas become lively whilst everyone is getting a lot busier making traditional cakes, cleaning and decorating altars, visiting their grandparents, etc.

Luông Ba Sắc, a Khmer pagoda built 500 years ago, is now a religious home for over 1000 Buddhist monks. Up to now, Luông Ba Sắc has been still remaining such unique and traditional customs and activities. Many locals and even non-natives have become so familiar with the place as a praying venue in many occasions and events. Especially during Dolta festival, visitors come here very early in the morning, usually at around 3:00 AM.

Pagodas are followed by households as the next venues for the next activities. Depending on the economic status or budget of each family, the ceremony will be held in modesty or significance that some monks are invited to say the blessings and join the meals with the families.

To discover more about Khmer’s festivals, please click here

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After picking up their ancestors’ manes and taking them home from pagodas, Khmer people plait rafts with banana trunks displayed with loads of offerings of all kinds and let them float along some canals or rivers close by. If you ever have a chance to visit this community during this occasion, you are definitely welcomed with open arms. According to Khmer people, guests are considered as passengers appointed by their ancestors to visit their families.

Apart from the ritual mentioned above, ox racing is another activity that should be taken into account. A flat and wide piece of land covered with a low water level will be chosen, with 200 meters in length and 100 meters in width. Afterwards, they turn over the soil for a few times, so it can get muddy and encompass the zone with hedges. The end of the race is designed with a space behind keeping a safe distance for these racers. Two flags, one in blue and one in red, are plugged 5 meters away from each other at the starting and ending line. Your pair of ox is supposed to start and finish at the flag with the same color.

During the race, if any pair happens to fall out of the line, it is going to be disqualified. In case the pair of ox behind fortunately steps over the plough of the ox in front, it will be claimed as the winner. However, the commanders ought to stand firmly in order not to fall off, which is declared as losers.

At the crack of dawn, plenty of people all gather at the racecourse. Even for those who live many miles away, they still bring kitchen accessories along just for cooking and watching at the same time.

The post Oxen Racing Festival in Vietnam | Travel Fest appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

1. “Tôi không thích điều này chút nào!” – “I don’t like this at all.”

/toy – ko-um – tik – deew – nei – jut – na-oh/!

This is the very first feeling that comes to your mind as you find something annoying and want to get rid of. So this is a basic line if you want to let people know that it is actually getting on your nerves.

2. “Tôi ghét nó lắm” – “I really hate it.”

/toy – ket – no – la-im/

This shares the same kind of meaning with the first line but with a bit higher level of anger.

3. “Biến đi”; “Tránh xa tôi ra” – “Go away”, or simply “F**k off”

/bin – dee/ ; /jeng – xa – toy – ra/

Tell them to stop bothering you with these two simple words.

4. “Mày điên à?” – “Are you crazy?

/mei – deen – a/?

This question is used in case you find them lose their mind at any case. You just need to keep in mind that besides “điên”, then “khùng” /ku:n/ is another sample with the same meaning.

5. “Tao đánh mày đấy!” – “I’m gonna hit you real hard”

/ta-oh – den – mei – dei/!

Well, it is not really nice to pick an intense quarrel with anyone but if you are so pissed off, then go for this. Just a quick note that if you think you can actually win, or they are gonna be rude back. You have been warned! Or not!

6“Trời ơi!” – “Oh my gosh!”

/jo:ih – o:ih/

Obviously, you know when to say this. But once you use it to show them you are mad at them, raise your tone a bit! It works!

7. “Thật phiền phức!” – “You are annoying!”

/tat – feen – fuk/!

8. “Làm ơn đừng làm phiền!” – “Please stop bothering me!”

/lam – on – dung – lam – feen/

This is a pretty nice and polite way to tell them to leave you alone.

9. “Mày muốn gì?” – “What do you want?”

/mei – moon – dzi/?

10. “Cẩn thận cái mồm của mày!” – “Watch your mouth.”

/kan – than – kai – mom – kua – mai/

It sounds a bit normal and you can definitely say that in your daily life, just remember to raise your tone if you want them to be scared.

I am so sorry if some time you find it is time to say all of these but, I genuinely think that if a Vietnamese sees you get pissed in their mother tongue, they will think it is kind of cute and leave you alone, or then you can be friends unexpectedly!

The post How To Get Angry in Vietnamese? | 10 Great Phrases appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Dating back to thousands of years ago, there was no precise record found regarding the origin of the festival. Nonetheless, it can be mostly assumed that the event was obviously brought to the land of Viet people by mainland Chinese roughly 4000 years ago through tradings and dominations. Vietnamese archaologists claimed carved images of ancient activites celebrating Mid-Autumn from the Viet ancestors were discovered on the surface of Ngọc Lũ bronze drum*.

Accordingly, regardless of whether the event was transported from China or not, the moment of Mid-Autumn is when Viet peasants and villagers ritualized after an abundant harvest. As days go by, the ritual evolved into a kind of recreation for both adults and children, as parents tend to make a preparation for a worship to their ancestors in day time and let their kids hangout on the streets altogether holding colourful lanterns. Moon observation and moon-cake consuming are other essestial customs.

Visiting Vietnam during this occasion can bring you an outright freshness and excitement while the catching sight of many lanterns hung up high for sale with people flocking inside out every shop. Frequently made out of cellophane, plastic or cotton paper in a wide range of shapes, from animals, flowers, cars, Disney princesses to basic regular models such as a star of five sections. The night can easly turn into a street party as youngsters mostly from the age of 15 to 20 bring out drums and perform some kind of magical fire dance in the shout of joy from the crowd. This can be hard to find in big cities but small villages. Different from Chinese that usually perform dragon dance in the festival, Vietnamese will fill their joy with unicorn dance or lion dance. Asian unicorn is the symbol of luck, wealth and prosperity.

Beyond that, moon cake is basically the first thing that comes to mind of most Viet citizens when asked about Full Moon festivals. Moon cake can be shown in various shapes and taste. The most popular one must be the one in round shape with an image of flower carved on top, filled with mund bean, lotus seed paste, yolks and salted duck eggs. The balanced tender taste would bring a perfect feeling of  relaxation, fullfilness, and happiness. A supper with moon cakes and hot tea while watching up the full moon is an iconically ideal image of how Viet families enjoy their peaceful union on the occasion.

However, the latest trend is coming up close. Beside traditional styles, new models are widely offered with many more colours, decoration and ingredients. For instance, chocolate, cheese or fruity tatse are used for replacement. Now you will be satisfied picking a unique one for friends and relatives with a wide range of price set.

 Would you be excited with our traditional ritual and would like to celebrate the festival with us? Leave a comment down below and toss us some of your thoughts!

The post Brief Introduction to Mid-Autumn Festival | Happy Festival appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

In Chinese culture, the gate of hell is opened annually on the 15^th of lunar July and every single hungry spirit captured takes this one and only chance to kind of “come back home” and find food on earth. It is when ghosts and spirits come out from the lower realm and visit the living. Therefore, those, all people like us, who live on Earth have been telling themselves to offer a special “combo” on almost every street on the date in exchange of the annoyance from these evil spirits. Given a tiny long digestive system, they are nearly incapable of swallowing casual food but porridge, rice, and salt only.

During this month, there are a few things that the Vietnamese often avoid doing. Today, I will tell you the top

1. Don’t shave your legs this month!Vietnamese people often say that: “One single leg hair can hold 3 ghosts” and the more strands you have, the higher chance of having ghosts follow you you get.

   

2. Don’t put your chopsticks upstraight in the middle of your bowl of rice!
3. Assumed as a form of worshipping with 2 incenses embed into the ground, this action can be considered bad luck when you are about to invite those evil spirits to share the same meal with you.
4. Never air your clothes at night as those spirits are wearing them behind your back. Well, it’s not that good if you put them back on again, or else you may call yourself a doctor!Let me set it straight! It’s raining like cats and dogs during this time as of rainy season. Airing your clothes outside obviously bring you sickness after you wear them back on, ‘cause they cannot stay dry! Am I right?
5. Don’t ever eat any of the items after you offer them!
   It will come to your vision when you visit China, Japan, or Vietnam at the moment. Foods are placed on the street without covered! Evidently, even Jesus gets sick eating that!

   

6.  Don’t swim!
   For God’s sake, they say those spirits are going to twist your ankles in the water. They will, if you don’t warm yourself up but jumping right into the pool!
7. Try not scaring the crab out of people!
   Because their own spirit is displaced after jumping out of their body by the evil one, thanks to you! And one more excuse, you will probably get a slap if you try to scare people right.
8. Avoid staying out late! (Another saying is “Don’t party hard”)
   Or else those evils are following you home! Or cops, or any kind of murderers! Please stay safe!
9. A windbell should not be placed on the top of your bed!
   Its sound may attract the spirits to come and harm you, which leads to sleep disorder. For sure, how can you even close your eyes in peace when the bell just keeps ringing right next to your ears?
10. Don’t say your friends’ names and call them out loud at night if you don’t want spirits to remember and call their names.

In this month, you should show your utmost sincerity to the festival or the wandering spirits themselves, simply by offering a tray of food on the pavement, at the corner in front of your house. It can go with some “joss paper” and incenses. The best dates to perform this ritual are the 2nd and 16th of lunar July.

Go vegan on some of the specific dates or even the whole month will do good!

Culture and tradition are absolute quintessence deserved a good place in the stream of history, no matter where or what kind of performances they are carried out. And basically, worshipping any kind of Gods, or even wandering spirits as I am talking about, is a matter of fact that stays for thousands of years, which reflects the common sense and pure mindset of our ancestors. Hence, either it is good or bad, we have our own right to follow or not, but accepting and respecting it are the most essential factors.

The post 10 Things Not To Do in The Month of Hungry Ghost Festival appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Consequently, writing this article on behalf of thousands of Vietnamese girls out there, I am so down just to give you a favor in “How to flirt like a local?” – Let’s take a look at the most basic flirting phases below.

1. “Em có bạn trai chưa?” – “Do you have a boyfriend?”

/m – co: – ban – dzai – dzu-o/?

This is a great start once you find that girl interesting and want to get to know more about her relationship status.

2. “Mình đi chơi nhé?” – “Let’s hang out sometime!”

/min – dee – dzo-i – yeah/!

This is sort of asking out and can be seen as an absolute effect if you want to spend more time together. A good night hug or text will definitely work as well.

3. “Em thật đặc biệt!” – “You are so special!”

/m – tat – dac – bee-ik/!

Apparently, this compliment will help you score 10 out of 10 when talking to a girl you like.

4. “Anh nhớ em!” – “I miss you!”

/n – yo – m/!

After some time knowing each other, you saying “anh nhớ em” to her is kind of an indirect way to let her know your feelings.

5. “Em thấy anh như thế nào?” – “What do you think about me?”

/m – tei – n – yuw – te – now/?

Wanna know what’s her feeling toward you after a while? Go for this!

6. “Anh thích em!” – “I like you!”

/n – tik – m/

A perfect shot once you think it’s the right time to open up.

7. “Anh yêu em!” – “I love you!”

/n – eww – m/

Obviously, it is applied when you find her your soul mate.

Wait! Is it a little bit rushing for you? No worries, let me walk you through one step each first.

Let’s start with common basic greetings:

1. “Em tên gì vậy?” – “What is your name?”

/m – teng – j – vei/?

2. “Em sống ở đâu?” – “Where do you live?”

/m – shong – o: – dow/?

The Vietnamese feel free to ask their hometowns and current cities for the first time they meet.

3. “Sở thích của em là gì?” – “What are your hobbies?”

/sho – tik – ku-ah – m – la – j/?

4. “Em làm nghề gì?” – “What is your occupation?”

/m – lam – ge-ih – j/?

5. “Số em là gì?” – “What’s your phone number?”

/sou – m – la – j/?

How is that? Do you feel like learning some more basic relevant vocabulary somehow helping you gain more confidence?

Let’s give it a go:

1. Hôn /hon/ : (to) kiss
2. Nắm tay /na-im – tei/ : (to) hold hands
3. Ôm /om/ : (to) hug
4. Hẹn hò /hen – ho:/ : (to) go on a date
5. Bạn gái /ban – ga-i/ : girlfriend
6. Bạn trai /ban – ja-i/ : boyfriend

Good luck with these magic lines. A little more tip for you, if she finds you trying hard to talk to her in her native language, you can definitely have a bigger chance! She would definitely think you are such a romantic man.

Otherwise, in case you are seeing a Vietnamese girl and aspiring to learn more, please leave a comment down below and let us take care the rest for you!

P/S: If you are a girl and would like to flirt a Vietnamese man, just change all the words “anh” into “em”, and vice versa.

The post Vietnamese Basic Flirting Phrases appeared first on Maze Vietnam.