Mid-Autumn Festival in Old Hanoi: Simple yet Warm Beauty
In old Hanoi, the Mid-Autumn atmosphere would permeate the streets every autumn, carrying the sweet scent of childhood. Unlike modern Mid-Autumn Festival's bustling and vibrant atmosphere, the old Hanoi Mid-Autumn Festival possessed a simple, rustic beauty deeply etched in every Hanoian's heart.
Hang Ma Street Glittering with Colors
Hang Ma Street, for generations, has become a symbol of Hanoi's Mid-Autumn Festival. When the first cool autumn breezes blow, Hang Ma Street seems adorned with a new, brightly colored coat. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes, from traditional five-pointed star lanterns to carp lanterns, rabbit lanterns, and rotating lanterns, are displayed everywhere, attracting the gaze of children. The sounds of frog drums, flutes, and joyful chatter create a bustling and cheerful Mid-Autumn atmosphere.
Mid-Autumn Festival Tray Rich in Traditional Flavors
The Mid-Autumn Festival in old Hanoi cannot be complete without the moon-viewing tray. The tray is meticulously arranged with traditional treats such as mooncakes, sticky rice cakes, sticky rice flakes, candied persimmons, custard apples, and more. Each type of treat carries a unique flavor, embodying the heart of the maker.
Mooncakes and Sticky Rice Cakes – Symbols of the Mid-Autumn Festival
Mooncakes and sticky rice cakes are indispensable in the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival tray. Mooncakes have a golden-brown crust and a rich, fragrant mung bean filling. Sticky rice cakes are chewy and sweet, offering a refreshing taste. These cakes symbolize fullness and completeness, wishing for a bountiful harvest and a happy life.
Sticky Rice Flakes – A Characteristic Flavor of Hanoi's Autumn
Sticky rice flakes, a special gift from Vong Village, carry the gentle fragrance of young rice and a delicate sweetness blended with the slight creaminess of young rice grains. The sticky rice flakes are wrapped in fragrant lotus leaves, symbolizing the elegance and essence of nature.
Star Lantern Parade – The Joy of Childhood
On Mid-Autumn night, children excitedly hold their handmade star lanterns and parade together through the streets. The sounds of frog drums, singing voices, and the shimmering light of star lanterns create a colorful, warm, and memorable Mid-Autumn scene.
Mid-Autumn Memories: Sweet Nostalgia for a Bygone Era
The Mid-Autumn Festival in old Hanoi has passed, leaving behind sweet and unforgettable memories in the hearts of every Hanoian.
Hanoi Childhood Associated with Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival
For those born and raised in Hanoi, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a festive occasion and a part of childhood filled with memories. Memories of star lantern parades, family gatherings around the Mid-Autumn tray, and exciting folk games are all deeply etched in their minds, becoming precious baggage throughout their lives.
Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival – Cultural Values to Be Preserved
The Mid-Autumn Festival in old Hanoi is imbued with national cultural identity, allowing people to connect, express love, care, and share. In modern society, as life becomes increasingly busy, preserving and promoting the traditional values of the Mid-Autumn Festival becomes even more crucial.
Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi Today: Efforts to Preserve Traditional Beauty
Despite the many life changes, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi today still retains its traditional beauty. Cultural and artistic activities and folk games are widely organized, attracting many people to participate. Hang Ma Street remains a familiar destination for Hanoians every Mid-Autumn season.
Meaningful Mid-Autumn Activities for Children
Many meaningful Mid-Autumn programs are organized for children, such as giving gifts to disadvantaged children, organizing drawing and lantern-making contests, and holding cultural performances.
Hang Ma Street – An Unmissable Destination Every Mid-Autumn Season
Hang Ma Street remains the center of Hanoi's Mid-Autumn Festival. Every Mid-Autumn season, Hang Ma Street shines with the myriad colors of lanterns and Mid-Autumn toys. It is an ideal destination for tourists and Hanoians to immerse themselves in the bustling and vibrant Mid-Autumn atmosphere.
Whether in the past or present, Hanoi's Mid-Autumn Festival has always been a special festive occasion, bringing joy and laughter to everyone, especially children. Hopefully, the traditional beauty of Hanoi's Mid-Autumn Festival will be preserved and promoted so that every Mid-Autumn season, Hanoians can once again experience a warm and loving atmosphere.