In Canada - Festivals

 
"We can see that through the, you know, quite a few celebrations that the organisation is organising, you know, every year since the establishment of the association - like the mid-autumn festival for the children and then a large get together at the Tet which is our New Year celebration. And the association is also organising what we call National Ancestor Memorial Day and I believe that the next National Ancestor Memorial Day will be held next month on the 16th of April here in Hamilton."
Mr. Lam Vinh The
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Mr. Lam Vinh The
 
For the Vietnamese people, the festival held to celebrate the arrival of the lunar New Year is the most important one. It is held in late January or early February and lasts for three days. Before beginning the celebrations, the Vietnamese make a point of repaying debts and settling arguments, in the belief that omitting to do so will bring bad luck.

Festival

On the first day of the festival, firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits and offerings are made to ancestors, symbolizing an invitation to family members to take part in the celebrations. It is an occasion for putting on new clothes and preparing lavish dishes, such as the traditional banh chung, a small rice cake filled with sweet bean paste and pork and wrapped in banana leaves. The first day is seen as very important: its success is seen to bode well for the rest of the year. Similarly, the first guest to arrive for the celebrations is significant. To ensure good fortune, a family might choose to invite someone who has a lucky name or someone they hold in particular esteem.

Festival

The Women's Festival, which celebrates women and their accomplishments in Vietnamese history, is held in mid-March. The festival pays particular tribute to the Trung Sisters. Two women are chosen to take part in a special commemorative procession, dressed up in clothes similar to those the sisters would have worn.

Festival The Holiday of the Dead is a festival held in August. Vietnamese people believe that at this time of year the souls of the dead wander the earth and so offerings are made to ancestors to give them comfort during their travels. Ceremonies are also held at the family altar to commemorate ancestors during this festival.

A children's event known as the Mid-Autumn Festival is held in mid-September. It celebrates the harvest and also the full moon, which appears to be at its largest and brightest at this time of year. Children make rice-paper lanterns in the shape of stars and fish, decorating them with elaborate designs. They carry the lanterns in a parade, trying to reach the end before their lanterns burn out. "Moon cake," made with rice, peanuts, raisins, watermelon seeds and eggs, is a traditional food prepared for the event.

Festival

 
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