Vietnamese traditional double-fifth festival reproduced in Hanoi

Tet Doan Ngo (traditional Double-Fifth Festival), which is observed in Vietnam and several Southeast Asian countries, is being reproduced at an exhibition held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi.

An artisan practicing the art of enjoying royal tea
An artisan practicing the art of enjoying royal tea

The event, themed “The fragrance and beauty of medicinal herbs”, will feature exhibitions and reproductions of the folk and royal rituals and customs held during the traditional Double-Fifth Festival.

Visitors to the exhibition will learn about the practice of “killing pets and worms”, which is considered the most important ritual during the festival in Vietnam. People often eat fermented glutinous rice, fruits, pastries, with the belief of killing worms and becoming healthier.

In addition, visitors will get to know more about the role of herbal medicine in the life of Vietnamese people and the custom of plucking medicinal herbs prior to the Double-Fifth Festival.

They can also browse and purchase herbal products such as tea, altars and antiseptic water, which are healthy as well as environmentally friendly.

On weekends, visitors will have the chance to experience royal tea enjoyed with artisans Hoang Anh Suong, Nguyen Thien Hung and Nguyen Cao Son; as well as enjoy ca tru (ceremonial singing) performances by Meritorious Artist Bach Van.

Calligraphic works and imperial costumes will also be displayed at the event.

The exhibition is being held in online form via the address hoangthanhthanglong.vn and trungbayonline.hoangthanhthanglong.vn.