Vietnam has a great history and diverse culture. Because of thousands year in wars, three layers of Vietnam culture overlap each other during history of Vietnam: local culture, culture mixed with China and culture interacted with Western Culture.
HISTORY
Vietnam remained under Chinese rules for 1,000 years and affects the daily lifestyle of Vietnamese. At first, in 192 AD, the Champa took the southern portion of the country, which was completely split in half in the 10th century. In 930 AD, Ngo Quyen defeated the Han in the famous Battle of Bach Dang River. In Ngo Dynasty, Buddhism started to thrive in Vietnam and when it became the state religion. In 979 AD, the Le Dynasty gained control and started to close in on the Champa in the south. When the last of the male bloodline was depleted, the Ly Dynasty was nominated to take over which is beginning of the historical golden era.
Many great dynasties followed, until the Chinese Ming came into power in 1407. From the 16th century onward, there was continuous civil unrest following the reign of the Mac Dynasty. Much of this was the result of rivalry between the Trinh and Nguyen families, with the Nguyen ultimately winning power. They were the last to rule Vietnam, as the French arrived and made the territory part of French Indochina. The French changed many things in Vietnam, influencing all the culture, the architecture, the food, and the education system. They also developed the plantation economy. Yet, a national political movement was starting to appear and revolutionaries, including Ho Chi Minh, started fighting to regain control of the country.
CULTURE
Vietnam’s culture focuses on humanity, harmony, family, and community values through music, art, dance, and literature. There are hints of French and American influence, but national symbols like dragons, turtles, bamboo, and lotuses are strictly Vietnamese and can be seen on many buildings and Buddhist temples throughout the country.
If you are planning a trip to this fascinating culture country, here we kindly show you to four traditional Vietnamese culture so that you can have the overview about Vietnam culture.
1. Vietnamese Lunar New Year
The Vietnamese New Year is also called the Tet which is the most important festival in Vietnam. Tet took place as Lunar New Year (around late January to early February). This is the occasion for family union and traditional activities such as:
- Making “Banh Chung”: Chung cake is the traditional food of Vietnamese New Year which is called as ancestor worship.
- Setting up New Year trees: nowadays Vietnamese normally choose Kumquat tree or peach tree to decorate houses.
- Couplet: Most family put a couplet on the two sides of the main entrance door.
2. Rickshaw
Rickshaw (Cyclo) is three-wheel bicycles used for carrying passengers. During French colonial time, cyclo became the popular means of transport. With rickshaw, you have chance to explore the local city life in an authentic way
3. Floating market
Floating markets are well-known at Mekong Delta area such as Can Tho- Cai Rang and Tien Giang- Cai Be market. The markets start very early around 5 a.m. This will be unforgettable experience for you when you can taste many fresh fruits and local breakfast with floating feeling.
4. Water puppetry
This combines culture learning and entertainment. The show is played on a pool, so it looks like the puppets are moving on the water themselves, so interesting!
