The Mid-Autumn Festival, known as Tết Trung Thu, has a history that remains somewhat obscure. There are no precise historical records detailing when or by whom this festival was introduced from China to Vietnam. However, it is clear that Tết Trung Thu has been celebrated in our country for a very long time, continuously evolving through various phases of history.
For children, Tết Trung Thu is first and foremost associated with traditional cakes, particularly the two main types: mooncakes and baked cakes. These delicacies are most prominently sold at shops on Hàng Đường Street (popular among locals) and Hàng Buồm Street (favored by the Chinese community). The most appealing aspect for children is watching the skilled bakers at work, creating vibrant sounds as they press the cake molds against the tables, following the distinctive rhythmic beats typical of the streets.
Let us take a moment to reflect on images of the Mid-Autumn Festival from the past, revealing how the flavors and traditions of this traditional festival have gradually faded away over the years.
Mid-Autumn Festival shop in the early 20th century.
In addition to cakes, traditional toys play a significant role, with colorful lanterns being the most iconic. These lanterns are lit during the Mid-Autumn night while waiting for the moon to rise or parading through the streets. Shops sell a variety of lanterns made from bamboo and covered with shiny paper, shaped like animals, with rabbits and fish being the most popular.
There are also intricate paper lanterns of various colors, but the most captivating are the “kéo quân” lanterns, which tell numerous stories through the rotating shadows created by the heat of candles, propelling the spinning motion around the lantern’s axis. These lanterns are predominantly found on Hàng Mã Street, as well as Hàng Gai Street.
Children excited for the old Mid-Autumn Festival.
Children at a toy stall.
Lanterns, carp lanterns, and kéo quân lanterns always entice children.
Crab-shaped lanterns are the children’s wish for a whole month before the Mid-Autumn Festival.
A variety of toys sold in ancient markets.
Traditional lion dance during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
An old food shop, now just a memory.
A traditional Mid-Autumn feast with a variety of fruits.
A large family gathering around the Mid-Autumn feast (early 20th century).
Children joyfully with the Star Lantern (1989).
Hanoi in the 1990s, a woman selling spinning lanterns “advertising” to a little girl by a tea stall.
A Mid-Autumn market in Hanoi in 1987.
Dong Hung Vien mooncakes famous in Saigon, photo taken before 1975.
Traditional Mid-Autumn toys connected to ethnic traditions (early 20th century).
A brother repairing a lantern for his sister, an unforgettable image for children of the 80s and earlier.
Saigon during the old Mid-Autumn Festival (1990s).
