Colors of Hanoi - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The Vietnamese are very good-natured and calm. They do not like to say "no" directly but try to avoid the answer or just change the topic. It is not customary to look in the eyes of the other person here. The gaze of a local resident will often be directed somewhere in the area of your neck. The people of Hanoi have a lot of respect for their elders. The Vietnamese don't like to argue. They look at foreigners who are having a heated debate with some disapproval. It is not customary to talk loudly and quarrel in public here. It is also not accepted to actively gesticulate and wave your hands.

It is also not accepted to touch each other. Just say “Hello” when you meet. You should not hug or pat a local on the shoulder. You cannot touch the head of a Vietnamese, especially children. However, handshaking has become more common in recent years under the influence of European culture. A bow with your hands folded at chest level is the most traditional form of greeting. Please note that the Vietnamese language is very complex. One word when pronounced with different intonation can have completely different meanings. If you don't know all the language features, you have the risk of insulting local residents.

Addressing by name is not welcome here. If you are talking to a good friend, you can ask if it is possible to address him by name. However, the locals call by name only family members and very close friends but not always. As a rule, the phrase "Mister" or "Mistress" is used when communicating. A person's position or profession is pronounced after this wording. Often Vietnamese names consist of three or four words. The first word is a surname. The last one is a personal name. The peculiarity of the country is that there are less than 20 surnames here. More than 90 percepts of the population have it. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Communist past has left its mark on the worldview of the locals. Thus, almost 80% of the population considers themselves atheists. However, almost all local people believe in various signs and superstitions at the same time. It is customary to give two separate gifts to newlyweds. One wedding gift symbolizes the divorce. You can't take photos of three people. This is a symbol of misery. Locals believe that if they meet a funeral procession, it means good luck.

The person who is higher in status usually pays in the restaurant. Be careful with the chopsticks. You can't leave them on the plate. Also, you should not touch with them those who sit with you at the table. It is customary to leave shoes behind the threshold at the entrance to the dwelling. The same tradition is practiced in some stores. Be careful not to appear ignorant. It is also customary to take off your shoes at the entrance to the temple. In addition, there is a specific dress code. Women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. You should not wear shorts. Light trousers will be the best choice.

There are public holidays in Hanoi. They are associated with various significant historical dates and personalities. National holidays are also celebrated here. Their traditions go back centuries. Dates of national holidays are determined by the lunar calendar. State holidays are determined by the Gregorian calendar.

Vietnamese New Year or Tết is the most significant holiday of Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular. It is celebrated in January-February. Celebrations usually take place over several weeks. Traditionally, the Vietnamese go to the temple on the first day of the New Year. Locals usually clean the house and decorate it before the New Year. They can't clean up it on holiday days. Usually, people try to pay off debts and fulfill promises before the New Year. New clothes are often bought for the holiday. Red and gold are the most popular colors these days. According to beliefs, they bring good luck and well-being. Please note that many restaurants and public places are closed during the holiday. This is usually the week after the first day of the year. Shops and museums may also be closed. Therefore, you should check the lunar calendar when planning your trip. European New Year is also celebrated in Hanoi on January 1. This is an official state holiday. All state institutions are closed on this day. Many companies, including banks, also are closed.

Hung Kings Commemoration Day is a very significant day for the people of Hanoi. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the third lunar month of the year. This is a celebration of honoring the founders of the state, Hung kings. Reunification Day is celebrated on April 30 here. This is an important date for the whole country. It was on this day that the unification of the northern and southern parts of Vietnam took place. Residents decorate their homes with national flags on this day. There are many prettily dressed people on the streets. A military parade is held in the city. Also, Labor Day is celebrated in May here. It is celebrated with a parade and various musical performances.

National Day is celebrated here on September 2. Local residents celebrate it on a very large scale. Parades and festive processions are held on this day in the city. Musical groups perform on this day. Fireworks are also launched into the sky. Ho Chi Minh's portraits are everywhere. Ba Đình Square becomes the center of celebrations.

Various traditional festivals are also held in Hanoi. You can get to a noisy celebration in almost any month of the year. A very interesting festival takes place near Hanoi in the village of Lim. Thousands of tourists come here in the first month of the lunar calendar to listen to folk songs in the style of Kwang Ho. Their homeland is this village. Yu Lan festival is very important to the Vietnamese. This is a day for honoring ancestors, especially mothers. The holiday is usually celebrated with the whole family. The Mid-Autumn Festival is widely celebrated in Hanoi. Various concerts, cultural events, and literary readings are held during the festival. Also, fireworks are launched and lantern fairs are held in the city. It is customary to give sweet gifts and lanterns to children.