Traditional Clothing
 |
| Ao Dai |
Ao Dai is the most popular and widely recognized Vietnamese national costume. Nowadays, it is worn mostly by women and only on special occasions such as weddings or funerals do men wear them.
It is similar to the Chinese Qipao, consisting of a long gown with a slit on both sides, worn over silk pants, likely derived from the 18th century.
But as compared to the Qipao which is tight and shows the good the figures of the women, the ao dai is loose and comfortable and yet still portraying the elegance of the women.
(Travel Mekong Delta, n.d.)
Traditional Music
Tuong (Hat Boi)
Tuong is a five hundred year old drama that reflects the rich and special culture of Vietnam. What makes Tuong different from the usual theatre drama? The usual dramas require actors to give up their individuality and transform themselves into the characters they play. However, the actors of this dramatic art make use of technical mastery to describe the actions and states of mind of the characters which is a different and unique style.
Through the special characters, Tuong has raised the lofty view of the desire to the true (Chan), the good (Thien), and the beautiful (My) and also the viewpoints of life of the ancients which are Benevolence (Nhan), Righteousness (Le), Civility (Nghia), Knowledge (Tri), Loyalty (Tin).
The art of Tuong includes painting, make ups, costumes, dance, pantomine, singing, saying through the actings, and a combination of traditional instruments.
(Vietnam-Culture, 2009)
(anthonyvn, 2006)
Lullaby Songs
Lullaby songs are often heard in Vietnam especially at the countryside. It is a type of folk music that uses slow and free rhythms and are usually based upon a characteristic frame of melody. Lullaby songs are commonly used to lull little children to sleep. Besides that, Vietnamese use them to express their feelings such as homesickness or the feeling of a wife missing her husband. These songs, however, are rarely used to express direct feelings towards the child the singer hold in her hands.
The lamps in My Tho are bright and dim,
May you go home to read your books,
I shall wait nine months, I shall wait ten autumns...au o. The wooden bridge is bound with nails,
The bamboo bridge is rough and difficult to cross...
In the autumn wind Mum will lull you to sleep
I sit up during all the five watches of the night..."
Contemporary Vietnamese Traditional WeddingI sit up during all the five watches of the night..."
(Vietnam-Culture, 2009)
Traditionally, weddings were mostly arranged by matchmakers. Horoscopes were matched and they must be complementary. Besides, the couple should also come from the same social class. A girl's age is an important factor in determining her suitability as a bride. In the past, the trend is in early marriage where an ideal couple would be of age 20 for the groom and 18 for the bride.
Things are however changing now as there is an increased importance in career to both the men and the women. In the city, the figures have been raised by 5 to 10 years. Although matchmakers are no longer in use, some young couples still seek the services of an astrologer. Most would break off the relationship if the results were negative.
 |
| Vietnamese wedding photo |
Parents can be considered the decision maker in a marriage for if the prospective spouse was deemed unsuitable, most couples would again withdraw from the relationship.
It is frightening to be left on the shelf and women who are over the age of 30 should be worried. For men, it is about 35. Individuals and families loosen their choosing criteria as these singles get nearer to their sell-by date. To them, it is better to have an unsuitable partner than no partner.
When arranging the marriage, the fortune teller is often consulted to determine whether the couple is destined to be together. The engagement follows several months after where families choose auspicious dates for the engagement as well as the wedding. Traditionally, the couple is to stay apart a day before the wedding day to prevent bad luck and on the night before, the bride's mother will comb her daughter's hair with several combs, each with a different meaning. The most important is the third comb where the bride will ask for luck and happiness for her new home.
 |
| Vietnamese wedding cake, Phu |
The wedding ceremony begins in front of the altar where the couple kneel before their ancestors to get their permission and blessings for the marriage. The couple will turn around and bow to their parents to thank them for raising and protecting them since birth. Lastly, the couple then bow towards each other to show their gratitude and respect to their partner. Rings are then exchanged.
The Vietnamese wedding is similar to the Chinese wedding in terms of the matchmaking and the whole wedding process. This could also be due to Vietnam's history. However, due to globalisation, some weddings are rather westernised as they wear western wedding gowns and suits.
(Vietnam-Culture, 2009)
(Vietnam-Culture, 2009)
The Vietnamese society is still keeping some forms of their traditions despite becoming more modernised. Traditions are a part of culture and the Vietnamese traditions are definitely what makes them Vietnamese. Traditions are passed down from generations to generations and who knows, they may be originated from the indigenous people hundreds of years ago.
Let's now take a step into the indigenous world.
No comments:
Post a Comment