Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Lunar New Year 2023 is the Year of the Cat . It is believed that if feng shui cat figurines are placed appropriately, they will bring about good fortune, prosperity, and good luck to owners. The Cat is the fourth animal symbol in the 12-year cycle of the Vietnamese zodiac . People born in the years of the Cat are typically composed, patient, kind-hearted, and esteemed by many others. They are also said to be optimistic and, thus, a source of inspiration for people around them. Meanwhile, the feng shui cat or fortune cat is a favourite symbol of many people as they believe it can beckon good luck, happiness, optimistic spirit, and good health while warding off bad lucks in the daily life. Therefore, many choose feng shui cat figurines as gifts or decorations in their homes./. VNA … [Read more...] about Feng shui meaning of Cat symbol
5th year anniversary symbol
Hanoi marks 234th anniversary of Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da victory
The victory has gone down in Vietnamese history as an immortal and epic struggle for national sovereignty, construction, and defense. Hanoi authorities celebrated to mark the 234th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da victory against Chinese Qing invaders on January 26 (the fifth day of the first lunar month). The ceremony, one of the first festivals of the year, holds significant meaning as it reminds the locals of the country’s history full of pride and a nation’s unwavering determination to defend the sovereignty against foreign invasion, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh said at the annual festival held in Dong Da District to mark the event Thanh stressed the great importance of Emperor Quang Trung's victory over Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da 234 years ago, which drove out more than 20,000 Qing soldiers, liberated the imperial city of Thang Long, and restored national independence and freedom. Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh … [Read more...] about Hanoi marks 234th anniversary of Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da victory
Vietnam ready to welcome Year of Cat with colorful zodiac statues
As the Lunar New Year festival approaches, cat statues honoring this year’s zodiac animal are popping up in public places across the country, adding to the liveliness of springtime in Vietnam. Vietnamese people will formally celebrate the Tet festival on January 22. The occasion is meant for family gatherings to enjoy traditional foods and exchange good luck wishes. The golden cat figure in Thong Nhat Park, Dong Da District, Hanoi. Photo : Nguyen Bao / Tuoi Tre Floral decorations are an important part while adults typically give 'lucky money' in red envelopes to children to wish them health and outstanding academic results. The fest will last around a week. According to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters, around downtown Ho Chi Minh City, a large number of cat statues with adorable features and eye-catching hues have been constructed, symbolizing good fortune and reunion. A golden cat carrying money and gold, meant to … [Read more...] about Vietnam ready to welcome Year of Cat with colorful zodiac statues
Mother trafficked to China returns home after 28 years
Human trafficking victim Tran Thi Chieu's favorite foods are still local dishes from her home country. Although she’s been away for 28 years, she said that the scenery in her hometown of Nghia Hoa Commune in Lang Giang District is still exactly as it was when she left. Even though a lot has changed, the 58-year-old woman still remembers every road around her neighborhood. "Now that I'm back in Vietnam, I'll try to make up [for lost time] with my two children," she said when returning Vietnam recently. Pham Xuan Mai, Chieu’s 37-year-old youngest son, remembers vividly the moment he received a call from his mother in China more than a year ago. When Chieu first saw Mai and his brother Pham Xuan Dinh's faces on the screen, she immediately burst into tears. "I didn't leave you guys on purpose," she said. "I was tricked and sold in China, and there was no way to reach you." It was Mai’s birthday that day and everyone was choked up with emotion. Chieu worked as a hired laborer in … [Read more...] about Mother trafficked to China returns home after 28 years
Tet enriches love for Vietnam each year: Germany lecturer
Dr. Thomas Guidat, who celebrated five Tets (the Lunar New Year) in Vietnam, said his experience of the Vietnamese traditional holiday is “unforgettable.” His sharing with The Hanoi Times will help foreign expats understand more about the millennial-long culture in this Southeast Asian country. Dr. Thomas Guidat, a lecturer at Vietnam-German University, spends his five Tet holidays in Vietnam. I am glad to celebrate my 5th Tet in Vietnam in 2023. Since my first work mission at the Vietnamese-German University, Tet demonstrates perfectly how my perception of the local culture evolved. My first Tet spent in Vietnam coincided with the writing phase of my doctoral thesis, and I only noticed that my neighbors and the local businesses were closed for a week. At that time, I was focusing only on my work and did not invest time to make new friends, so I knew little about Vietnamese culture. As a lecturer, I also have many difficulties receiving feedback from my … [Read more...] about Tet enriches love for Vietnam each year: Germany lecturer
Foreign ambassadors extend Lunar New Year wishes to Vietnam
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski and a Chung cake he made. (Photo: Hanoi Times) Hanoi (VNA) – Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski has wished Vietnamese people peace, love and prosperity in the Year of the Cat 2023. The diplomat came to a small Tet market held in Metropole Hotel in Hanoi, where he explored the traditions of making “Chung” cake (square glutinous rice) – the soul of Tet, and family gatherings during the biggest festival. As the Lunar New Year is just around the corner, Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz recalled major events in 2022 when Vietnam and Denmark celebrated the 50th founding anniversary of their diplomatic ties, notably the visit to Vietnam by Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth from October 31 to November 3. The couple were accompanied by Danish firms mainly operating in energy, he said, stressing that the two sides expressed their hope to work together for a greener future. … [Read more...] about Foreign ambassadors extend Lunar New Year wishes to Vietnam
Art exhibition celebrates the Year of the Cat opens in Hanoi
The art exhibition themed “Draw the Cats” opens at Van Mieu- Quoc Tu Giam or Temple of Literature – the first university in Vietnam - on January 17 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – An art exhibition themed “Draw the Cats” opened at Van Mieu- Quoc Tu Giam or Temple of Literature – the first university in Vietnam - on January 17 to welcome the upcoming Lunar New Year 2023 – the Year of the Cat . Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, Director of the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS), said that the exhibition is a space to popularise the image of the cat - the zodiac animal for the upcoming Lunar New Year. On display are 76 outstanding art works including lacquers, oil paints, acrylics and coloured wood carvings, which were selected from hundreds of entries from 900 applications. The Cat is the fourth animal symbol in the 12-year cycle of the Vietnamese zodiac, taking place of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac and it’s believed to be … [Read more...] about Art exhibition celebrates the Year of the Cat opens in Hanoi
Vietnam’s regions to welcome Lunar New Year in different weather conditions
Foreign tourists pose for a photo besides a statue of the cat, the symbol of Lunar New Year 2023, in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Strong cold will cover the northern region while the south will experience warm weather on the Lunar New Year’s Eve on January 21 and the first days of the Year of the Cat , according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. Aside from January 21 night, scattered drizzle is also predicted for the north on the night of January 22 and on January 23, the first two days of the Year of the Cat. On these two days, the region will record strong cold with the lowest temperatures of 14 - 16 degrees Celsius in lowland areas and 12 - 14 degrees Celsius, even under 10 degrees, in mountainous ones. The weather will get warmer during daytime, up to 18 - 22 degrees. Meanwhile, temperatures will range between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius in the north central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh during January 22 - 24. People in … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s regions to welcome Lunar New Year in different weather conditions
Overseas Vietnamese across continents celebrate traditional New Year
Overseas Vietnamese sing at the Tet celebration held by Vietnamese Embassy and Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Overseas Vietnamese people in Japan, Israel, Slovakia, and Czech Republic have celebrated the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival in a warm atmosphere in line with Vietnamese traditions. On January 21 (the last day of the Year of the Tiger) and January 22 (the first day of the Year of Cat in Vietnam), authorities in Japan’s Kobe city, Vietnamese businesses, and the Vietnamese Association in Kobe held a Tet celebration for the local 8,000-strong Vietnamese community. The event, sponsored by the Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka, is one of the association’s activities towards the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. On January 21, the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel coordinated with the Vietnamese community in the country to organise a Tet celebration with the participation of … [Read more...] about Overseas Vietnamese across continents celebrate traditional New Year
Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day a symbol of ancestral remembrance
A long-standing tradition is maintained, with soldiers in traditional attire accompanying the palanquin. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Many Vietnamese have in their mind a "six-eight" iambic couplet verse stating that no matter how far Vietnamese people travel, they always remember the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day . This important holiday falls on the tenth day of the third lunar month in remembrance of the Hung Kings of Vietnam. Phu Tho province . Remembering contributions of Hung Kings Viet Tri city in Phu Tho province), beginning the 18 generations of the Hung Kings. 100 young people wearing ancient clothing with the commemorative flags in their hands symbolise the vitality of the offspring of Lac Long Quan and Au Co. (Photo: VNA) To honour their great contributions, a complex of temples dedicated to them was built on Nghia Linh Mountain, and the 10th day of the third lunar month serves as the national commemorative anniversary for the kings. President … [Read more...] about Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day a symbol of ancestral remembrance