The Doan Ngo Festival, known in Vietnamese as “Tết Đoan Ngọ” or “Tết Đoan Dương,” is a traditional Vietnamese festival celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. Also known as the “Mid-year Festival” or “Double Fifth Festival“, it holds significant cultural and historical importance in Vietnam, with various customs and traditions associated with it.
Historical Background of the Doan Ngo Festival
Origins: The festival is believed to have originated from China, where it is known as the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival). Introduced to Vietnam long ago, it has since been adapted and localized to fit Vietnamese culture and traditions.
Significance: The Doan Ngo Festival is traditionally associated with the prevention of diseases and warding off bugs. In Vietnam’s agricultural culture, this is also a time to celebrate the end of the spring planting season and the start of summer.
Customs and Traditions of the Doan Ngo Festival
Special Foods Doan Ngo Festival: Unique foods are prepared and consumed during the festival, with the most notable being “bánh tro” (rice dumplings soaked in lye water), “chè trôi nước” (glutinous rice balls with brown sugar liquid), and “cơm rượu” (fermented sticky rice).
Herbal Medicine: In tropical countries like Vietnam, many types of insects and pests begin to grow in the summer. Families prepare a bunch of herbs such as cactus, lemongrass, garlic, and cinnamon (depending on what is locally available) to hang above their doors to ward off these pests.
Fruit Offerings: Families offer summer fruits to ancestors and deities out of respect.
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Banana Boat Tradition: People make a boat from a banana tree trunk, put some fruits in it, and let it float away on a river or canal. This act is seen as a way to thank nature and rivers for the past harvest season.
Boat Racing at Doan Ngo Festival: In some regions, people organize boat racing activities between localities, serving as community engagement and entertainment.
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Midday Sun: It was traditionally believed that looking straight into the midday sun for a few seconds was good for the eyes, though modern science advises against this practice.
Modern Celebrations of the Doan Ngo Festival
Contemporary Practices: While some traditional practices remain, modern celebrations of the Đoan Ngọ Festival might be less elaborate, especially in urban areas. However, it remains a significant cultural event where families come together to honor their ancestors and partake in special foods.