Churches in Hanoi change “coat” for Christmas season

When the Christmas season approaches, churches in Hanoi begin to repair and decorate their premises to welcome the most sacred and important night of Catholics. Each has different decoration styles but uses common symbols such as pine trees, Bethlehem caves, laurel wreaths and lights. They make meticulous and thorough preparations, with care given to the system of lights. For Catholic followers, Christmas is a solemn ritual. On Christmas Eve, parishioners go to churches to attend mass and enjoy Christmas night shows and dance performances organised by the church. This is also an opportunity for local people and visitors to enjoy a memorable festive atmosphere during the year. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Each has different decoration styles but uses common symbols such as pine trees, Bethlehem caves, laurel wreaths and lights. They make meticulous and thorough preparations, with care given to the system of lights. Every Christmas is an occasion for parishioners to gather and reunite with their families, to sing praise to the lord, and to offer each other love. This is also an opportunity for people to have fun and admire the beautiful Christmas scene. Vietnam is a country of many religions and beliefs. At present, about 90 percent of the Vietnamese population practice their religions and beliefs. Freedom of religion has been ensured and promoted in Vietnam (Photo: VietnamPlus) 

Churches make meticulous and thorough preparations, with care given to the system of lights. They pay attention to the lighting system such as Christmas tree with LED lights and some coloured chandeliers. Besides, many churches have peeled off the old paint coverings that have faded over time. For Catholic followers, Christmas is a solemn ritual. On Christmas Eve, parishioners go to churches to attend mass and enjoy Christmas night shows and dance performances organised by the church. From Hoan Kiem Lake in downtown Hanoi, visitors can easily find St Joseph Cathedral in Nha Chung street, one of the oldest churches in the capital city. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The St Joseph Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in the capital city. From Hoan Kiem Lake in downtown Hanoi, visitors can easily find the St Joseph Cathedral on Nha Chung street. The Church was designed in gothic style featuring two large towers, similar to the architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. It is 65 metres long and 21 metres wide with a bell tower on either side, each nearly 32 metres in height. For several days, the cathedral has been decorated to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. On Christmas Eve, parishioners go to churches to attend mass and enjoy Christmas night shows and dance performances organised by the church. (Photo: Vietnamplus)

Over the past 135 years, the Hanoi Cathedral has remained a unique architectural work that attracts a large number of visitors, especially during the Christmas season. It is also a venue for regular religious activities of the Hanoi Archdiocese’s parishioners. The church is on Nha Chung street in Hoan Kiem district, downtown Hanoi. It is a late 19th-century Gothic Revival (Neo-Gothic style) church that serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi. The cathedral was named after Joseph, the patron saint of Vietnam. Its construction began in 1886, with the architectural style described as resembling Notre Dame de Paris. It opened in December 1886. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Next to the pine tree is model figures in a setting called “living nativity scene” in which real humans could join. Construction of the Hanoi Cathedral began in 1886, with the architectural style described as resembling Notre Dame de Paris. It was one of the first structures built by the French colonial government in Indochina when it opened in December 1886. It is also the oldest church in Hanoi. It is 65 metres long and 21 metres wide with a bell tower on either side, each nearly 32 metres in height. The church floor, made of terracotta tiles, contributes to the solemn atmosphere. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

In front of the church still stands the statue of Blessed Virgin Mother Mary while its facade is being repaired by workers. Centrally located at the end of the Nha Tho street and the corner of Nha Chung street, the Cathedral which is also the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Vietnam has control over 480 churches and chapels, 113 parishes and serves 400,000 Catholics. The main gate to the church is opened during mass and during the rest of time, the entry is only through a side door in the compound wall of the Diocese. From this point to the cathedral is a walk to the side door and then ring a bell to enter the Cathedral. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

 This year, the Hanoi Cathedral does not plan a mass gathering on the front yard due to COVID-19 pandemic and repairs, but visitors still come there in large number. As one of the oldest churches in the capital city, the Saint Joseph Cathedral Hanoi begins to decorate itself on the front yard. It will be decorated both inside and outside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also a venue for regular religious activities of the Hanoi Archdiocese’s parishioners. Many groups of youngsters come together as they pose for group photos in front of the church in the buildup to Christmas. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Every afternoon, many young people come here to take pictures. All churches made meticulous and thorough preparations for the most sacred and important night of Catholics. They paid attention to the lighting system such as Christmas tree with LED lights and some coloured chandeliers. From Hoan Kiem Lake in downtown Hanoi, visitors can easily find St Joseph Cathedral on Nha Chung street. The Church was designed in gothic style featuring two large towers, similar to the architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. It is 65 metres long and 21 metres wide with a bell tower on either side, each nearly 32 metres in height. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The Cua Bac Church is one of the most beautiful in Hanoi. In front of its yard is a pine tree as high as 12m which is decorated with hundreds of small balls and lights. Originally named the Church of Martyrs, Cua Bac Church was designed by Frenchman Ernest Hebrard and built in 1932. It is one of the popular tourism sites in Hanoi and is one of three major churches in the city along with Ham Long and Saint Joseph Cathedral. It is considered a fine example for the mixed style between European and Vietnamese architectures. In November 2006, the Cua Bac Church was chosen the venue of a joint congregation of the Vietnamese Catholics and Protestants. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A sophisticated miniature scene of Jesus Christ’s birth in its premises also creates a feeling of peace for visitors. It could also be seen from Phan Dinh Phung street. Called by the locals as the Queen of the Catholic Saints in honor of Virgin Mary - the queen of all saints, Cua Bac Church was built as part of the plan devised by French architect Ernest Hebrard to redesign the city of Hanoi. The structure, called the Church of the Martyrs, was constructed in front of the northern gate of the Cua Bac citadel. The building was called the Cua Bac church because of its location. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The Ham Long Church in Hoan Kiem district is temporarily closed. However, preparations for the festival are underway. The church has begun decorating since early December. One of the indispensable items in premises of churches are statutes and decorations, with each having different meaning. Inside, the church is beautifully decorated but still exudes a feeling of dignity and sacredness. It was built at the end of the 19th century near an old street named Ham Long from which Ham Long Church was called. Today, Ham Long Church is one of the three major churches of Hanoi, together with Cua Bac Church and Saint Joseph Cathedral. It was named after Saint Anthony of Padua. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

It has two fronts overlooking Ngo Thi Nham and Ham Long streets. The architecture is highlighted by a bell tower located in the centre of the facade, decorated simply and harmoniously. Though it is not large in scale and not intricate in decoration, it has a unique feature compared to other Hanoi Catholic churches during the French colonial period. The special feature of the church is the diversity of construction materials. People have used many local construction materials such as straw, bamboo, paper, and others. They create arches, causing the effect of the sound reaction without the use of modern audio equipment. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

 Notably, during the annual Christmas season, with excited crowds there, visitors could celebrate Christmas right outside the church gate with romantic candles. The atmosphere will definitely become warmer. Hanoi has many architectural works with historical value. Still, Ham Long Church is always a destination attracting not only parishioners but also love to learn about Catholicism. It was designed and completed in December 1934 with a height of 17 metres by Vietnamese architect Doctor Than, who was studying in France. Belonged to the Archdiocese of Hanoi, the church took Saint Anthony of Padova as the patron. The church has begun decorating since early December. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Phung Khoang Church is also one of the oldest in Hanoi. It is busy with preparing for the 2021 Christmas season. About 10km from the Hanoi Cathedral in downtown Hanoi, it is less visited than others but still makes thorough preparations for the annual event. Built in 1910 in French neoclassical style, it shows a harmony with nearby landscapes. Its space is typical of peaceful rural area in Vietnam. It is being adorned with eye-catching lights and garlands. A huge pine at its gate will be used as a highlight. At its top is a star and hundreds of lights are placed along leaf canopies. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Statues in its yard are cleaned and covered with a new painting. The Bethlehem cave is also cleaned up to house statues and items. The Church is located on Phung Khoang street, Trung Van ward, Nam Tu Liem district. It mass services saw the participation of many local Catholic flowers, especially during Christmas Eve. For Catholic followers, Christmas is a solemn ritual. On Christmas Eve, parishioners go to churches to attend mass and enjoy Christmas night shows and dance performances by the church. It is also an opportunity for local people and visitors to enjoy a memorable festive atmosphere during the year. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Christmas is now seen as a holiday for all. On the day, children are eager to meet and receive gifts from Santa Claus. According to the Catholic calendar, Christmas begins from December 24 Eve and the main holiday is December 25. Christmas is a special time not only for Catholics but also for local people. Along with Tet, the traditional Lunar New Year in Vietnam. Christmas is a great holiday for families to reunite and an occasion for the country to strengthen its solidarity. Visitors could celebrate Christmas right outside the church gate with romantic candles. Inside, the church’s decorations look as fresh and vivid as ever. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A huge pine at its gate will be used as a highlight. At its top is a star and hundreds of lights are placed along leaf canopies. The church has begun decorating since early December. One of the indispensable items in premises of churches are statutes and decorations, with each having different meaning. Inside, the church is beautifully decorated but still exudes a feeling of dignity and sacredness. It is also a venue for regular religious activities of the local parishioners. Many groups of youngsters come together as they pose for group photos in front of the church in the buildup to Christmas. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Statutes and decorations are among the indispensable items in premises of churches, with each having different meaning. Statues in Phung Khoang church’s yard are cleaned and covered with a new painting. The space here is typical for a peaceful rural Vietnam.  Vietnam is a country of many religions and beliefs. At present, about 90 percent of the Vietnamese population practise their religions and beliefs. Freedom of religion has been ensured and promoted in Vietnam. Christmas is now seen as a holiday for all. It is also an opportunity for local people and visitors to enjoy a memorable festive atmosphere during the year. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

This year, the Phung Khoang Church only holds mass service on its main hall. Catholic followers must be fully vaccinated and scan QR codes to attend. It also does not plan music performances as usual. Due to the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas atmosphere is also less vibrant than previous years. Parishioners are advised to attend online ceremonies via social media. Temperatures in Hanoi are falling by the day but there is still a warm atmosphere welcoming in the Christmas season. Many people have visited shopping malls looking for Christmas gifts. Colorful Christmas decoration items, toys, and gifts are sold everywhere in streets in the Hanoi old quarter, making the Hanoians more eager for the upcoming festival. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

This Christmas season comes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage around the world, and people have therefore taken preventive measures so they can still celebrate the season. A special Christmas season is coming - Christmas in the midst of the pandemic but still with joy and wishes for peace and happiness. According to the Catholic calendar, Christmas begins from December 24 Eve and the main holiday is December 25. Christmas is a special time not only for Catholics but also for local people. Along with Tet, the traditional Lunar New Year in Vietnam. Christmas is a great holiday for families to reunite and an occasion for the country to strengthen its solidarity. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

With more than two weeks to go until Christmas, a festive atmosphere can be found nearly everywhere. Every Christmas is an occasion for parishioners to gather and reunite with their families, to sing praise to the lord, and to offer each other love. It is also an opportunity for people to have fun and admire the beautiful Christmas scene. Vietnam is a country of many religions and beliefs. At present, about 90 percent of the Vietnamese population practise their religions and beliefs. Freedom of religion has been ensured and promoted in Vietnam. Christmas is now seen as a holiday for all. It is also an opportunity for local people and visitors to enjoy a memorable festive atmosphere during the year. (Photo: VietnamPlus)