International students at Foreign Trade University wear Ao Dai (traditional long dress), and experience traditional Tet holiday in Vietnam. (Photo: VietnamPlus) Hanoi (VNA) - International students have soaked in the Vietnamese Tet atmosphere by trying to make “banh chung” (square glutinous rice cake), a traditional Vietnamese dish during Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday and arranging “mam ngu qua” (tray of five fruits).
The university campus décor harkens back to a bygone era, breathing the Tet atmosphere in rural Vietnamese villages characterized with communal houses and wells. Besides, the 1980s theme comes in very authentic fashion, with every corner a reminder of the past.
A kaleidoscope of activities has been held, helping foreign students gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese Tet holiday.
Foreign students are all excited about the country’s biggest holiday as they get to experience interesting traditions that showcase Vietnamese culture, such as sharing lucky money, tasting traditional specialties, and blessings written in calligraphy.
Son, a German post-graduate at Foreign Trade University, found it joyful to experience Tet atmosphere.
Son and his foreign friends learn how to make banh chung or chung cake, a traditional Vietnamese dish during Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday. (Photo: VietnamPlus) Trying to make “banh chung”, a square-shaped pack of glutinous rice with meat and bean fillings wrapped in “la dong”, the special leaves used to wrap banh chung, Son and his Korean friends found it interesting but challenging.
“This is my first hands-on experience with this. I see making “banh chung” interesting but extremely difficult”, Son said.
Like Son, this was the first time Park Jyeju experienced Tet as well. She is a student from the Republic of Korea. Showing her hand-made “banh chung”, she said she was eager to taste it.
Foreign youngsters wrap “banh chung”, a traditional Vietnamese dish during Tet. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Park Hyeju said she loved Vietnamese Tet atmosphere, and she was really into Vietnamese food and traditional dress.
Meanwhile, Son said it was fascinating to play “o an quan” (Mandarin Square Capturing), a traditional folk game, and try Vietnamese food.
He was especially impressed by the “ao dai”, which he said he would buy to take home with him.
Foreign youngsters with their hand-made “banh chung”. (Photo: VietnamPlus) Tasty and special is how Giannella Bajob, a Venezuelan student at Hanoi University, described “banh chung” and “nem” (spring roll) – two typical dishes of Vietnamese people during Tet holiday.
Living in Vietnam for five years, Joshua Wilkinson, a British student at Hanoi University, said Tet gives him an opportunity to learn Vietnamese culture.
“What makes me more excited is that I get a lot of lucky money during Tet”, he said, tongue in cheek.
Beyond tasting Vietnamese traditional food, Vietnamese Tet gives foreign students a cozy atmosphere, taking their mind off their homesickness.
Phonemany Savanh (left) and her friend pose for a photo at the 1908s-theme corner (Photo: VietnamPlus) Phonemany Savanh, a Lao student at Foreign Trade University, said Vietnam is now her second home, adding Vietnamese Tet is as familiar as Lao traditional Tet.
“In Laos, we make cakes from glutinous rice, get together, and go to the pagoda to pray for good health and prosperity. Joining Tet in Vietnam, I have the chance to study Vietnamese culture. The warm atmosphere really help me overcome homesickness.”
Vietnam is now home to some 45,000 students from 100 countries and territories worldwide. The organization of activities in celebration of Vietnamese Tet holiday is expected to give foreign students better insight into Vietnamese culture and customs, while helping them get together and promote cultural exchange./.
