“Tết Hàn Thực” – Cold Foods Festival is a traditional festival of Vietnamese which takes place on the 3rd day of the third Lunar month in the year. This is an occasion for family members to gather and remember their ancestors.
On that day, all family’s members gather at home to make “Bánh trôi” – (floating cake) and “Bánh chay” – (lean cake) two traditional kinds of food of “Tết Hàn Thực” .
“Bánh trôi” are small white balls made of glutinous rice flour with piece of brown sugar inside, while “Bánh chay” are bigger and filled in with green bean paste.
“Bánh trôi” is usually sprinkled with sesame and some coconut fibers while “Bánh chay” is served in bowls with sweet floured syrup.
After all have been done, “bánh trôi” and “bánh chay” will be put on a tray on altar to offer ancestors.
According to experts, the festival is celebrated in many Asian countries, but in Vietnam the festival features a unique and special nuance, reminding family members to commemorate their ancestors.-VNA
