What is the concept of a holiday in your country?
In Vietnam, holidays are pretty much like anywhere else—a break from work and a chance to unwind. We have 10 public holidays now, up from eight before 2007, thanks to government updates. People from all walks of life get a day off and usually spend it with family or friends. Some festivals last for a month, which is great for those who work hard and need a breather. These holidays are a mix of remembering important historical figures and just having a good time. Whether it’s the Lunar New Year or Tet, the aim is to give people a chance to relax and celebrate.
Why are holidays so important to modern people?
Holidays are a breath of fresh air in our fast-paced world. With everyone racing against the clock, stress and burnout are all too common. Working 8-10 hours a day can really take a toll, so having time off helps people recharge. It’s like hitting the reset button. Besides, holidays offer a chance to reconnect with family and friends, which can get pushed to the side when you’re caught up in the grind. It’s a way to break free from the daily grind and find a bit of balance in life.
Do you think it is necessary to observe traditional customs?
Absolutely, sticking to traditional customs is important. It’s like keeping a link to your roots and culture. Following these customs gives you a sense of identity and belonging. It’s like saying, "This is who I am and where I come from." When you take part in traditional rituals, it not only makes you feel connected to your community but also shows respect for your heritage. In Vietnam, not following these traditions can sometimes be seen as a bit of a letdown, so it’s definitely worth keeping them alive.
What changes in terms of spending festivals and holidays have taken place in the past decade?
Over the past decade, how we celebrate has shifted quite a bit. In the past, holidays were mostly about big gatherings with friends and mostly outdoors. Nowadays, celebrations often include family and sometimes happen indoors. People are also hosting more private parties for smaller occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. While large-scale public events like New Year’s and Lunar New Year still draw crowds, private parties have become a big part of how people celebrate.
What is the difference regarding celebration in different parts of the country?
There are some regional differences in how festivals are celebrated, but nothing too drastic. Celebrations might vary based on local culture and traditions. For example, areas that grow rice might have a big Autumn Harvest Festival, while other regions don’t. While the core activities like social gatherings, meals, and prayers remain the same, the food and some customs might change a bit depending on where you are. So, while the essence of the celebration is consistent, the details can vary from place to place.
Take a toll: To have a negative effect or impact.
Hit the reset button: To start over or refresh.
Breath of fresh air: Something new and refreshing that helps to alleviate monotony.
Daily grind: The routine, often monotonous, of daily work.
Reconnect: To renew a relationship or connection with someone.
Break free: To escape or liberate oneself from something restrictive.
Link to your roots: A connection to one’s heritage or origins.
Sense of identity: A feeling of belonging to a particular group or culture.
Letdown: A disappointment or failure to meet expectations.
Shifted quite a bit: Changed significantly.
Host: To organize and hold an event.
Large-scale: Involving a lot of people or a large area.
Core activities: Fundamental or central activities.
Regional differences: Variations or distinctions based on different areas or regions.
Essence: The fundamental nature or most important quality of something.
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