THE MEANING OF MID­AUTUMN DAY IS RATHER DIFFERENT TO THAT IN CHI...

486)  The meaning of Mid­Autumn Day is rather different to that in China, though the Vietnamese 

also celebrate it by eating mooncakes. In Viet Nam the Mid­Autumn Festival is the happiest day for 

children,   during   which   parents   buy   their   children   various   kinds   of   lanterns   and   snacks.

There are also various activities held to celebrate the Mid­Autumn Festival in Viet Nam. The main 

activities   include   worshipping   the   God   of   Earth,   and   carrying   carp­shaped   lanterns.

Usually   a   worshipping   platform   is   set   up   in   the   yard   during   Mid­Autumn   night,   on   which 

mooncakes, fruits, and snacks are laid. Later family members sit together to eat the food while 

appreciating   the   moon.

It's also a tradition for the Vietnamese to light lanterns during the Mid­Autumn night. It is thought 

that if people walk at night with a carp lantern in hand, they will be safe from the carp spirit. Now, 

children hold various kinds of paper lanterns and play in the moonlight, while eating mooncakes 

during the evening of Mid­Autumn Day.

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