(VOVworld)- According to Vietnamese tradition, during the early days of the new lunar year, Vietnamese people organize longevity celebration ceremonies to congratulate their parents and grandparents. This custom reflects the beauty of Vietnamese culture and the tradition of “Drinking water, remember its source”. It also demonstrates children’s gratitude to their parents and grandparents.
Like many other families in Cong Hoa hamlet in Thai Binh province, Mrs. Pham Thi Mai’s family is holding a longevity celebration ceremony to congratulate her. Mrs Mai has 6 children, but 5 of them are living far away. At 95, Mai has 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. On this occasion, Mai’s children have returned home to attend the ceremony. The busy atmosphere of the ceremony, the wishes and the laughs of the family members make the Spring atmosphere cozier. Ms Vu Minh Hien, Mai’s daughter, says that this is a chance for the children to show their gratitude to their parents. “It’s a great happiness for our family to celebrate my mother’s 95th birthday. My mother is very happy to see her children and grandchildren”, said Hien.

Though she is 95 years old now, she is sound in mind. She cooks by herself, and cleans the house. She is a spiritual support giving life experience to her children and grandchildren. She says it’s a gift of god for her to receive best wishes from her children. For her, children’s love is a priceless spiritual gift. Mrs. Mai says: “Today, I’m very happy because all of my children are gathered at home. This is my second longevity celebration ceremony. I’m trying to stay healthy to live to 100”.

When the Lunar New Year comes, local authorities, social organizations including the Elderly Association, the Women’s Association, and the War Veterans’ Association, organized meetings to congratulate the elders. In Thai Binh, authorities at all levels hold longevity celebration ceremonies showing the society’s respect for elders. Bui Quang Vuong is President of the Elders’ Association in Dong Quang commune, Dong Hung district. “Every year, we hold longevity celebration parties for elders from 70 to more than 100. This year our commune has 92 elders. The oldest are 102 and 104 years old. This is an occasion for local authorities and families to show gratitude to the elders and wish them happy, healthy, useful lives”.

Organizing longevity celebration parties has become a tradition in many families and localities in Vietnam. The parties are different in different regions, but their significance is the same to show the society’s and families’ respect for the elders.

To Tuan