Vietnam is a country with a long and rich history, culture, and tradition, which are reflected in many aspects of its people’s life. One of the most exciting and attractive events in Vietnam is the traditional boat racing festival, which is held in different regions and seasons throughout the year. The traditional boat racing festival is not only a sport, but also a cultural expression and a spiritual practice of the Vietnamese people.
The origin and the meaning of the traditional boat racing festival
The traditional boat racing festival is believed to have originated from the ancient times, when the Vietnamese people lived in harmony with nature and worshiped the water gods. The boat racing festival was a way of showing gratitude and respect to the water gods, who provided them with abundant resources and protection. The boat racing festival was also a way of praying for favorable weather, good harvest, and prosperity in the new year.
The traditional boat racing festival is also influenced by the historical and cultural events of Vietnam, such as the wars and the revolutions. The boat racing festival was a way of expressing patriotism and solidarity, as well as resistance and resilience, of the Vietnamese people. The boat racing festival was also a way of commemorating and honoring the national heroes and martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and sovereignty.
The diversity and the beauty of the traditional boat racing festival
The traditional boat racing festival varies from one region to another, due to the differences in geography, climate, and ethnicity. The traditional boat racing festival can be divided into two main types: the dragon boat racing festival and the ghe ngo boat racing festival.
The dragon boat racing festival is more popular in the northern and the central regions of Vietnam, where the rivers and the lakes are abundant and wide. The dragon boat racing festival is usually held in the spring or the summer, coinciding with the lunar calendar or the historical dates. The dragon boat racing festival involves the racing of long and narrow boats, which are decorated with dragon heads and tails, and can carry from 10 to 50 people. The dragon boat racing festival is often accompanied by music, such as drums, gongs, and horns, which are meant to create rhythm and excitement for the racers and the spectators.
The ghe ngo boat racing festival is more common in the southern region of Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta, where the Khmer ethnic minority group lives. The ghe ngo boat racing festival is usually held in the autumn or the winter, coinciding with the harvest season or the Khmer festivals. The ghe ngo boat racing festival involves the racing of long and curved boats, which are about 30 meters in length, and can carry from 20 to 40 people. The ghe ngo boat racing festival is often accompanied by music, such as gongs and cheers, which are meant to encourage and support the racers and the spectators.
The traditional boat racing festival is not only a display of the natural beauty and diversity of Vietnam, but also a reflection of the creativity and artistry of the Vietnamese people. They carefully select, prepare, and decorate the boats, and arrange them in a pleasing and elegant way. They also train, practice, and compete with passion and skill, and follow the rules and the etiquette of the festival. The traditional boat racing festival is a feast for the eyes and the soul, as well as a tribute to the water gods and the ancestors.
Conclusion
The traditional boat racing festival is a unique and meaningful feature of Vietnam, which has been preserved and passed down for generations. It is not only a sport, but also a cultural expression and a spiritual practice of the Vietnamese people. By understanding and respecting the traditional boat racing festival, we can appreciate and celebrate the life and the spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Vietnam warmly welcomes you to explore Vietnamese culture deeply. Make your trip go smoothly as the very first step, and make your plan into reality by obtaining a Vietnam visa at https://www.vietnam-evisa.org.