Colorful Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns

These days, when the streets are lit up, the festive atmosphere begins in Thac Ba commune. People are bustling on the streets, the music is bustling: "Tung dinh dinh tung tung dinh dinh/ Here the happy stars shine far away in the mountains/ Tung dinh dinh dinh tung dinh dinh/ Uncle Ho's stars shine everywhere..." Children sit on lantern carts, adults push them around the streets amidst cheers. The countryside along the Chay River is bright and sparkling. The Mid-Autumn Festival has begun!

It is called Mid-Autumn Festival because it does not only last for a few days but the festival atmosphere lasts for a whole month. The autumn weather is cooler and more pleasant. The sky is so clear and the moon is so round! Every night, the gentle light spreads throughout the world, from there opening up the fairy tale of the childhood world about the beautiful Hang Nga, about Cuoi sitting under the banyan tree...

That colorful world is conveyed through lanterns: Trung sisters riding elephants into battle, Saint Giong pulling bamboo to fight the enemy, golden turtles, carps turning into dragons, phoenixes, roosters, frogs sitting under lotus leaves, doves carrying wishes for peace … But the most popular are still dragon models because this is a sacred animal in Vietnamese culture.

As soon as the moon rose, the main streets became bustling. Lines of colorful, splendid lanterns paraded one after another to the lively music and the excited cheers of children. Not only were the children excited, but the adults were also excited. The lanterns were not only sparkling but also able to move flexibly. They were truly works of art.

The brilliant colors of the giant Mid-Autumn lanterns not only light up the streets but also bring joy to people’s hearts. People from all walks of life take to the streets to join in the festive atmosphere. The joyful dancing of lion and dragon teams adds to the jubilant atmosphere.

“Sometimes, the dragons spray water and fire, which makes us very excited. I just want these lantern parade nights to last forever,” said Bui Ngoc Quy in village 4, unable to hide his excitement.

Quy's wish is also the wish of the children here. In order to have fun evenings and bring happy smiles to the children, the villagers have been preparing for the past month. Each lantern usually costs tens of millions of dong. "Small amounts make big", all expenses are discussed and agreed upon by the people. In particular, many production and business establishments in the area do not hesitate to support large sums of money because everyone wants to give the best to future generations.

Then everyone gathered together to discuss and come up with ideas to make a lantern that was both unique, attractive and educational . People who were busy making a living every day were now connected by their love for children. The division of work was also very scientific. Women skillfully cut and pasted colored paper; strong men were in charge of welding iron and creating frames; young people installed the lighting system to make the lantern more brilliant. They were like real artisans.

“Every year, we make lanterns early so that the children can have fun all month long, not just one or two nights. Seeing the children cheer and be happy when they see the lantern model of our village, all the tiredness disappears. Joining the atmosphere of the children, we feel like children again. This year, Lang Can village brings the Dragon Boat lantern made of pomelo clay” - Head of Lang Can village Pham Quang Giap said.

This year, Thac Ba commune will organize the Lantern Festival "Mid-Autumn Festival for Children" on October 3 (ie August 12 of the lunar calendar). It is expected that there will be 15 lantern models participating. Education is sometimes not only in the lessons in books but also in practical activities. Those lanterns not only bring happy moments, cheerful laughter but also enrich the world of childhood. Children will love their homeland and country more; remember the merits of the generations of ancestors who built and defended the country, love the beautiful nature as well as appreciate traditional culture.

When Mid-Autumn Festival comes, in addition to the moon-viewing tray with moon cakes, red ripe persimmons or sweet grapefruits, children in Thac Ba also have a fun lantern procession. Those will forever be the most beautiful moon seasons of their childhood in their memories.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/lung-linh-sac-mau-den-trung-thu-post883061.html