On the morning of January 16, in the crisp weather of early spring, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the cultural diplomacy program Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year) Harmony. This event took place at Mailand Urban Area in Hanoi.

This annual event, eagerly anticipated by the residents of Hanoi, celebrates Tet by introducing international friends to Vietnam’s customs and traditions.

Among the distinguished guests were Madam Ngo Phuong Ly, female ambassadors, spouses of ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions in Vietnam, and Vietnamese diplomats.

The program serves as a platform for fostering international connections and promoting unity, friendship, and cultural understanding.

During the event, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly and the diplomats joined in traditional Tet activities such as enjoying folk songs, visiting craft booths, and participating in games. They also explored a Tet flower market, learned the art of pottery and hand embroidery, and received calligraphic scrolls from master artisans.

The highlight of the day was making and cooking banh chung, the iconic dish of the Vietnamese New Year.

Preserving Tet traditions through banh chung

Madam Ngo Phuong Ly demonstrated the meticulous process of making banh chung, skillfully cutting and arranging leaves in the mold, layering glutinous rice, mung beans, and marinated pork, and tying the cakes with bamboo strings. Her expertise impressed the foreign diplomats, who eagerly followed her instructions.

While guiding her guests, Madam Ly shared the significance of banh chung in Vietnamese culture.

She explained that during Tet, families prepare the ingredients together - washing leaves, soaking beans, and seasoning pork -before gathering to wrap the cakes. However, the most joyful part is the hours-long cooking process, where family members sit around the fire, sharing stories and warmth despite the winter chill.

For many generations, banh chung has symbolized reunion and celebration. Larger, perfectly shaped cakes are offered to ancestors as a sign of respect, while smaller cakes are made for children as a festive gift.

In modern times, banh chung is available year-round, yet the tradition of making it during Tet remains an irreplaceable part of Vietnamese family life.

Strengthening cultural ties

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu expressed his appreciation for Madam Ngo Phuong Ly’s presence as the event’s guest of honor, alongside many female ambassadors and diplomats.

He emphasized that these cultural exchanges deepen international admiration for Vietnam, fostering connections that make the country feel like a second home for many foreign representatives.

On behalf of the diplomatic corps, Egyptian Ambassador Amal Abdel Kader Elmorsi Salama praised Vietnam’s Lunar New Year as the country’s most significant celebration. She noted that Tet represents family reunions, respect for elders, and the welcoming of spring, peace, and happiness across Vietnam.

The ambassador highlighted her own joyful experiences during Tet, from tasting special dishes like banh chung to witnessing vibrant festivals and blossoming flowers.

She commended Vietnam’s remarkable economic and social achievements in recent years, including high growth rates and improved living standards. She extended her best wishes for Vietnam’s continued prosperity and success in its future development plans.

The Vietnamese Tet Harmony event offered a meaningful cultural exchange, allowing international guests to experience the essence of Vietnam’s most cherished holiday.

Through activities like making banh chung, exploring traditional crafts, and enjoying Tet music and games, the program not only celebrates Vietnam’s rich heritage but also strengthens bonds of friendship and understanding between nations.

Tran Thuong & Pham Hai