While Tet Holiday is the biggest celebration, several others are celebrated in Vietnam. The secular Women’s Day in Vietnam recognizes the accomplishments of women and their contribution to Vietnamese society, unlike most festivals, which have a spiritual component.
Women’s Day is celebrated twice a year in Vietnam. Most of us are aware of International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8th worldwide to honor and remember women’s struggles for equality and advancement. Nonetheless, October 20th in Vietnam also marks a different Women’s Day with a specific designation.
Women only have one day per year to obtain attention from society. They always endure and make silent sacrifices to create a happy family. As a result, the other half of the world should show them greater consideration and respect while empathizing with their with work and family struggles.
There is no denying that the significant role and responsibilities of modern women should be appreciated. They are both housewives and social workers, devoting their energies to the nation’s advancement. In addition, they hold the honorable position of mother.
International Women’s Day is celebrated in certain nations with festivals and parades that call for equal rights for women and men on relevant matters, including educational opportunities and promotion, the prevention of prostitution, social security, and violence against women.
In Vietnam, women have made significant contributions to the country’s development, identity, and struggle. While they fight for equal rights and treatment, this day serves as a reminder of their vital accomplishments. Yet, it also acts as a day to celebrate and empower Vietnamese women.
On March 8th, Vietnamese society frequently expresses gratitude to women in their personal lives. Women receive flowers and presents from their boyfriends and friends at events or ceremonies around cities. Perhaps most significantly, it’s a day to honor and motivate young Vietnamese women by highlighting their historical contributions to politics and the economy in addition to their conventional duties.
In Hanoi, hundreds of women enthusiastically responded to a “áo dài” donation drive in the capital city for impoverished and underprivileged women.
In HCMC, several “áo dài”-related cultural events, including a parade, a photo contest, and a pageant, have taken place.
In Hue, all tourist attractions run by the Hue Monuments Conservation Center have free entrance for women in “áo dài”, whether they are Vietnamese or foreign.
All ages can wear this traditional attire. On ceremonial occasions, official holidays, graduation days, weddings, New Year’s festivals, and other celebrations, it has evolved into the norm for female attire.
A powerful emblem of Vietnamese beauty, “áo dài” has helped to improve the perception of Vietnamese women all over the world.
By Quan Pham
