Vietnam has one of the world’s most phenomenal cultures that has been influenced through many years of colonial times, war and immigration. If you travel to a foreign country, with such a great cultural difference from Denmark, it is convenient to know basic elements in this. Below you can read more about religion and philosophy, peoples, rhythm and tone, food, dress and holidays, so you are ready for your Vietnam trip .
Religion and philosophy
According to Weddinginfashion.com, Vietnamese religion and philosophy have historically been marked by and subsequently defined through both Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism. This phenomenon is better known as the triple religion, Tam Giao.
Catholicism is practiced in modern Vietnam, while Vietnamese local culture flourishes in the highlands. Harmony and balance between two opposing forces is a fundamental element of Vietnamese culture and perception of life.
This is seen, among other things, in the Taoist ying-yang symbol. Everything from family, career and social affairs is considered from the point of view – it is important to maintain the balance between the forces.
Peoples of Vietnam
Vietnam is filled with minority groups like Yao, Hani, Miao and many more. Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country with over 50 different minority groups – each with its own language, lifestyle and cultural heritage.
With Tourist Travel, we travel in the Sapa area, where you can meet the Red Dao and H’Mong people. Originally, the H’Mong people originated in southern China, from which they emigrated in the 18th century and traveled south to mountainous areas in Vietnam, among other places.
Several modern elements, such as electricity, medicine, education and increased tourism have created a great benefit for the ethnic minorities. However, it has killed off a number of cultural traditions that only a few hold on to now.
Etiquette
Traveling in Vietnam is easy. The people are welcoming and helpful. It is important to show respect through body language and tone of voice. Therefore, avoid scolding or showing anger when traveling in Vietnam.
Remember to take off your shoes when visiting temples. Also, avoid showing too much skin – especially when visiting religious sites, it is important to be properly dressed.
Dress
Ethnic groups in Vietnam like to have an attire that reflects their unique identity The clothes that are often decorated with lively patterns in flashy contrasting colors.
The traditional attire for men used to be white trousers, a brown top with a scarf and clogs called “guoc”. For women, it was a more complicated and colorful attire.
Today, men wear uniforms and women wear the graceful Ao Dai dress. With an increasing development in the culture, the Vietnamese clothing becomes more versatile. This is especially reflected in the big cities among young people.
Vietnamese food and specialties
Vietnamese food includes fundamental foods from Vietnam, in a combination of five basic flavors – also called ngu vi. Common ingredients include fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy, rice, fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables. With a delicate balance between herbs, meats and a selective use of spices, Vietnamese cuisine is considered one of the healthiest in the world.
Vietnamese culture respects a balanced set of rules, and this is equally practiced in Vietnamese cuisine. In addition to five basic senses of taste, it also includes the relationship to the human organs (ngu tang), the color of the food (ngu sac), the sensory impressions (ngu giac) and nutrients (ngu chat). Below divided with the five ying-yang elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
When the trip goes to Vietnam, it is impossible to walk a block without seeing a bunch slurping the popular Pho soup in it. In Hanoi, Cha ca is considered to be such an exceptional dish that there is a street in the capital dedicated to these chunks of fish. Cao lau, a pork dish with noodles from Hoi An, is an imitation of the different cultures that visited the trading town in its heyday.
Holidays in Vietnam
Vietnam celebrates both traditional holidays, which have been celebrated for thousands of years, and modern holidays imported from Western countries. Among important traditional holidays, Lunar is New Year – Tet. Here you get culture under the skin when you experience how families celebrate their love for each other and their ancestors.
If you travel to the country on September 2, which is the country’s national day, to commemorate the declaration of independence of France, you can experience magnificent nationwide parades. Entire streets are lit up by red flags and fireworks take over the sky in the late evening hours.
