HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội Museum organises numerous exhibitions and events to celebrate Tết (Lunar New Year) 2024, introducing traditional cultural values, especially Tết customs in the capital city to the general public.

Visitors are seen at the thematic exhibition Năm Thìn kể chuyện Rồng (The Year of the Dragon Tells Dragon Stories). — VNA/VNS Photo

With the theme Phong vị Tết xưa Hà Nội (Flavours of Traditional Tết in Hà Nội), the exhibition introduces the custom of wrapping bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake), enjoying couplets and Vietnamese traditional calligraphy during Tết, and appreciating bonsai, Tết fireworks and Tết market.

To reflect the traditional customs, practices and cultural essence of the past, the exhibition features a collection of images by Vietnamese and foreign photographers, integrated with installation art in the Nếp Xưa (Ancient Tradition) exhibition space.

Along with the exhibition, Hà Nội Museum also organised a discussion themed Phong vị Tết xưa Hà Nội (Flavours of Traditional Tết in Hà Nội) to help the general public understand the traditions expressed at the exhibition. 

The speakers discussed traditional Tết preparation customs of Hanoians and traditional New Year greetings.

Hà Nội Museum also organised a discussion themed Phong vị Tết xưa Hà Nội (Flavours of Traditional Tết in Hà Nội) to help the general public understand the traditions expressed at the exhibition. — VNA/VNS Photo

Bùi Xuân Đính, Associate Professor at Hà Nội Open University, underlined that Tết (Lunar New Year) is one of the most special holidays for Vietnamese people.

"The journey to prepare for Tết has numerous customs, and each custom has its specific requirements. Therefore, the ancient Hà Nội citizens must be meticulous and thoughtful, with unanimity among family members," Đính said. 

In addition, Hà Nội Museum also presents the thematic exhibition Năm Thìn kể chuyện Rồng (The Year of the Dragon Tells Dragon Stories).

The dragon is a mascot of this new lunar year and also a mascot associated with the land of Thăng Long – the ancient name of the capital city.

The exhibition includes three themes: the dragon mascot in religious and belief, the dragon mascot in daily life, and the dragon mascot in contemporary life.

The exhibition introduces more than 100 documents and artefacts related to dragon symbols in architecture, religious and belief artwork through the Hà Nội Museum's collection of artefacts. 

Craft village products and handicraft products displayed at the exhibition also convey the application of dragons in contemporary life and fine arts.

Nguyễn Tiến Đà, director of Hà Nội Museum, highlighted that the specialised exhibition of Năm Thìn kể chuyện Rồng conveys good fortune for Tết, ushering in luck, happiness and prosperity to every home. — VNS