Meaning & history of Vietnamese lanterns
Vietnamese lanterns have a rich history, deeply rooted in the country’s culture and traditions. Their origin can be traced back to China, where the tradition of lanterns was introduced to Vietnam during periods of Chinese influence. Over time, the Vietnamese developed their own unique designs and uses for lanterns, making them a significant cultural symbol.
The circular and cylindrical shapes of the lanterns often represent unity, harmony, and happiness. Traditionally, they were made with bamboo frames covered in colorful silk or paper, decorated with intricate patterns. Lanterns were not just decorative items but also believed to bring good fortune and ward off bad spirits.
In Vietnamese culture, the warm glow of lanterns symbolizes hope and positivity, making them a central part of various celebrations and festivals.
Use of Vietnamese Lanterns
Vietnamese lanterns are widely used in both traditional and modern contexts. Their primary use is decorative, but they also hold symbolic meaning during certain festivals and events.
Hoi An Lantern Tradition
Hoi An is the most iconic place to experience Vietnamese lanterns. Every evening, the town lights up with lanterns hanging across streets, decorating shops, and floating on the Thu Bon River. Hoi An’s Full Moon Lantern Festival is particularly famous, held monthly during the full moon. During this festival, the town turns off most electric lights, and the streets glow with lanterns and candles, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
While the festival is a special occasion, lanterns are an everyday sight in Hoi An, making it a year-round attraction. Originally, lanterns in Hoi An were inspired by the town’s historic trade connections with China and Japan.
Mid-Autumn Festival
Lanterns play a significant role during the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu), especially for children. They carry lanterns in parades as a symbol of light guiding them toward success and happiness. Star-shaped lanterns are particularly popular during this time, along with traditional circular designs.
Tet (Lunar New Year)
During Tet, lanterns are used as decorations, especially red ones, which symbolize prosperity and good fortune. Although not as central to Tet as they are to the Mid-Autumn Festival, lanterns are still a common sight in homes and public spaces.
Everyday Use and Souvenirs
Outside of festivals, lanterns are widely sold and used as souvenirs. Tourists buy them as decorative items, while many Vietnamese families use them to add a touch of tradition and beauty to their homes. Lanterns can be found year-round in popular destinations like Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. Their continued popularity stems not just from their cultural value but also from their aesthetic appeal.
Different types of Vietnamese lanterns
Vietnamese lanterns come in a variety of types, styles, and materials, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes. While silk lanterns are the most iconic and widely recognized, there are other types of lanterns that hold cultural and decorative significance. Here’s an overview of the different types of Vietnamese lanterns:
1. Silk Lanterns (Đèn Lồng Lụa)
The most famous type of Vietnamese lantern, silk lanterns are synonymous with the streets of Hoi An. These lanterns are made with a bamboo or wood frame and covered in vibrant silk fabric, often adorned with hand-painted patterns or traditional motifs. Their soft glow and elegant design make them perfect for both decorative and symbolic purposes.
- Shapes: Round, cylindrical, diamond-shaped, and hexagonal.
- Symbolism: Harmony, prosperity, and good fortune.
- Common Uses: Festivals, homes, and as souvenirs.
2. Paper Lanterns (Đèn Lồng Giấy)
Paper lanterns are lightweight and more affordable compared to silk lanterns. They are often used for temporary decorations during festivals like Tet or the Mid-Autumn Festival. These lanterns are made with thin, colorful paper stretched over a frame.
- Shapes: Star-shaped (especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival), cylindrical, and conical.
- Symbolism: Celebration and light guiding the way.
- Common Uses: Children’s parades and festive events.
3. Star-Shaped Lanterns (Đèn Ông Sao)
A traditional design associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, star-shaped lanterns are popular among children. They are constructed with a bamboo frame in the shape of a star, wrapped in colorful cellophane or paper, and often illuminated with a candle or LED light.
- Symbolism: Happiness, light, and hope for the future.
- Common Uses: Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations and parades.
4. Foldable Lanterns (Đèn Xếp)
Foldable lanterns are a practical and portable version of the traditional silk lantern. They are designed to collapse into a flat shape, making them easy to store or transport. These lanterns retain the beauty of silk designs while being more functional for travelers or temporary events.
- Symbolism: Modern adaptation of traditional culture.
- Common Uses: Souvenirs and temporary decorative purposes.
5. Glass Lanterns (Đèn Lồng Kính)
Less common but still traditional, glass lanterns are made with colored glass panes set in metal frames. They create a stunning interplay of light and color, often used in religious ceremonies or as altar decorations.
- Symbolism: Spirituality and reverence.
- Common Uses: Temples, altars, and religious events.
6. Festival-Specific Lanterns
Some lanterns are created specifically for certain festivals and are not commonly seen outside those celebrations. For example:
- Dragon-Shaped Lanterns: Used during the Full Moon Lantern Festival or Tet.
- Boat-Shaped Lanterns: Symbolizing prosperity and safe travels.
Lantern making workshop in vietnam
One of the most enjoyable and unique activities you can do in Vietnam is joining a lantern-making workshop. Not only do you get to learn about the craftsmanship behind these iconic symbols of Vietnamese culture, but you’ll also have the chance to create your very own lantern to take home as a souvenir. It’s a hands-on experience that combines creativity with tradition, making it perfect for travelers of all ages.
The Best Place to Make Your Own Lantern
Without a doubt, Hoi An is the best place in Vietnam for lantern-making workshops. As the city is synonymous with colorful lanterns, it’s no surprise that many workshops are held here. Local artisans guide you through the entire process, from building the bamboo frame to stretching the silk and decorating it with vibrant designs.
Workshops in Hoi An are designed to be beginner-friendly, so no prior skills are needed. Most sessions last around 1.5 to 2 hours, and at the end, you’ll have your very own handmade lantern to take home—a meaningful souvenir and a memory of your time in Vietnam.
In Hanoi, lantern-making workshops are far less common, though a few craft centers might offer similar experiences. However, they don’t compare to the authentic atmosphere and variety of options available in Hoi An.
Best places to buy Vietnamese lanterns
1. Hoi An
Hoi An is the ultimate destination for buying Vietnamese lanterns. With countless shops and market stalls offering lanterns in all shapes and sizes, it’s easy to find the perfect one to take home. The Hoi An Night Market is particularly magical, as the streets glow with hundreds of lanterns beautifully lit at night. Visiting in the evening not only allows you to see the lanterns at their best, but also provides a charming atmosphere to shop in. Whether you’re looking for a classic silk lantern or something more unique, Hoi An is the place to be.
2. Hanoi
In Hanoi, certain streets are known for their abundance of lantern shops. While these streets may not have the same magical atmosphere as Hoi An, they offer a wide selection of lanterns, often at competitive prices. Streets in the Old Quarter like Hang Ma Street are particularly popular, especially during festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the area comes alive with colorful decorations and festive energy. Wandering these streets is an experience in itself, even if you’re just browsing.
3. Ho Chi Minh City
In Ho Chi Minh City, the best place to buy Vietnamese lanterns is Luong Nhu Hoc Street in Chinatown. This street truly comes alive during the Mid-Autumn Festival, with stalls and shops overflowing with vibrant lanterns in all shapes and designs. Even if you don’t plan to buy one, visiting in the evening is a must to soak in the lively atmosphere and admire the dazzling displays. Be prepared for crowds, especially in the days leading up to the festival, but the experience is well worth it.
