Good morning/afternoon everyone, I’m Kim Quyền
Before we start, I have a quick question for you: (chuyển slide câu hỏi) Do you
have a special tradition or holiday you celebrate with your family every year?
(wait someone answer) Thanks for your sharing.
(chuyển slide) Today, I want to talk about The Importances of Rituals. Rituals are
more than just special events; they are ways that connect us to our traditions,
families, and the values we believe in. Let me explain three main reasons why
rituals are so important in Vietnam.
(chuyển) First, rituals help keep Vietnamese culture alive.
Rituals like Tet (Lunar New Year) or the Mid-Autumn Festival are key to keeping
our traditions. (Chuyển) Tet is especially important for families. During Tet, we
clean our homes, cook traditional foods, and honor our ‘ancestors. These actions
are passed down through generations, and by doing them, we make sure our
culture stays strong.
For example, when we make special food for Tet, like bánh chưng (a sticky rice
cake), we are not just eating; we are taking part in a ritual that has been done for
many years. It helps us remember our history and the values that our ancestors
believed in. Even though life in Vietnam changes, these rituals help us stay
connected to what makes us Vietnamese.
(chuyển) Let’s move to the second reason, rituals bring people together.
Rituals are a special time for people to come together and share experiences.
(chuyển) A great example is Vietnamese weddings. Weddings are not just about
the bride and groom; they are big events where families, friends, and sometimes
the whole village gather to celebrate. During the đám hỏi (engagement
ceremony) and lễ cưới (wedding ceremony), everyone helps prepare food, set up
decorations, and share stories. This creates a strong bond between family
members and neighbors.
These gatherings remind people that they are part of a bigger group, whether it is
their family or their community. Celebrating together makes everyone feel closer
and strengthens relationships.
(chuyển) Third, Rituals teach us to respect and be grateful.
Many rituals in Vietnam are about showing respect to our ancestors and being
thankful for what we have. (chuyển) For example, in many homes, there is a
special table called an altar. Families put food, fruits, and burn incense on it to
honor their ancestors. This is called ancestor worship. It helps us remember the
hard work and sacrifices of family members from the past. It also teaches us to
value our roots and appreciate the people who came before us.
Another example is the Vu Lan Festival. During this time, people show thanks to
their parents and ancestors. Families often pray, give food or money to the poor,
and do kind acts. This ritual reminds us to thank our parents, respect older
people, and be kind and helpful to those in need.
To the end of this reason, I have a question for you that (chuyển) “Who do you
feel most grateful to in your life?” (wait) Thanks for your sharing.
(chuyển) By taking part in these rituals, we honor our past, enjoy the present,
and pass our traditions on to future generations.
Thank you for listening.
