Ha Long city: Spring longevity celebrations honor the elderly

On February 5 (or the 8th day of the Lunar New Year), communes and wards across Ha Long city organized longevity celebrations in order to express gratitude, respect towards the elderly at the beginning of the new spring.

The Vietnamese have a custom of holding longevity ceremonies to celebrate the elderly and show their children’s respect. Longevity celebrations in Vietnam are held in the early Spring soon after the Lunar New Year rather than on birthdays.

The tradition of “Drinking water, remember its source” is a central tenet of Vietnamese culture. The celebration of longevity is a custom to honor individuals who reach 70, which is repeated when they reach their 80-, 90- and 100-year milestones. The honorees receive red clothing and other gifts, children and grandchildren also return home to celebrate this event.

At the ceremony, city leaders extended New Year greetings, and presented lucky money as a gesture of good fortune. They also encouraged the elderly to live happily, healthily, and meaningfully, continuing to be a strong spiritual pillar and a role model of wisdom, ethics, and character for younger generations to follow.

The elderly's contributions help foster positive values for families and society, supporting the development of Ha Long city into a prosperous, exemplary, and compassionate community.