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Vietnam Customs
and habit
In
general, the Vietnamese are
exceptionally friendly and outgoing.
Be prepared for many personal
questions and comments regarding
your age, marital status, and
weight. Easy-going people may put
these types of questions. Although
this may make you believe that the
Vietnamese are open people, don't
make the mistake of asking too many
personal questions. Let the person
you are talking with guide the
conversation. In fact, because of
reputated hospitality, they are
warm, helpful and easily ignore
mistakes when your behaviour doesn't
apply to their standard. Above all,
they also know much about the
western culture.
It is not unusual to be asked how
much something you own
costs--anything from a pen to your
house back home. Don't worry about
being evasive. A simple "I don't
know," or "It was a gift" or even a
pleasant, enigmatic smile should do
the trick.
The Vietnamese get very embarrassed
by displays of anger. Their usual
reaction is to laugh. This is not
because they do not take the
situation seriously, but because
they don't know how else to respond.
It is not a good idea to chastise a
person in front of others. This is a
culture affected strongly by the
concepts of pride and "face."
Fortunately, there are no unique
gestures that will get you in
trouble.
The Vietnamese eating habit tends
towards vegetarianism. Rice and
vegetables are the main course of
the meal that may be diversified by
aquatic products. Boiling is a
special way of cooking of the
Vietnamese people. Vietnamese people
like a synthetic food processing
style that involves many materials
and ingredients. Today, although
meat and fish are the main dishes of
the meal, the Vietnamese do not
forget pickled egg-plant.
The Vietnamese preferred to wear
light, thin, well-ventilated kind of
clothing that originated from plants
and was suitable for such a tropical
country as Vietnam, with grey,
indigo and black colours. Men’s
clothing changed from loin-cloth
with bare upper half of the body to
short jackets and Vietnamese
traditional trousers (re-designed
from Chinese trousers). In the past,
women often wore brassieres, skirts
and four-piece long dresses that
were later modified to the modern ao
dai. In general, Vietnamese women
adorned themselves subtly and
secretively in a society where
"virtue is more important than
appearance". Old/time clothing also
paid attention to kerchiefs, hats
and belts.
Vietnam is the country of
festivities which take place all
year round. The major festivities
are Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year),
Doan Ngo (double five), Mid-Seventh
month, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc...
Each region has its own ritual
holidays, the most important of
which are agricultural rituals (such
as the rituals of praying for rain,
getting down to the rice field, and
new rice...) and trades’s rituals
(like the rituals of copper casting,
forging, making fire crackers, and
boat racing...). Besides, there are
also rituals dedicating to national
heroes and religious and cultural
services (e.g, Buddhist rituals).
Coming to Vietnam, you will have a
great chance to get accustomed to a
rich culture. Religion still takes a
very important role in their
spiritual life. When you come to
worship places like temples,
pagodas, etc., it's recommended not
to wear so casual clothes. It is not
clearly stated, but Vietnamese
people may be offended if your way
of dressing doesn't show your
respect in those places.
Vietnamese people are very helpful.
Besides, they are good at foreign
languages, so it's a great advantage
to foreigners. If you have any
troubles, don't hesitate to ask them
for a more comfortable stay. |
