The Doan Ngo Festival holds significant importance, particularly in East Asian nations like Vietnam, observed on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. Beyond its traditional roots, this celebration carries profound narratives and cultural significance. Let's delve into its rich tapestry below.

What is the Doan Ngo Festival?

The Doan Ngo Festival or Mid Year Festival, occurs annually on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month and is observed not only in Vietnam but also in South Korea, North Korea, and China. Derived from its name, "Doan" signifies the beginning, while "Ngo" denotes the period from 11 am to 1 pm, coinciding with the shortest moment of sunlight and the summer solstice.

In Vietnam, it's commonly referred to as the Killing Insects Festival. During this significant day, people prepare special dishes aimed at eliminating one’s body of any unwanted “parasites”, alongside launching campaigns to eradicate insects, safeguard crops, and promote agricultural prosperity.

In Vietnam, it's commonly referred to as the Killing Insects Festival

Origin and meaning of the festival in Vietnamese culture

The event has its roots in ancient Vietnamese agricultural practices and beliefs, marking a time to ward off pests and ensure good health during the summer solstice.

Origin of Doan Ngo Festival

Legend has it that during a year of plentiful harvest, swarms of insects threatened to devour all the crops and fruits. In this crisis, an old man named Doi Truan emerged, instructing the farmers to erect an altar for worship. Miraculously, upon following his guidance, the pests ceased their destruction. He also advised that every year on this day, people should follow what he taught and the pests would immediately be eliminated and the harvest would be bountiful. To express their gratitude, on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, people prepare banh gio, present fruits, and establish altars for worship.

The Doan Ngo Festival occurs on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month

Meaning of the celebration

In Vietnam, this is a traditional celebration aimed at safeguarding health and warding off evil spirits. During this festival, people prepare Banh Tro, a glutinous rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, believed to fortify the body against demonic possession. Additionally, households adorn their entrances with mugwort leaves to repel evil forces.

This is a traditional celebration aimed at safeguarding health and warding off evil spirits

Culinary delights of the Doan Ngo Festival

Sticky rice wine is a vital element of the event. According to tradition, harmful parasites in the human digestive system typically emerge on this day. People consume sour and spicy foods, notably sticky rice wine, which helps eliminate them. For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to enjoy this wine in the morning immediately after waking up.

Sticky rice wine plays a crucial role in the event.

Banh Tro, characterized by its rich, dark yellow hue, is a traditional cake crafted from sticky rice infused with ash water derived from dried plants. Subsequently, it is delicately enveloped in banana leaves and boiled.

Fruit is essential to present to the ancestral altar. Selecting fruits like lychee, plum, mango, watermelon, and more is crucial. This offering not only signifies the intention to ward off harmful pathogens but also symbolizes the aspiration for prosperity.

Duck meat holds a significant place in the culinary traditions of the Central Vietnamese during the Doan Ngo festival. It is widely believed that consuming duck meat during the scorching days of May aids in cooling the body, making it an essential part of the festival's culinary offerings.

People often choose sour fruits such as plums and green mangoes

Millet sweet soup is a quintessential delicacy cherished by the Hue community during the event. To prepare this dish, millet seeds are meticulously ground and de-shelled before being soaked and boiled until achieving a soft, gelatinous consistency. A blend of sugar water and a hint of ginger is then added to create a fragrant and irresistibly enticing pot of millet sweet soup.

Rice ball sweet soup holds a vital place on the Doan Ngo holiday among Southern communities. Crafted from glutinous rice flour and filled with green beans, these sweet soup balls are complemented with coconut milk, offering a refreshing and delightful flavor.

Rice ball sweet soup on the Doan Ngo celebration

The Doan Ngo Festival in Vietnam is not just a time to ward off pests and ensure good health; it's a celebration deeply rooted in cultural heritage and communal spirit. Through the rituals and traditional dishes, this festival reinforces the bonds between families and communities while paying homage to ancient customs and beliefs.