VietNamNet Bridge – The first month of the lunar calendar after Tet has traditionally been seen as a month of festivals, but one cultural researcher says that, while this may have been appropriate for an agrarian society, it does not mesh well with modern Vietnam.

Overcrowding at a buffalo fighting festival in Vinh Phuc

Researcher Nguyen Tran Bat says that in the past this month was useful because, during the break in agricultural work, people had the chance to do other things. They would start construction of new houses, get married, buy livestock, and have festivals. But is this necessary or even viable in a modern society? Bat ponders this question during a recent interview with Tien Phong online newspaper.

Why do we still have so many festivals?

It seems that we lack a cultural space to nurture spiritual life. Farmers’ lives are so difficult that they don’t have time. Their way of making up for this is to have numerous festivals during the brief period they can avoid hard work.

Many people who go to festivals complain that they are not safe and are constantly being overcharged. What, in your view, are the major differences between Vietnamese festivals and those of other countries?

I haven't had many chances to attend festivals in foreign countries but have made some observations during my trips abroad. As far as I can tell, festivals in many foreign countries are related to certain products such as vintage wine.

I think that Vietnam should do the same and make festivals into economic activities. That would be more reasonable and effective.  

Many have also complained that festivals bring bad consequences, yet we continue to celebrate so many. What is your opinion?

I think we need to conduct careful studies on the dark side of current festivals before making any comments. I think that a healthy festival would help people improve their spiritual lives, but unhealthy events will harm the country’s cultural identity.

Do you think that the festivals during the first lunar month that have been maintained and developed so far are partially to serve certain groups?

The purposes of cultural events often change in time. Some festivals that have been organised at pagodas in recent years have no relation to the country’s cultural tradition.

Generally, economic benefits are often a driving force and sometimes certain cultural events are set up for the interest of certain groups. These groups not only exist in the economic sector but also in “intangible” sectors and it may harm Vietnamese traditional culture.

It seems you're saying we need to foster cultural and spiritual life on one hand but do away with the concept of so many festivals on the other. How do you think we can address these opposite aims?

In modern life, people have to work harder and many have to cooperate with people in other sectors, so it’s no longer feasible to maintain old concepts, including those of the first lunar month.

Those who don’t have money are consumed with just trying to meet their daily lives. They have little time for pleasure. Those who wish to go to festivals should have money.

The first lunar month might be great for some, but not for others. In fact there is no single concept that encompasses this month for all people in society or for Vietnam as a whole.

I think it’s necessary to protect the development of our cultural identity as well as the benefits such festivals have for some groups. Many people who don’t have the chance to take pleasure in festivals, but are very happy to earn money during this time.

Those who do business during festivals are not necessarily less happy than those who go for fun. When we see both as benefits for certain issue they are justifiable.

Source: DTriNews/TP