Novices from Vietnam, Nov. Anthony Thai Sy Hoang, Nov. Joseph Cao Quang Pham, Nov. Martian Hoang Xuan Vu, and Nov. Peter Thao Nguyen Van, hosted the APAN 16th Inter-Cultural Community Night, last February 19, 2023 at the ANPH Social Hall, with the theme: “Tết Sum Vầy” or the New Year’s Eve Celebration for the Lunar New Year celebrated intimately by all Vietnamese family and people.
The Vietnamese brothers shared the meaning of Tết, i.e., the best occasion for family members to return home and get together. During Tet, Vietnamese spend time shopping for the New Year and going to Pagodas and Temples. The items of shopping range from food to clothing to decorations for the house. It is is celebrated with people in the streets making loud noises, using firecrackers, drums, bells, and gongs to ward off evil spirits. There is also a parade that takes place on this day. Parades happen all over the cities; lively events full of people wearing masks and performing lion dances.
They also prepared Vietnamese cuisine, such as, Bún bò Huế (Vietnamese Beef Noodles), Gỏi cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls), and Nộm đu đủ (Vietnamese Papaya Salad), that was full of spices and tradition. They also presented the rich culture and history, long-standing traditions, and beautiful sceneries or places that one could consider in visiting Vietnam.
The other Novices of APAN and the guests also joined the Vietnamese brothers in a special dance number, traditional bamboo dance or the Nhảy sạp, and the traditional picking of Bible verse that will guide the New Year with some money for prosperity.
The activity was attended by ANPH community, Associates of Saint Rita, and friends of the Augustinian family.
Chúc mừng Năm Mới! Cảm ơn nhiều lắm!
(The Vietnamese Novices and the ANPH community would like to extend their gratitude to those people who made this event successful and meaningful for the ANPH Community.)
Onwards, One Asia-Pacific!
Onwards, Augustinians!
