Source : http://www.vietnamembassy-srilanka.vn/en/nr070521165843/nr070815092257/ns120520000301
Vietnam an incredible diversity of cultures
By Srimal Fernando
14th and 21 May 2012
Vietnam became synonymous for its amazing natural splendor and for
safeguarding its intangible cultural heritage. It is a country in
Southeast Asia, on the Indochinese Peninsula. The country retains its
cultural traditions and lives truly up to the title “The Land of
Dragons”. The culture of the country has passed through several stages
during its history. The great theme of modern Vietnamese history is the
Vietnam’s War of Independence and reunification. The Vietnam War was
proved to be an extremely sobering experience which caused so much
suffering for the Vietnamese people. April 30th marked the 37th
anniversary of reunification of Vietnam and fall of Saigon. Ho Chi
Minh’s name comes to mind when we remember the recent history of
Vietnam. He is the best-loved and famous political figure in the
country. Ho Chi Minh the founder of the Vietnamese Communist Party and
leader of the revolution carried the torch of Vietnam’s independence
movement for over half a century. As a revolutionist he made great
contribution to the victorious Viet Minh and Viet Cong forces that
unified the country. Mausoleum Ho Chi Minh a monumental marble edifice
at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi was built to show the deep gratitude of the
countrymen to their great leader. His remains are displayed inside the
chamber of the mausoleum.
After the end of war in 1975 the Saigon city was renamed Ho Chi Minh
City in honor of this great Leader. Today, nearly four decades after the
war, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Vietnam culture possesses several distinctive characteristics that give
its own unique style. There are grottos, temples and pagodas that still
exist and are for the young generation to see and appreciate their roots
and origin. The country has many vibrant and modern cities, but the two
most important are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city. The capital Hanoi, is
located on the right bank of the Red River. It is also called the “City
of Lakes”. Some of the prominent land marks in Hanoi are Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum , The Presidential Palace ,Turtle Tower ,One Pillar Pagoda, a
historic Buddhist temple Long Bien Bridge. They attract tourist from
home and abroad. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and is
situated nearly 1,700 kilometers south of Hanoi near Mekong Delta.
Ho Chi Minh City has many places of interest. Among its
highest-esteemed attractions in the city are the Reunification Palace,
the Municipal Theatre, Saigon Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The people
of the country have a well-deserved reputation for being hard workers,
but they enjoy their leisure as much as anyone else. Vietnamese
hospitality is the key to understanding the nation .The countries
culture has contributed notably to literature, art, music and dance.
Vietnamese culture has produced significant masterpieces and
accomplished forms of art. Today, the mixture of influences is apparent
in art, music and literature. The country has come a long way in the
television and broadcasting service in the country. Voice of Vietnam
operates as the main Broad casting service in the country. Theater and
Cinema of Vietnam originated in the early 1920s. Today modern visual
arts, theater and Drama and movie-making has spread throughout the
cities of the country. .Many of movies on Vietnam War was shot in the
post-war period at private movie studio. Vietnam film industry is a
thriving business that is gaining global recognition.
Music has always played a significant role in the lives of Vietnamese.
Indeed, the songs and dances are woven into the very fabric of everyday
life .The lyrics of epic Vietnamese folk music are a blend of musical
elements from more than 54 different ethnicities. The music of the
country is emotional, ecstatic and romantic. Vietnam has a lively music
scene and is home to musicians of many different genres. Many popular
singers perform in their own dialect. The countries traditional music
can be divided into two major types, the Imperial court music and
Vietnamese folk music. Countries folk music, both vocal and
instrumental, is usually performed by soloists. Epic folk songs are the
most important form of vocal folk music in the country.
In Vietnam there are several types of traditional dances. The most
popular traditional dance is the lion dance. The other popular dance is
the Vietnamese Imperial court dance performed at festivals.
Taking a trip on “Reunification Express” train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
may be a new experience to many travelers wanting to explore the
treasures of Vietnamese culture. It gives you unparallel access to a
country’s people, and beautiful landscapes. If one is to understand and
experience the surprises of cultures of the world, Vietnam is an emerald
waiting to be explored.
Source Daily Mirror (Ref Page C 2 ) and
Vietnam Embassy in Colombo
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