- Vietnam believe in Confucianism, and Buddhism, which Buddhism is created by

Shakyamuni Buddha, who was a monk that came to vietnam in early time, he
believed in meditations, and a spiritual path, which many vietnamese monks started
meditating and practicing his teachings. Confucianism doesn’t always have to be
perceived as a religion, they could be a ideology or a philosophy, who he wanted to
understand everything, using old teachings back then, to understand the roots of
cultural ceremonies. Both religion don’t usually believe it ultimate goal, the
ultimate
entity is god, even though they worship creators of that religions, both religion
main
purpose is to achieve a more positive, or ethical way of life.

-6, MAJOR HOLIDAYS

The most important Vietnamese holiday is Tet (New Year), a celebration that falls
in late January or early February. Tet is celebrated over three days. Vietnamese
try
to return to the home of their parents to unite with family and friends. People
repay
their debts and ask for forgiveness from all those whom they have wronged during
the year. They put on new clothes, pray for blessings, exchange gifts, and give
thanks
for being together.
Tet decorations include peach tree branches and red and gold paper, the colors of
happiness. They light firecrackers at night and spare no expense in preparing the
feast.
Other holidays include January 27, the anniversary of the peace agreement that
resulted in America's withdrawal of troops from Vietnam; March 29, the actual
withdrawal of American troops; and September 2, the establishment of the
Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

-11, CLOTHING

A special type of Vietnamese women's gown is the ao dai . This garment is a dress
or long blouse worn over trousers. Usually made of light material, the gown
flutters
at the slightest movement, being both modest and sensuous at the same time.

For everyday wear, most urban Vietnamese wear Western clothes. Men wear short-
or long-sleeved and collared shirts, tucked in for business and hanging out for
informal activity. Businessmen and students usually wear long trousers, while
children and physical laborers often prefer shorts. Shirts are usually light
colored,
while trousers tend toward dark colors. Because of the heat and humidity of
Vietnam,
shirts and trousers are made of light material.
In the countryside, farmers often wear baggy pajama-like shirts and pants made of
black cotton. Both men and women usually wear sandals. Many Vietnamese,
especially in the countryside, wear straw hats as protection from the sun.

Every country in the world has a traditional costume, and Vietnam people are proud
to own the Ao Dai. The dress has become a symbol of the beauty of Vietnamese
women. As a Vietnamese girl, I’m proud to wear Ao Dai on many occasions such as
high school’s opening day, Teacher’s day, and other events. The Ao Dai consists of
two main parts: the pants and the tunic. Usually made of light material, the gown
flutters at the slightest movement, being both modest and sensuous at the same
time. Although the outfit is very discreet, it brings curves to the body. Everytime
I wear Ao Dai, my mother always compliments me that I look more beautiful and
tender. In the future, if I have a chance to go abroad, I will definitely bring an
Ao Dai with me and take photos with this traditional Vietnamese dress.