Remembering the first Mid-Autumn Festival of independence

This Mid-Autumn Festival, as the nation enters a new era, memories return to that bright, round moon shining over the newly independent countryside 80 years ago. The Mid-Autumn of the Year of the Rooster (1945) and the years that followed were especially radiant and heart-warming, not only with colourful lanterns and lively lion dances, but also with the light of independence and freedom.

A programme themed “pha co trang ram” (Enjoying traditional Mid-Autumn feast) was held at Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television. Photo: Hanh Dung

“Happy Vietnamese children, long live independent Vietnam”

The Mid-Autumn Festival of 1945, now eight decades ago, was a truly special season for both children and the entire nation, as it marked the first Mid-Autumn Festival in an independent Vietnam. During that meaningful festival, President Ho Chi Minh sent his letters twice, expressing his love and encouragement to the country’s younger generation.

On September 17, 1945, Cuu Quoc (National Salvation) newspaper published an article titled: “The Mid-Autumn Festival in an Independent Nation” by President Ho Chi Minh. In the article, he expressed his care and affection for children across the country on this Mid-Autumn Festival: “Mothers have bought you lanterns, drums, fireworks, flowers, and many toys. Aren’t you all happy?”

He wrote that he rejoiced with the children for two reasons: not only because of his deep affection for them, but also for a special reason: “This Mid-Autumn Festival, our country is free, and you have become young citizens of an independent nation.”

His joy mirrored that of the entire people during the first autumn of independence. Despite the enormous challenges facing the young nation, President Ho Chi Minh, who was busy with countless affairs, still took the time to express his deep care and affection for the children during one of the most important traditional festivals in Vietnamese culture.

Activities during the Mid-Autumn Festival not only show care for the country's future generations but also help preserve our cultural values. The images of chu Cuoi (the Moon Boy) and chi Hang (the Moon Lady), along with the star-shaped lanterns, mooncakes, festive offerings, and the rhythmic sound of lion drums in every village, remain a cherished childhood memory.

Dr. NGUYEN THI NGUYET, Former Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association

A few days later, on September 22, 1945, Cuu Quoc newspaper published another letter from President Ho Chi Minh to the children nationwide. In the letter, the President offered advice and expressed his trust and expectations: “You must be obedient, listen to your parents at home, study diligently at school, and respect your friends; be kind to your friends; you must love our country. I hope when you grow up, you will become worthy citizens of a free and independent Vietnam.” He concluded the letter with a heartfelt slogan that also served as a heartfelt wish for future generations: 'Happy Vietnamese children/ Long live the independent Vietnam.'"

The advice and love that Uncle Ho sent to children during the first Mid-Autumn Festival of Independence were simple, heartfelt, and profoundly meaningful. Through the joy of the Mid-Autumn Festival, he not only expressed his love for the children in a simple and sincere way but also encouraged, cheered, and believed that the children would "grow up and become worthy citizens of an independent and free country".

From the 7th to the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the Dong Nai Children's House has organized performance troupes to bring Mid-Autumn Festival joy to local areas, including Dong Xoai Ward, Thanh Son Commune, Tan Trieu Ward, Phu Ly Commune, and Dong Nai Children’s Hospital.

In the book titled: “117 Stories about the moral example of Ho Chi Minh” (Truth National Political Publishing House, 2007), there is one story about Uncle Ho at the first independent Mid-Autumn Festival. Accordingly, not only did Uncle Ho write to the children, but He also met them in person, sharing in their joy on this special occasion. That year’s Mid-Autumn Festival was lively and warm: "Hoan Kiem Lake was bustling and bright. Electric bulbs sparkled in the trees, while thousands of lanterns reflected on the water. The Turtle Tower glowed with lights, and the banner read "Independent Vietnam." At exactly 8 p.m., the first Independent Mid-Autumn Festival began. After the flag salute ceremony, a child representing tens of thousands of Hanoi children spoke of their joy in becoming young citizens of a free country... The ceremony ended with orderly processions marching toward Bac Bo Phu (the Government Office) to the sound of drums. Leading the procession were lion and dragon dance troupes, followed by tens of thousands of glittering paper lanterns, winding and flowing like a river of stars…"

Continuing the warm moonlit seasons

Eighty years have passed, yet the faith and hope that President Ho Chi Minh placed in future generations remain as meaningful as ever. They continue to serve as a profound lesson in the care, nurturing, and education of today’s youth.

Lion dance performance during the “Mid-Autumn Festival for Children 2025” held in Loc Hung Commune, Dong Nai Province. Photo by An Nhon

In Dong Nai, each Mid-Autumn Festival season, celebrations and activities are organized with the joint efforts of the political system and the community to bring a joyful and warm festival to children, especially those from disadvantaged families, children of ethnic minorities, and the children of laborers.

The “Mid-Autumn Festival night,” featuring its lantern processions, lion and dragon dances, and especially the giving of gifts to underprivileged children, has become a program that the Dong Nai Children’s House organizes on a regular basis.  

According to Truong Hai Thi, Director of Dong Nai Children’s House, this year’s “Full-Moon Festival – Lanterns Light up Dreams” programme once again brings happiness to local children as they parade with lanterns along the main streets of Tran Bien Ward, and listen to the President’s letter to children on the occasion of the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival. The organisers also present 200 gifts to disadvantaged students, children of workers, and those in difficult circumstances.

Today, Vietnamese children nationwide are able to enjoy a fuller and happier Mid-Autumn Festival, yet the warmth and love of that first independent moonlit night continue to resonate. It reminds all generations of gratitude, unity, and the enduring value of independence and freedom.

This year, children across the country, including those in Dong Nai, eagerly look forward to the Mid-Autumn Festival, where they watch the moon, carry lanterns, and share the festive treats. From bustling cities to rural areas in renewal, the joyful spirit and determination to build a strong and prosperous Vietnam are running high. From the youngest children to the elderly, from the lowlands to the highlands, Vietnamese people join hands in solidarity, nurturing bonds that extend from each family to the wider community. Traditional culture continues to shine in contemporary life, ensuring that every Mid-Autumn festival season in a peaceful and beautiful Vietnam will always be filled with love and warmth.

By Nhat Ha – Translated by Thuc Oanh, Thu Ha