Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival Toys Recreated in Historic Hanoi

A cultural event titled 'Lưu trăng' is showcasing recreated traditional Mid-Autumn Festival toys in Hanoi, crafted by young artists. The exhibition aims to revive lost heritage and has garnered attention from both domestic and international visitors. The event, which opened on the evening of September 10, is part of the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival cultural activities coordinated by the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board in conjunction with the Dinh Lang Viet (Vietnamese Village Shrine Club). Held at the Center for Culture and Art, the exhibition runs until September 27 and features original items and models of toys created by the youth community, with the support of cultural researchers. According to the organizers, the event provides 'a space for the public to meet with heritage practitioners through experiential activities such as making lanterns and painting paper mache masks.' The event has brought together prominent young authors, including Nguyen Van Bac (representing the Thong Dong brand), Trinh Van Khue and Nguyen Tuan Anh (founders of Của Nả), and Nguyen Duc Anh (representing The Annam). The Của Nả group focuses on restoring traditional Japanese-moon lanterns, scroll lanterns, 'kéo quân' (a type of board game), and crab and shrimp-shaped lanterns using original crafting techniques. Meanwhile, The Annam explores less-known imperial toys such as ceremonial regalia, paper scholars, parasols, and feather fans to broaden perspectives on handicraft art. The Thong Dong brand presents a collection of mascots that combine historical research with contemporary design. Models like Bach Ma (White Horse), Hong Ma (Red Horse), Thiet Ma (Iron Horse), and Bach Tuong (White Elephant) are inspired by ancient art, recreating the image of the procession leading the ancient Mid-Autumn Festival parades. Nhat Dung, 24, and Nhat Hong, 20, wore traditional áo dài to the opening ceremony to match the event's atmosphere. Directly witnessing the lanterns illuminated against a backdrop of folk music, both expressed surprise. 'The artworks recreate the vivid strokes of the past, bringing a feeling that is both new and familiar,' Dung shared. A series of toys that were integral to the childhood of many generations of Hanoians, such as star lanterns, carp, lion heads, five-fruit trays, and clay figures, have been recreated. The authors directly researched materials and traditional shaping techniques to bring heritage back into contemporary life. The event also attracted many international tourists seeking to understand the culture. Isabel Weitschies, a German doctoral student, dressed in a traditional áo dài, took the opportunity to take souvenir photos with the exhibits. Having lived in Vietnam for 10 years, this was her first Mid-Autumn Festival experience in Hanoi, and she expressed her admiration for the exquisiteness of Vietnamese handicrafts. Dao Mai Chi, 19, from Hanoi, wore an áo dài to the exhibition to see the models of old Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns. Many young people attended the exhibition with their families. Artist Nguyen Duc Binh, head of the Dinh Lang Viet Club, commented that the overarching message of the exhibition is to affirm the creative agency of young people in the cause of preserving national culture. Ethnologist Bui Xuan Dinh noted that ancient handcrafted toys reflect the connection between humans and nature, and agricultural culture. 'The exhibition helps the younger generation understand more about the uniqueness of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, which was closely linked to the childhood of our ancestors,' he said. Source: VnExpress