Together with those in the homeland, many Vietnamese living overseas, including those in France are preparing to welcome the traditional Lunar New Year festival (Tet) which is of great significance to every Vietnamese.
VOV talked with Minh Nguyet Erht, an overseas Vietnamese living in France has returned home to celebrate this year’s Tet holiday. She was born in Vietnam and has been living in France for more than 50 years.
VOV: Tet has a deep meaning for every Vietnamese. After many years of living far from your homeland, how do you feel about this Tet?
Mrs Nguyet: I have been living in France for a long time. Whenever Tet comes I remember the homeland so much. Tet is a traditional festival of the Vietnamese people and it brings happiness and gatherings to each person. I really want to go back to my homeland during the Tet holiday, to have a chance to enjoy my family get-together and the atmosphere. In France, I celebrated Tet with may children in order to help them gain a better understanding of the Vietnamese Tet, as well as in order to have strong attachment to the homeland. I made square cakes and onion pickles and prayed to my ancestors. I held a get-together with friends in France to share happiness. At that time I really missed the homeland and wanted to go back to enjoy the Tet atmosphere at home.
VOV: Do you teach your children to love the homeland?
Mrs Nguyet: My children were born in France but I always teach them about Vietnamese lifestyle and culture to make them have a better understanding of Vietnam and love the homeland. They are working now but they really want to visit Vietnam in the near future. They hope they will find ways to go back to the homeland and help the country develop. I feel happy as they often think of tracing their Vietnamese roots and willing to help the patriots at home.
VOV: Since you settled down in France, you have returned to the homeland 10 times. Have you seen any changes in the country?
Mrs Nguyet: Whenever I have a chance I return to Vietnam, which nourishes me. I was born in Vietnam and brought up by Vietnamese rice. I always remember green fields and cool winds. Vietnam is developing strongly and has made significant achievements. Every body is living in peace and happiness. I am very proud of being Vietnamese. While living in France I often update my knowledge of national development.
VOV: Do you plan to return to Vietnam again soon?
Mrs Nguyet: I will go back to Vietnam to enjoy fresh air and warm love. I hope I will do useful things for the country. I want to assist my neighbours and people facing difficulties.
VOV: Thank you very much
