Tết trong ký ức | Chiều cuối năm | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Làng Tử Vân (Tu Van Village): A village in Hanoi known for its long-standing tradition of making the Vietnamese national flag.
• Cờ Đỏ Sao Vàng (Red Flag with Yellow Star): The national flag of Vietnam, central to the village’s identity and livelihood.
• Thời Bao Cấp (Subsidy Period): The period of economic hardship in Vietnam following the war, characterized by shortages and centralized planning.
• Đổi Mới (Renovation/Reform): The economic reform policy initiated in 1986, leading to significant changes in Vietnam’s economy and society.
• Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): A culturally significant holiday deeply connected to national identity and collective memory.

Làng Tử Vân: A Legacy Woven into the National Flag

The video focuses on Làng Tử Vân, a village in Trương Dương commune, Hanoi, with over 80 years of history dedicated to crafting the Vietnamese national flag – the cờ đỏ sao vàng. The village’s contribution is presented as deeply intertwined with the nation’s history and identity, with each stitch representing pride and dedication. The sentiment is powerfully expressed: “đi đến đâu mà chúng tôi nhìn thấy những cái lá cờ tung bay là chúng tôi cũng rất là tự hào” – “Wherever we see the flag flying, we feel very proud.” This pride is directly linked to the labor and care invested in each flag.

Tết and the Early Years: A Symbol of Independence

The recollections of older villagers highlight the significance of Tết (Lunar New Year) as a time deeply connected to the flag. Specifically, Tết 1976, the first Tết after national liberation, is remembered as a period of immense joy and widespread flag display: “cái tết mà của năm 76 sau giải phóng đấy thì đúng là mọi người, mọi nhà đều rất là phấn khởi. Cái Tết Độc lập đầu tiên à đều treo cờ tất cả trên mọi miền tổ quốc.” – “That Tết of 1976, after liberation, everyone, every household was truly excited. The first Independence Tết, everyone hung flags across the country.”

The video details the challenges faced during the thời bao cấp (subsidy period) in acquiring materials like fabric and thread. Despite these difficulties, villagers persevered, driven by their patriotism: “Với một cái tấm lòng là yêu nước khắc phục là chúng tôi cũng sẽ là à cố sưu tầm được những mét bài, những quận chỉ để làm lên được những lá cờ.” – “With a patriotic heart and determination, we would try to collect meters of fabric and spools of thread to make the flags.” This demonstrates a strong sense of national unity and resourcefulness.

Collective Memory and the Spirit of Resilience

The segment shifts to memories of life in collective housing during the same period. While lacking material abundance – “Cái gì nó cũng thiếu hết, bánh kẹo, đường sữa đều khó khăn cả” – (“Everything was lacking, candies, sweets, and sugar were all scarce”) – the video emphasizes the warmth and strong bonds within families and communities. The experience of sharing and mutual support is central: “tình cảm mọi người rất là quan tâm chia sẻ à tran hòa cùng với nhau.” – “Everyone cared for and shared with each other, living in harmony.”

These difficult experiences are presented as a valuable legacy for younger generations: “những cái ký ức của thời kỳ gian khó của thế hệ đi trước thì mình nghĩ là sẽ là cái hành trang để thế hệ trẻ chúng mình bước tiếp trong cái thời kỳ mới của đất nước.” – “I think the memories of the difficult times of the previous generation will be the baggage for us, the younger generation, to move forward in the new era of the country.”

40 Years of Đổi Mới and a Continuing Legacy

The video acknowledges the significant improvements in living standards brought about by 40 years of Đổi Mới (Renovation/Reform). The older generation, having overcome hardship, continues to inspire and support the younger generation as they navigate a new era. The concluding statement reinforces the enduring significance of Làng Tử Vân’s contribution: “Và những lá cờ của làng Tử Vân sẽ còn bay cao, bay xa hơn trên hành trình phía trước.” – “And the flags of Tu Van Village will continue to fly higher and further on the journey ahead.”

Synthesis

The video is a poignant tribute to Làng Tử Vân and its role in preserving a vital symbol of Vietnamese national identity. It highlights the resilience, patriotism, and community spirit that have sustained the village through decades of hardship and change. The narrative connects the personal stories of villagers to broader historical events, emphasizing the enduring power of collective memory and the importance of passing on values to future generations. The cờ đỏ sao vàng is not merely a flag, but a tangible representation of the nation’s history, struggles, and aspirations.