The festive atmosphere of Tết (Lunar New Year) has arrived, and the spirit of spring is gently knocking on the door at Saigontourist Hospitality College!
Recently, the Tour Guiding Department of Saigontourist Hospitality College organized a special talk show titled “The Year of the Horse – Talking about Horses,” opening up a cultural space rich in national identity during the days leading up to Tết.
Stories about Vietnamese Tết, traditional customs, and the symbolic image of the Horse were shared by Master Tran Dang Kim Trang. Combined with folk music and traditional musical instruments performed by Master Mai Thanh Son, the event offered an experience that was both intellectually enriching and emotionally moving.
The program unfolded through three meaningful segments: from the diverse hues of Vietnamese Tết throughout the year, intertwined with the daily life, beliefs, and spirit of reunion of the Vietnamese people – exploring symbols like the “cây nêu” (New Year's tree), the five-fruit tray, the New Year's Eve altar, and the custom of “lì xì” (lucky money); to the story of the Year of the Horse, featuring famous horses in Vietnamese history and culture – emblematic of strength, loyalty, and the aspiration to reach far; and concluding with the Horse in the art of music, where folk melodies and traditional instruments resonated with deep emotion.
The students were extremely enthusiastic, actively interacting, answering questions, and demonstrating their knowledge, understanding, and pride in their national culture – perfectly embodying the spirit of “learning the profession goes hand in hand with understanding and loving the profession.”
The echoes of the talk show left a lasting impression, helping Tour Guiding students understand more deeply that their profession is not just about leading the way, but also about telling stories, preserving, and spreading the values of the nation's culture.
