Foreigners' impressions of March 8 in Vietnam

Many foreigners are surprised by the way March 8 is celebrated in Vietnam with giving flowers and gifts everywhere, from the office to the family...

Jessica Thomas (23 years old), a British woman living in Hanoi, shared that before moving to Vietnam, the concept of International Women's Day on March 8 was quite vague to her. In the UK, March 8 is rarely mentioned in schools or elsewhere. However, this is a special day in Vietnam.

Last year was the first time Jessica Thomas experienced this holiday in Vietnam. “ As a new foreign language teacher, I was really surprised to receive flowers from students and colleagues on March 8th, ” said Jessica Thomas.

Thomas O'Farrell from the UK and his girlfriend. (Photo: Thoman O'Farrell)

Meanwhile, Mr. Falvey Finbar Barry, an Irishman who has lived in Hanoi for more than 7 years, said that in Ireland, International Women's Day on March 8 is also recognized, but the level of celebration cannot be compared to Vietnam.

“ In Ireland, the day often focuses on discussions about gender equality, historical struggles and current challenges, and is more about raising awareness than a specific tradition, ” says Falvey Finbar Barry.

So, Mr. Falvey Finbar Barry was very impressed with the way Vietnam celebrated International Women's Day. He said that in Vietnam, this day was very warmly received with flowers, gifts and gratitude for women appearing everywhere, from the office to the family.

Having lived in Vietnam for 4 years, Thomas O'Farrell from the UK also shared his impression and found it interesting to think about the cultural differences between the two places. He said that if he were single or dating someone of the same nationality, he probably wouldn't pay too much attention to this holiday.

“I am lucky to have a Vietnamese girlfriend, which has changed my perception of International Women's Day. I enjoy buying her small gifts to express my gratitude for the joy and happiness she has brought me,” said Thomas O'Farrell.

From the perspective of foreigners, International Women's Day in Vietnam is more about honoring and giving gifts to women, while in Europe and many other places, the day is mainly about raising awareness, often through campaigns or social media posts, about women's rights.

These experiences help them better understand the cultural differences and meaning of this holiday in each place.

As he watches March 8th being celebrated in Vietnam, Falvey Finbar Barry reflects on the ways in which different societies show appreciation for women. While gifts and gestures of appreciation are wonderful, he believes the true meaning of March 8th lies in recognising the contributions of women, advocating for their rights and ensuring that this appreciation lasts all year long, not just on a single day.

In 1911, March 8 was first celebrated in many countries such as Germany, Austria, Denmark and Switzerland. In 1977, the United Nations officially recognized this day as International Women's Day to promote equal rights and honor the contributions of women in society.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/nguoi-nuoc-ngoai-an-tuong-ve-ngay-83-o-viet-nam-377294.html