The Dragon Boat Festival (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month) is one of the most traditional holidays in Vietnam, colloquially known as “Tet Doan Ngo.” In addition to the custom of eating steamed sticky rice and summer fruits, consuming duck meat on this day has long become a familiar practice in many regions, especially in Central and Southern Vietnam. Why do the Vietnamese have the custom of eating duck meat on this day? Where did this tradition originate from, and what does it signify? Let’s explore this in the following article.
Dragon Boat Festival – A Transitional Season with Dynamic Changes
Before understanding why duck meat is consumed on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, it is essential to know that the Dragon Boat Festival is a day that encompasses many aspects of feng shui, weather, and religious beliefs. The word “Doan” means the beginning, and “Ngo” refers to noon. Thus, “Doan Ngo” signifies the beginning of noon – around 11 a.m. on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month.
According to folk beliefs, this moment marks the peak of yang energy and the proliferation of epidemics, insects, and negative energies. As a result, our ancestors considered the Dragon Boat Festival an opportunity to exorcise evil spirits, prevent diseases, purify the body, and ward off bad luck.
Why Do People Eat Duck Meat During the Dragon Boat Festival?
1. Eating Duck Meat to Balance Yin and Yang, and to Cool Down
In the Eastern medical tradition, duck meat is believed to have cooling properties, a sweet taste, and excellent detoxifying, nourishing Yin, and heat-clearing effects. In contrast, the Dragon Boat Festival occurs during the summer, a period of oppressive heat and high temperatures, causing the body to generate internal heat and accumulate toxins.
Consuming duck meat on this day helps the body cool down, reduces internal heat, aids digestion, and prevents diseases related to high temperatures, such as itching, boils, and sunstroke. Therefore, eating duck meat on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month is considered a natural way to regulate Yin and Yang, thus protecting one’s health during seasonal transitions.
2. The Custom of Eating Duck Meat is Linked to Folk Religious Beliefs in Exorcism
In the past, folk beliefs held that duck meat possessed the ability to exorcise evil spirits, remove impurities, and repel negative energies. Many people believed that ducks, being waterfowls, had spiritual qualities that could dissipate bad luck and misfortune. Therefore, during the Dragon Boat Festival, when “evil spirits were more likely to intrude,” eating duck meat was seen as a way to protect oneself from misfortune and drive away ghosts, demons, and evil spirits.
In the Han language, the word for duck is pronounced as “ap,” implying the suppression of bad luck and the expulsion of negative energies. Hence, duck meat is considered an auspicious dish during this festival.
3. Farming Practices Influence the Custom of Eating Duck Meat
Our ancestors’ farming knowledge suggests that the 5th day of the 5th lunar month is the ideal time to “enjoy duck at its best.” Ducks are fattest and tastiest at this time, without any fishy taste. Consequently, many families often boil ducks, make duck porridge, or prepare duck salads to offer during the Dragon Boat Festival and treat their loved ones.
In agricultural terms, this period is known as the “duck season.” After the rice harvest, ducks that run in the fields become plump and tasty. Additionally, post-harvest, families tend to have more free time to gather and enjoy duck meat, which is also more affordable during this period.
Popular Methods of Preparing Duck Meat During the Dragon Boat Festival
On this day, depending on personal preferences and traditions, many families will prepare duck meat in various ways, including:
- Boiled duck dipped in ginger fish sauce: A refreshing and easily digestible dish that preserves the original flavor of duck meat.
- Duck porridge: Combining fragrant roasted rice and duck meat provides energy and aids digestion.
- Duck cooked in fermented bean curd: A popular dish in Southern Vietnam, offering a delicious combination of creamy and savory flavors.
- Duck salad with roasted rice or green mango: A tangy and spicy treat for the taste buds.
Consuming Duck Meat on the 5th Day of the 5th Lunar Month – A Culinary Tradition Steeped in Philosophy
The custom of eating duck meat during the Dragon Boat Festival is not merely about savoring a delicious summer dish but also embodies our ancestors’ profound philosophy of health maintenance, exorcism, and disease prevention. Although not all regions uphold this tradition, for those that do, it is an integral part of the traditional feast, showcasing the harmonious blend of cuisine and folk beliefs.
Therefore, if given the opportunity, indulge in a delectable duck dish on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month to not only relish its refreshing taste but also to delve into the unique cultural aspect of the Dragon Boat Festival celebrated by the Vietnamese.
