The revival of traditional folk toys during the Mid-Autumn Festival is no longer a new concept. Instead, more and more artisans are creatively crafting unique folk toys in miniature sizes, often referred to as the mini version. Let’s take a look at these tiny folk toys together!
1 Star Lantern
This is the most popular lantern among Vietnamese people during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The mini version of this lantern retains its original meaning and colors, featuring a five-pointed star enclosed by a circle, symbolizing the five elements of yin and yang in feng shui, which represents balance and harmony in relationships.
Star Lantern
For reference: Evoking memories with the a part of the memory of each of us.
2 Buzzing Lantern
The buzzing lantern is one of the oldest types of lanterns, featuring a pinwheel with six wings symbolizing six human characteristics: love, hate, anger, sadness, happiness, and resentment. When lit, the pinwheel spins, representing the changing nature of people in daily life. The mini version of this lantern not only preserves its original meaning but also adds a touch of cuteness and charm.
Buzzing Lantern
3 Military Lantern
Originating from China, this lantern is associated with the memory of King Luc Duc, a talented and virtuous ruler. It symbolizes filial piety and the love of children for their parents or grandparents. Interestingly, when a candle is lit inside, silhouettes of various animals appear on the body of the lantern.
Military Lantern
4 Paper Lantern
Paper lanterns are one of the easiest folk toys to make, whether in mini or regular size. Made from colored paper, with handles crafted from thin bamboo sticks, and a candle placed in the middle, this mini paper lantern closely resembles its traditional counterpart.
Paper Lantern
5 Ratchet Drum
The ratchet drum is a familiar toy for 80s and early 90s generations. Made from simple materials, it features a clay drumhead wrapped in red paper, a plastic handle, nylon strings, and a small iron rod connecting the drumhead to the handle. To play, simply turn the drum, and it will produce amusing sounds.
Ratchet Drum
6 Lion Dance Head, Drum, and Earth God Head
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, lion dance troupes are a familiar sight. Along with mini lanterns, artisans also create miniature models of lion dance heads, drums, and Earth God heads. These are made from clay, molded into shape, and dried, then decorated with colorful fabric, liquid plastic, and thin bamboo sticks.
Lion Dance Head, Drum, and Earth God Head
7 Five-Fruit Tray
The five-fruit tray is an important offering during the Mid-Autumn Festival. While traditional clay models are still popular, today, miniature fruit trays made from colorful clay and assembled sturdily have also attracted attention.
Five-Fruit Tray
8 Mooncakes
are an indispensable part of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Over the years, both real and fake mooncakes have been miniaturized. While the market offers innovative mooncakes with various fillings and sizes, the miniature models also stand out with their reduced size and unique materials.
Mooncakes
Overall, the toy market is expanding and becoming more diverse. While clay models used to be the primary material for miniature toys, the introduction and improvement of various types of clay have made them more popular. This Mid-Autumn Festival, you won’t have trouble finding exciting new toys, will you?
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