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Why Do We Eat Duck Porridge on Tết Đoan Ngọ?

"It's not just the traditional tro cake, com ruou, apricots, and peaches that take center stage during the festive season of Tết Đoan Ngọ. Duck cooked in a fermented bean curd sauce is also a popular and indispensable part of this annual celebration. But why is this savory dish such an integral part of this holiday?"

Administrator

13 July, 2024

Dragon Boat Festival, or Tết Đoan Dương in Vietnamese, is a traditional holiday celebrated in Vietnam on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month annually. It is also known as the day to eliminate insects, according to ancient Vietnamese beliefs. Every year, on this day, families prepare various dishes, fruits, and cakes to offer as a feast, depending on the customs of their respective regions. In the central provinces of Vietnam, duck meat is a must-have dish during this festival. Why do people have this custom? Let’s explore this interesting tradition together!

1Custom of Eating Duck Meat During Dragon Boat Festival

Custom of Eating Duck Meat During Dragon Boat Festival

Usually, at the beginning of the month, people avoid eating duck meat as it is believed to bring bad luck, such as “breaking up the band” or “splitting the calf.” However, during the Dragon Boat Festival in early May, duck meat becomes a favored dish, especially in central Vietnam.

People believe that duck meat has a cooling effect on the body, and consuming it will keep them cool throughout the year. Vietnamese also think that from the 5th of May, ducks enter their season, so the meat will be fattier and firmer than usual, and the distinctive odor will be gone. Therefore, it is considered ideal to use duck meat to create various delicious dishes, especially duck cooked in fermented soybean paste.

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2Is Eating Duck Cooked in Fermented Soybean Paste During Dragon Boat Festival Truly Beneficial?

According to Eastern medicine, consuming duck meat helps stimulate the body’s wind and blood, providing nourishment for those who are exhausted or overworked. Additionally, it aids in detoxification and reducing abscesses. Vu Quoc Trung, a renowned Eastern medicine practitioner in Vietnam, particularly emphasizes the benefits of duck meat for individuals with physical weakness, loss of appetite, fever, edema, women with scanty menstruation, and lactating mothers, among others.

Not Everyone Can Indulge in This Dish, Even During the Festival

Thus, during the Dragon Boat Festival, when the weather gets hotter and more sultry, having a piece of duck meat cooked in fermented soybean paste is a delightful treat. It not only tastes delicious but also helps regulate and balance the body’s temperature, in line with traditional customs.

Although not everyone can indulge in this dish, even during the Dragon Boat Festival. Individuals suffering from a cold, gout, digestive issues, or those who have recently undergone surgery, should refrain from eating this dish to avoid any adverse effects on their health.

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Frequently asked questions

Tet Doan Ngo, also known as the ‘Festival of Pure Light’, is a significant holiday in Vietnamese culture. The tradition of consuming duck porridge on this day stems from the belief that it helps to cleanse the body and soul, bringing good health and fortune for the remainder of the year. The duck meat is believed to symbolize strength and vitality, while the porridge itself is a comforting and easily digestible dish, perfect for the summer season in which Tet Doan Ngo falls.

Tet Doan Ngo marks the midpoint between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. It is a time for people to reconnect with their cultural roots, spend time with family, and practice various traditions aimed at promoting health and warding off evil spirits. In addition to consuming duck porridge, people also hang plants and fruits with medicinal properties at the entrance of their homes, and practice activities like herbal bathing and fruit offering to ensure a healthy and prosperous year ahead.

While there are no specific rituals mandated for eating duck porridge on this day, it is customary for families to prepare and enjoy the dish together. The process of making duck porridge is often a collaborative effort, with different family members contributing to the preparation of the broth, the cooking of the rice, and the seasoning of the dish. It is believed that the collective effort and love that goes into preparing the meal adds to its auspiciousness and nutritional value.

In addition to duck porridge, there are several other traditional foods commonly enjoyed during Tet Doan Ngo. These include dishes made with bitter melon, which is believed to have cleansing properties, and various types of fruits and vegetables that are in season during the summer. People also often consume herbal teas and drinks, as they are believed to further enhance the detoxifying effects of the holiday.

There is no single, prescribed way to prepare the duck for Tet Doan Ngo porridge. However, it is common to use either roasted or braised duck meat, with the bones removed. The meat is then shredded or chopped into small pieces and added to the porridge, infusing it with a rich, savory flavor. Some families may also choose to add other duck parts, such as the liver or heart, for added texture and nutritional value.