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Why Do We Eat Duck Porridge on Tết Đoan Ngọ?

Duck cooked in fermented soybean paste is an essential dish on the menu for Tết Đoan Ngọ, or the Dragon Boat Festival, and for good reason. This savory dish is a beloved tradition, but why?

Administrator

3 August, 2024

Dragon Boat Festival, or Tết Đoan Ngọ, is a traditional Vietnamese holiday celebrated on the 5th of May in the lunar calendar. 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 region. In the central provinces of Vietnam, braised duck is a must-have dish for this occasion. Why do we have this custom? Let’s explore this fascinating tradition!

1Custom of Eating Duck on Dragon Boat Festival

Custom of Eating Duck on Dragon Boat Festival

Typically, at the beginning of the month, people avoid eating duck meat as it is believed to bring bad luck and cause separation. However, during the Dragon Boat Festival in early May, duck meat becomes a favored dish, especially in central Vietnam.

It is believed that duck meat has a cooling effect on the body, and consuming it will keep the body cool for the entire year. Vietnamese people also believe that from the 5th of May onwards, ducks enter their season, making their meat fattier and firmer than usual, and eliminating any unpleasant odor. Therefore, it is considered ideal to use duck meat to create various delicious dishes, especially braised duck.

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2Is Eating Braised Duck on 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 inflammation. Vu Quoc Trung, a renowned herbalist from the Traditional Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Room of the Vietnamese Association of Oriental Medicine, particularly emphasizes the benefits of duck meat for those with physical weakness, loss of appetite, fever, edema, women with scanty menstruation, and lactating mothers.

Not everyone can indulge in this dish, even during the Dragon Boat Festival

Therefore, on the Dragon Boat Festival, when the weather becomes hotter and more sultry, eating a piece of braised duck 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 braised duck is a traditional dish for the Dragon Boat Festival, not everyone can indulge in this delicacy. Individuals suffering from a cold, gout, digestive issues, or those who have recently undergone surgery should refrain from consuming this dish to avoid any adverse effects on their health.

Frequently asked questions

Tet Doan Ngo, also known as the ‘festival to eliminate insects’, is a traditional Vietnamese holiday. Eating duck porridge on this day is believed to bring good health and ward off illnesses. The dish is considered a delicious and nutritious remedy to beat the summer heat.

Tet Doan Ngo marks the midpoint between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. It is a time when people pay respect to their ancestors and pray for good health and prosperity. The festival also signifies the transition to the warmer half of the year, and people take precautions to stay healthy during this period.

Besides eating duck porridge, people also offer fruits and traditional cakes to their ancestors. It is customary to clean the house thoroughly and burn incense to ward off insects and negative energy. Some people also wear perfumes or herbs to keep insects at bay.

The porridge is made with a combination of rice, duck meat, and various spices. Common ingredients include ginger, scallions, fish sauce, and black pepper. The duck meat is simmered with the rice to create a flavorful and hearty porridge.

Duck porridge is believed to have cooling properties, which can help balance the body’s temperature during the hot summer months. The dish is also nourishing and easy to digest, making it a perfect meal for those recovering from illness or seeking to boost their health.