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people that summer is coming. As summer is associated with diseases whose culprit is believed to be the spirits of the heat, people wear charms and perform exorcist rituals on this holiday. The well-educated people also celebrate another meaning of this holiday (which again comes from South China): the death anniversary of the poet-martyr Chu Yuan.

6. Trung Nguyen* (the mid-year full moon): the 15th day of the 7th month. Also known under the name "Vu Lan". This holiday is an excellent example of how Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and the local beliefs live harmoniously together in Vietnamese culture. It is believed that on this day the spirits who cannot enter afterlife in the Underworld are released and a disciple of the Gautama Buddha once gave alms to such wandering spirits. That charitable mentality is celebrated in this holidays. Another relevant legend is about a Buddhist who travelled to the Underworld to rescue his mother (note the filial love characteristic of Confucianism). The legacy of Taoism is the choice of a full moon day for a holiday. On this holiday, people give alms to both wandering spirits and beggars on outdoor altars and visit pagodas to pray for the well-being of parents in both this world and the underworld.

7. Trung Thu* (the mid-autumn full moon): the 15th day of the 8th month. The moon is believed to reach its fullest beauty in autumn and everyone wants to admire it. Thus tea parties with moon cakes and decorated with lanterns and toys are held outdoor. Children are allowed to go around from party to party in the neighbourhood with their colourful lanterns. In public places. there are lion dance and games. Because of its simple joy and lightheartedness that are characteristic of children, Trung Thu is called the holiday of children in Vietnam.

8. Trung Cuu: the 9th day of the 9th month. The name means "double nine" referring to the date. This is another Chinese holiday which is more or less exclusive to the upper class (especially the well educated people) and is almost extinct nowadays. I don't know the legend associated to this occasion. On this day, scholars go to the mountain to enjoy the scenery and discuss literature (often with rice wine).

9. Ha Nguyen: the 15th day of the 10th month. This holiday is celebrated most wholeheartedly in the rural areas because it marks the end of the harvest season. Hence it is also known as the "New Rice" holiday. Part of the newly harvested rice would be used to pay homage to the deities and the ancestors.

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