The history of traditional Mid-Autumn toys: Parents tell their child

Have you ever wondered why star lanterns, paper-mâché masks, or lion drums have become familiar symbols of every Mid-Autumn Festival? Because the history of traditional Mid-Autumn toys is tied to the childhood memories of many generations of Vietnamese people, not only as simple toys but also bearing enduring cultural folk values. Looking back, there is joy, children's laughter, and a sense of family togetherness there In a society that is increasingly modern, many parents wonder whether to let their children continue playing traditional Mid-Autumn toys when the market is flooded with blinking electronic lanterns and imported plastic toys. The answer lies in those simple yet meaningful memories themselves. Let Mykingdom accompany you on this emotionally rich journey to understand more about the value of these small toys that are never out of date The history of traditional Mid-Autumn toys: From festival to toy culture The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Festival of Reunion or the Children’s Festival, has long been an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture. It is celebrated as a grand festival where children parade with lanterns, share a festivity, drum, and cheer together under the full moon. Each toy is connected to a custom, a fairy tale, or a wish that ancestors entrusted And the history of traditional Mid-Autumn toys is not only a story about toys, but a journey of preserving memories, strengthening family bonds, and passing cultural values to future generations These toys are not only for entertainment but also carry strong folk-cultural elements, made from natural materials familiar in daily life such as bamboo, paper, wood, and palm leaves. They are symbols of Vietnamese creativity and ingenuity. Today, when we hand these toys to our children, we are passing on a part of history and childhood memories from one generation to the next Today, amid countless modern choices, exposing children to toys with Vietnamese soul is also a way for parents to teach them to value tradition. When you give your child a lantern, a mask, or a small drum, you are giving them a part of your own childhood memory Traditional Mid-Autumn toy symbols that are never missing Star lanterns “The Mid-Autumn Festival, carry lanterns and go out to play. I carry my lantern all through the streets…” The star lantern is probably the toy most closely associated with Mid-Autumn in the memories of every Vietnamese. With its five-pointed star shape, made from bamboo, glossy paper, and fitted with a candle or electric light inside. This lantern is not only decorative but also carries a significant meaning: the five-pointed star not only evokes luck but also represents light guiding the way and the wish for a reunited, harmonious family The image of children carrying star lanterns and feasting under the bright moon has become a beautiful, distinctive symbol of Mid-Autumn that remains etched in everyone’s mind Pull-along lantern The pull-along lantern used to be the “peak of technology” in ancient times. It’s a cylindrical lantern with inside pictures depicting tales from fairy tales like Tam Cam, Thach Sanh, or historical figures. When you light the candle, the heat makes the interior pictures spin, creating a captivating moving light effect. Through the pull-along lantern, stories are transmitted and moral lessons shared with children, preserving and promoting cultural values with every turn Today, to help children understand this unique lantern, parents can try the pull-along lantern building set together with their kids on Mykingdom. The hands-on play and creativity are also a way to keep the spirit of the pull-along lantern alive See more: Spring Pull-Along Lantern by MyKingdom – A Unique LEGO-inspired Product Papier-mâché masks Mid-Autumn masks often feature familiar animals such as rabbits, lions, carp, or characters from fairy tales like Uncle Cuoi, Aunt Hang. In the old days, children wore masks, joined in carrying lanterns, and sang under the moon. It wasn’t just a game; it’s a cherished memory for many Today, instead of fragile papier-mâché masks, you can choose safe plastic masks for your child on MyKingdom with more modern themes such as Spiderman, Batman, Thor, Optimum Prime… Still keeping the spirit of Mid-Autumn, but the material is more durable and safer for little ones Tò He A unique folk art piece that showcases the craftsman’s skill, tò he are figurines made from rice flour, moldable into people, animals, flowers, with bright colors. For many people, tò he is a vast sky of memories, helping modern children to value traditional handicrafts Today, parents can join their child in trying out modeling clay sets at MyKingdom to create tò he. The child can look at and touch the soft, colorful blocks, stimulating the senses and creativity Dragon and lion drums and the lively rhythms The sounds of dragon and lion drums herald the arrival of Mid-Autumn each year. From the small drums in children’s hands to the large drums in professional lion dances, all contribute to a lively, festive atmosphere Children often love beating the drums, syncing with laughter and the footsteps of the lantern parade. It’s a simple joy, but it brings the family together. MyKingdom offers a range of safe mini musical instruments for children, such as a drum set, to help your little one dive into Mid-Autumn melodies. Parents, consider it for your child this coming Mid-Autumn season Mid-Autumn toys still stand out in the modern era Today, although many modern toys have entered the market, traditional Mid-Autumn toys still hold a special place in the hearts of Vietnamese people. They are not only parents’ childhood memories but also a cultural heritage we want to pass on to our children Even as society changes, Mid-Autumn remains a time for families to gather and children to play innocently. The history of traditional Mid-Autumn toys reminds us that joy sometimes comes from the simplest things. A star lantern, a bunny mask, or a small drum can brighten a child’s childhood Beyond the toys above, traditional Mid-Autumn toy history also includes kites, pinwheels, and figurines made from palm leaves. Each item has its own meaning and contributes to the festival’s unique beauty. When parents and children make a lantern together or buy a tò he figurine or a traditional mask, it’s not just a gift but a way to tell children stories and the beautiful customs of the nation See more: - Buying Mid-Autumn toys for children: what should parents beware of? - Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with 6 traditional activities This year's Mid-Autumn, instead of only preparing the feast, let’s carry lanterns with our children, beat drums, and relive childhood through traditional toys. Have parents begun to explore the history of traditional Mid-Autumn toys in this way? Let Mykingdom accompany you and your child on the journey to preserve these cultural beauties. Together, we will create a memorable Mid-Autumn season, filled with beautiful memories and meaningful gifts