Ho Chi Minh (often called Uncle Ho or Uncle Ho Chi Minh), was a Vietnam President and one of the most influential people for the country. In honor of Uncle Ho, Vietnam celebrates his birthday each year.

In this article, we’ll be going over the Ho Chi Minh holiday, one of the most important and widely celebrated Vietnam holidays today. In learning about Ho Chi Minh (leader, President, and beloved fighter for independence), you’re also allowing yourself to gain a deeper understanding of what values Vietnam holds closest to its heart, as well as its history.

At VietnamesePod101.com, we hope to make learning about Vietnamese culture, like this Ho Chi Minh public holiday, both fun and informative!

1. What is President Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday?

One of the great heroes who played the most important role in Vietnam’s history of fights to defend the country is Ho Chi Minh. He is venerated and loved by the whole population of Vietnam; therefore, the birthday of President Ho Chi Minh on May 19 is solemnly celebrated by the State and the Vietnamese people.

2. When is Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday?

Each year, Vietnam celebrates Ho Chi Minh’s birthday on May 19.

3. Reading Practice: Celebrations of Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday

How do the Vietnamese celebrate Ho Chi Minh’s birthday each year? Read the Vietnamese text below to find out, and find the English translation directly below it.

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Vào ngày 19 tháng 5 hàng năm, rất nhiều các hoạt động tưởng nhớ về Hồ Chủ tịch được tổ chức trên toàn quốc. Các cuộc thi ảnh, triển lãm tư liệu về ông được hưởng ứng nhiệt liệt. Đồng thời vào dịp này, rất nhiều người dân từ khắp mọi miền đất nước về thăm Nam Đàn – Nghệ An để thể hiện tấm lòng biết ơn với vị lãnh tụ vĩ đại. Ngoài ra, Lăng Chủ tịch tại thủ đô Hà Nội cũng là nơi nhiều người đến viếng thăm và tưởng niệm ông trong ngày này.

Nhân dịp kỷ niệm ngày sinh Hồ Chủ tịch, các kênh truyền hình Việt Nam như VTV1, VTV3, … cũng thường xuyên đăng tải phim tài liệu về con người – sự nghiệp và cuộc đời ông trong những năm tháng đấu tranh vì hòa bình dân tộc. Có những thước phim đã được chiếu lại nhiều lần, tuy nhiên, rất nhiều người Việt Nam vẫn luôn xúc động và cảm thấy tự hào khi xem lại những hình ảnh đó. Bạn sẽ có thể dễ dàng tìm thấy nhiều bức ảnh, biểu ngữ, câu nói nổi tiếng của Hồ Chủ tịch được treo khắp nơi trên đường phố và các quảng trường lớn.

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On May 19 every year, many activities in memory of President Ho Chi Minh are held across the country. Photo contests and documentary exhibitions about the President receive warm responses. Also on this occasion, many people across the country visit Nam Dan in Nghe An to express their gratitude to the great leader. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is another place where many people come and commemorate him on this day.

On the occasion of the anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday, Vietnamese TV channels such as VTV1, VTV3, and so on also regularly broadcast documentaries on the character, career, and life of President Ho Chi Minh during his years of fighting for national peace. Some footage is replayed many times; however, many Vietnamese people are still moved and feel proud when they’re re-watching those scenes. You will no doubt see a lot of pictures, banners, and famous quotes of President Ho Chi Minh hung across the streets and in large squares.

4. Who was Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh was born Nguyen Sinh Cung in 1890 in a Confucian family in a small village in Nghe An province, Central Vietnam. He played a decisive role in the fights of Vietnamese people against powers such as France and the United States. With his talented guidance, President Ho Chi Minh led the Vietnamese nation to winning and seizing independence, freedom, and unification.

The most famous quote of Ho Chi Minh is: “There is nothing more precious than independence and freedom!” This was extracted from his call to arms against American imperialism and for the defense of the country on July 17, 1966.

5. Useful Vocabulary for Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday

Here’s some vocabulary you should know for this holiday in Vietnam!

• Lịch sử — “History”
• Kỷ niệm — “Celebrate”
• Hoa — “Flower”
• Lãnh đạo — “Lead”
• Bác Hồ — “Uncle Ho”
• Tổ chức — “Organize”
• Tỏ lòng biết ơn — “Show gratitude”
• Kính trọng — “Respect”
• Quý giá — “Precious”
• Ngày sinh của Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh — “President Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday”

To hear each vocabulary word pronounced, check out our vocabulary list for Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday. Here, you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio file of its pronunciation.

Conclusion

What do you think about the Vietnamese celebration of Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday? Is there a similar holiday in your own country that celebrates a leader or important figure? Let us know in the comments!

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