Chewing betel nuts is a long-standing traditional custom of the Vietnamese people, showing the culture of communication and behavior, and is the language of expressing feelings between people through the betel which binds family’s intimacy and friendship. Apart from the Vietnamese, many ethnic groups in different regions, as well as groups in some countries in the area, also have the custom of chewing betel. This obviously reflects the cross-cultural similarities. Currently, due to the cultural space, living environment, and the impact of other factors, there are dissimilarities in the chewing betel custom of each ethnic group.
Through the various ups and downs of history, many old habits, customs, and practices have gradually changed. In this modern society, chewing betel is no longer a common practice in modern society. However, areca and betel nuts have long represented a tremendous value in terms of the compassionate behavior between people, as well as the warm and humanistic philosophy of life. The special exhibition of “Culture of Betel and Areca” introduces over 250 artifacts and pictures about the culture of betel nuts and areca, along with various collections of betel-chewing utensils.
- Time of exhibition: from 12/8/2022 to 30/10/2022
- Location: The Museum of Ho Chi Minh City – 65 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
