By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – An introduction to Vietnam, a country of natural beauty with a unique heritage, was presented recently by Marlborough resident Theresa Vu at the Marlborough Senior Center. Included were informational displays, music, and authentic food tastings, served by Patricia Pope, the center’s executive director and Lisa Martino, program coordinator.
The officials had high praise for Vu and her mother, Monica Vu, who is actively involved at the local center. It is customary for women to maintain their maiden name when they marry, she explained.
The presenter, dressed in traditional attire, said she entered the United States in 1982 in Denver, Colo., where she lived with her husband, and eventually their two children. The family came to Marlborough in 1997.
“I wanted to give back to the community which is now my home, by giving this talk,” said Vu. “The Vietnamese population in Marlborough is growing and I wanted to let our new friends know what we left behind.”
Vu shared displays of games – horse race chess and lucky chess. Symbols of good luck were posted which included the color red, dragon/lion photos depicting fortune or wealth; and a red envelope containing money which presented its own significance, she said.
Chinese, Koreans and Vietnamese celebrate the lunar year which for 2017 is “the year of the rooster.” They celebrate the new year for seven days, said Vu. The first day is spent visiting grandparents and parents. The second day is visiting other relatives. The third day is for visiting friends and teachers and the other days are spent eating and having fun with no household chores.
“It is also a time for being nice to everyone,” said Vu.
