Vietnam’s National Day, celebrated every year on September 2nd, is a time of joy, pride, and togetherness for families across the country. Streets are filled with fluttering red flags, music plays in the air, and people gather to honor the nation’s independence. For little Lala, this special day became unforgettable when she had the chance to help her mom cook sticky rice—a traditional dish that symbolizes warmth, family, and celebration.
Morning excitement
On the morning of National Day, the air in Lala’s village was buzzing with excitement. She woke up earlier than usual, rubbing her sleepy eyes but quickly jumping out of bed when she remembered what day it was. Outside her window, she could see children carrying small flags, and the sound of a marching band echoed faintly from the town square.
“Mom! Mom! It’s National Day!” Lala called as she ran into the kitchen.
Her mother smiled warmly, already busy preparing the ingredients for a feast. “Yes, my dear. And today, we’ll cook something special together—sticky rice. Would you like to help me?”
Lala’s eyes lit up. She had always watched her mom cook, but today she was determined to play a big role. “Of course, Mom! I want to do everything with you!”
Preparing the ingredients
Cooking sticky rice is not just about mixing rice and water. It requires patience, tradition, and love. Lala’s mom explained the steps carefully so her daughter could learn.
“First, we need the right rice,” Mom said, showing a big bowl of glutinous rice that had been soaked overnight. “This rice makes the sticky texture we love.”
Lala dipped her small hands into the cool bowl, lifting the soft grains. “It feels smooth, Mom. Like little pearls!”
Mom laughed. “Yes, and these pearls will turn into a delicious treasure once cooked.”
They also prepared coconut milk, pandan leaves for aroma, mung beans, and shredded coconut. For color, Mom had natural ingredients: turmeric for yellow, magenta leaves for red, and pandan for green.
“Sticky rice is not only tasty, but it’s also beautiful when we use colors,” Mom explained. “It’s like the colors of Vietnam’s flags and flowers.”
Washing and steaming
Lala’s job was to wash the rice carefully. She poured water into the bowl, swirled it with her hands, and watched the cloudy water run off.
“Good job,” Mom said. “Do it gently, so the grains don’t break.”
When the rice was ready, Mom showed her how to separate portions for steaming with the natural colors. The kitchen filled with wonderful scents as the rice steamed: nutty, floral, and sweet.
Lala peeked into the steaming pot. “Wow, Mom, it’s turning yellow! And that one is green!”
Her mother nodded proudly. “See? Cooking is like magic. But the real magic is that food brings people together. Today, our family will enjoy this dish while we remember the meaning of National Day.”
Learning the meaning of National Day
As they waited for the rice to cook, Lala sat beside her mother and asked, “Mom, why do we celebrate National Day with so much joy?”
Her mother placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Because, my dear, it’s the day Vietnam became free and independent. Many years ago, our leaders and people worked hard to build a nation where we could live proudly. National Day reminds us to be grateful for our freedom and to stay united as a family and community.”
Lala thought deeply. “So, sticky rice is more than just food. It’s a way to show love for our country too?”
Mom smiled. “Exactly. Every grain of rice carries the hard work of our farmers and the traditions of our ancestors. Sharing it with family is our way of honoring them.”
Adding the finishing touches
When the rice was perfectly steamed, Mom and Lala carefully mixed it with coconut milk and sugar. The colors shone brightly: golden yellow, leafy green, and soft white. They pressed the sticky rice into small molds shaped like stars, flowers, and hearts.
Lala clapped her hands in delight. “They’re so pretty! Like little gifts.”
Her mother laughed. “That’s right. Food can also be a gift. Later, we’ll share some with our neighbors.”
To make the dish even more special, they topped the sticky rice with mung bean paste, sesame seeds, and shredded coconut. The aroma was irresistible.
Sharing with family and neighbors
By noon, the table was filled with dishes, but the colorful sticky rice stole the spotlight. Lala’s father and grandparents gathered around, smiling proudly.
“Lala helped me make this,” Mom announced.
Her father’s eyes widened. “Really? It looks amazing, Lala!”
Her grandparents tasted the first bites. “Delicious,” Grandma said. “You’ve learned well from your mom.”
Lala blushed, her heart swelling with pride. She loved that her small hands had helped create something everyone enjoyed.
Later that afternoon, Lala and her mom packed small portions of sticky rice into banana leaf parcels. They carried them to neighbors, offering warm smiles and greetings of “Happy National Day!” Children giggled and waved their flags as they accepted the treats.
“See, Lala?” Mom whispered. “When we share food, we share happiness too.”
Evening celebration
As the sun set, fireworks lit up the sky. Lala sat on her father’s shoulders, clutching a small flag. She could still taste the sweetness of the sticky rice on her lips, but what made her happiest was the memory of cooking with her mom and spreading joy to others.
“Mom,” she said softly, “today was the best National Day ever. Can we make sticky rice together every year?”
Her mother smiled, hugging her tightly. “Yes, my love. Every year, we will cook sticky rice, remember our country’s history, and celebrate together as a family.”
The sky sparkled with red and yellow lights, just like the sticky rice they had made. For Lala, this National Day was not just about flags and fireworks—it was about love, family, tradition, and the sweet taste of sticky rice.
Reflection
That night, as she lay in bed, Lala whispered to herself, “I’m proud to be Vietnamese.” She drifted into sleep, dreaming of colorful sticky rice, happy neighbors, and a bright future where she could continue traditions with her family.
