The exhibition, entitled “VÄn hóa tráș§u cau Viá»t Nam” (Vietnam’s Betel and Areca Culture), explores the custom of chewing betel nut (a combination of betel leaf, areca nut and lime), through artifacts from the Ly Dynasty (1009 – 1225).
Most of the featured items are tools made of gold and silver decorated with sophisticated patterns that belonged to rich betel chewers of the time.
A part of the exhibition shows how the custom of chewing betel nut spread to many different ethic groups in the country.
The exhibition also displays videos and photos showing how the betel and areca culture has been treasured and prolonged.
Dr. Lam Thi My Dung of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Hanoi told Tuoi Tre newspaper that the exhibition does not simply display precious items but also tells the audience the story of how betel and areca had gone from a daily part of all Vietnamese peoples lives, to a fringe or purely ceremonial culture.
Chewing betel and areca custom, which is said to have started in Vietnam during the Hung Kings era (over 2,000 years ago), used to be a common habit of most Vietnamese people.
These days, the tradition has declined yet betel and areca are still used as one of the most important offerings in traditional ceremonies, including betrothals and weddings, to symbolize love and the inseparable bond of marriage.
The display has more than 40 exhibits contributed by collector Nguyen Trung Thanh from the northern province of Hai Duong, who now owns more than 300 items related to betel and areca culture.
