Month Names

Noodle's Book of Month Names

Text and illustrations by Mứt
Audio by ĐQHòa of Les Lampions, Mai-Khôi, Hạc, and Mứt

Two of the names in Noodle’s Book of Month Names, tháng giêng and tháng chạp, come from the Viet “lunar calendar”. This lunisolar calendar is used for celebrations like Tết Nguyên Đán (New Year), Trung Thu (mid-autumn festival), and in some households, cúng giỗ (death anniversaries). The first day of the new year occurs sometime between late January and mid-February. Trung Thu occurs between mid-September and early October.

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Tháng Giêng

It’s the first month of the year, Li’l Mouse is excited to get ready for Tết.

Tháng Hai

In February, Auntie Water Buffalo grumbles, “It’s back to the plow tomorrow!”

Tháng Ba

Come March, Mama Tiger scurries off to plant vegetables. And Papa Tiger? Papa Tiger is snoring loudly.

Tháng Tư

In April, Uncle Cat climbs up the tall tree to visit the squirrels.

Tháng Năm

In May, Uncle Dragon goofs off playing board games and forgets to study.

Tháng Sáu

In June, the snake snarls, “You can’t avoid the sun by running away from the sky.”

Tháng Bảy

July – It’s rainy, the horse promises to lend the moon his stable.

Tháng Tám

In August, the baby goat piles up the books to learn her ABCs.

Tháng Chín

In September, the three Aunties Monkey hang lanterns to greet autumn.

Tháng Mười

In October, Grandpa Rooster dawdles, telling long tales.

Tháng Mười Một

In November, the puppy dog asked the tiger to sit and count stars.

Tháng Chạp

It’s the last month of the year, the boar ambles along looking for ginger to make rice porridge.

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