This Christmas season, Louisville’s City Hall is adorned with a uniquely decorated Vietnamese Christmas Tree, a heartfelt representation of Vietnamese-American culture, history, and the unbreakable bond of love and care that transcends generations and borders. Organized by the Louisville Metro Office for Immigrant Affairs and members of the Saint John Vianney Vietnamese Catholic Church, the tree is a testament to the immigrant spirit of gratitude and giving back.
The decorations were brought to life through the efforts of Sister Phuong Nguyen, Sister Trinh Nguyen, and parish members Phuc Nguyen and Di Tran, who collaborated to create a visual celebration of Vietnam’s rich heritage intertwined with the warmth of American Christmas traditions. This initiative captures the essence of love and human connection, a message that resonates deeply during the holiday season.
A Tree Rooted in Culture and History
The Vietnamese Christmas Tree is more than just festive decoration; it is a symbol of heritage and unity. Key elements include:
• Di Tran’s Books: Over 20 books authored by Di Tran, including his latest release, Thanks: Elevating Everything Through Gratitude, serve as a representation of Vietnamese-American contributions in Louisville. Under the theme “Vietnamese Born, American Made,” the books highlight the resilience and achievements of immigrants who have bridged their cultural roots with their new home in the United States.
• Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét: These traditional rice cakes, essential to Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations, symbolize family unity and gratitude. Their presence on the tree brings a taste of Vietnam’s 2,000-year-old culinary heritage to the heart of Louisville.
• Trống Đồng Đông Sơn (Bronze Drum): A replica of the ancient Dong Son bronze drum, dating back 2,700–3,000 years, serves as the centerpiece of the tree. The drum’s intricate designs narrate stories of Vietnam’s ancient civilization, symbolizing resilience and creativity. It ties together the historical narrative of Vietnamese culture with the achievements of the present-day Vietnamese-American community.
• Modern Ornaments: Western Christmas decorations, such as Santa figurines and red and green ribbons, blend seamlessly with traditional Vietnamese elements, symbolizing the community’s adaptation to American culture while preserving their heritage.
A Spirit of Giving: Fundraising with Love and Gratitude
This holiday season, the Saint John Vianney Church is also spearheading an extraordinary fundraising effort. Over the next two months, the church, led by Sisters Phuong Nguyen and Trinh Nguyen, aims to make 2,000–4,000 bánh chưng and bánh tét. These rice cakes will not only help raise funds to support the church but also play a vital role in preserving Vietnamese cultural traditions.
The effort has garnered immense support from the community. Di Tran, an author and active parish member, along with his wife Vy Truong, has donated 100 bags of sticky rice to kickstart the initiative. Other parishioners have contributed banana leaves and other essential ingredients, creating a collective spirit of love and generosity.
A Message of Love for Louisville, Kentucky, and the USA
The story of this tree and the fundraising efforts surrounding it exemplify the gratitude and love Vietnamese-Americans have for their new home. For many immigrants, Louisville represents opportunity, hope, and a place to nurture their culture while building a better future. Through these initiatives, the community expresses their love not only for Vietnam but also for the city of Louisville, the state of Kentucky, and the United States.
Di Tran’s newly released book, Thanks: Elevating Everything Through Gratitude, echoes this spirit. Available on Amazon, the book emphasizes the power of gratitude as a transformative force. Tran’s writing and his actions within the church demonstrate the values of giving, community, and cultural preservation.
Celebrating Faith, Family, and Community
This year’s Vietnamese Christmas Tree at City Hall stands as a powerful reminder of the beauty of diversity and the strength of cultural unity. It celebrates the journey of Vietnamese-Americans, from their ancient heritage to their integration into Louisville’s vibrant community. It embodies the love and care that fuels every act of generosity, from donating sticky rice to making thousands of bánh chưng and bánh tét.
As we gather this Christmas, let us thank God for the love that binds us all and for the opportunity to share in each other’s traditions. This tree is not just a decoration—it is a symbol of gratitude, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese-American community.
Merry Christmas, Louisville, and may this season bring joy, love, and peace to all.
