As many of 150 objects, documents and photos on quid of betel chewing custom in Viet Nam are on display at an exhibition which has opened at Lam Dong museum in the Central Highlands city of Da Lat.
Especially, there are rare objects dating back the 15th and the 16th century such as lime pots, betel boxes and areca-nut cutting knives.
In addition, photos on quid of betel preparation, quid of betel chewing custom, betel gardens and betel and areca in cultural life and festivals are also exhibited.
The event held by Lam Dong Museum in coordination with Southern Women Museum will run until March 30th.
According to ancient custom, chewing quid of betel and areca has been a practice since the Hung Vuong period. A quid of betel, also called trau, is composed of four elements, namely, an areca leaf (sweet taste), betel bark (hot taste), a chay root (bitter taste), and hydrated lime (pungent taste). The custom of chewing betel nut is unique to Viet Nam.
Old people usually chew slices of areca nut wrapped in betel leaf along with lime. Betel and areca nuts are also used in offerings.
When Vietnamese people worship their ancestors, betel and areca nut must be placed at the altar. Betel and areca are indispensable items in weddings.