On our food walking tours in Hanoi, our guests often ask us about the betel nut chewing tradition in Vietnam. Many visitors confused the tradition with teeth blackening, so thought that the chewing betel nut is to dye a local’s teeth black. In this post, we would like to fill you in.
1. Betel Nut Chewing
Chewing betel nut means the chewing of a combination of betel leaf, which was spread with slaked lime paste, and the areca nut (fruit of areca palm). When chewing, its red colored juice is swallowed for a light stimulant and euphoria effect. After about 5 minutes of chewing, the betel residue is spat out.
The betel nut chewing is a long-lasting tradition in Vietnam, where it’s seen as an important symbol of love, and it culturally starts the talk between the groom’s parents and the bride’s parents about the young couple’s marriage. Therefore, betel leaves and areca nuts are used ceremonially in Vietnamese weddings.
Though chewing betel nut is said to be a remedy against bad breath, it can possibly lead to oral cancer and other health effects. Hence, many young people have given up the habit, especially in urban areas. However, in rural areas, many older people pertain to the tradition.
2. Blacken Teeth
Teeth blackening, or teeth lacquering, is a custom of dyeing one’s teeth black. It’s an ancient way to differentiate humans and demons. It was also associated with beauty; women having blacken teeth was believed to be much more attractive than those with white teeth.
Teeth blackening is traditionally done during puberty, as it was seen as a sign of maturity. The tradition went along with tattooing and chewing betel nut in Vietnam. Therefore, it’s commonly confused with the red-stained teeth from betel chewing. Before 1945, most women in Hanoi had blackened teeth.
To blacken one’s teeth, an amount of shellac and lime juice is placed on the teeth twice a night for 7 nights. When the teeth are a bit red, a mixture of black alum powder and melted coconut resin is placed on the teeth for several nights to get shiny black color teeth. Good blacken teeth can keep the color for up to 20 years.
Hope this post about chewing betel nut and blacken teeth in Vietnam provides new insight; and help you understand an aspect of the Vietnamese culture. Go with us on our walking food tours to experience the flavors and textures of Vietnamese cuisine.
