Vietnamese New Year, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is a celebration that transcends time and space, marking the arrival of the Lunar New Year. Steeped in tradition and wrapped in joy, Tet is a time when families come together, homes are adorned with vibrant decorations, and the air is filled with the promise of a fresh start. In this article, we embark on a journey through the fun and fascinating facts that make Tet a truly unique and cherished holiday in Vietnam.
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Vietnamese New Year Timing
Unlike the Western New Year celebrated on January 1st, Tet follows the lunar calendar, typically falling between late January and mid-February. The exact date varies each year, adding an element of excitement as families eagerly await the arrival of Tet.
Clean Sweep
One of the most interesting traditions part of Tet is the act of cleaning and decorating homes before the holiday begins. It is believed that a thorough cleaning helps rid the house of bad luck and makes way for good fortune in the coming year.
Tet Food Extravaganza
Tet is synonymous with a culinary feast, featuring an array of special dishes enjoyed during the holiday season.
On the 23rd of December according to the lunar calendar, Vietnamese people would prepare special dishes to express their gratitude to three kitchen guardians. In the Vietnamese tradition, it is the day when they give an annual report on the family to the Jade Emperor.
On the days leading up to Tet, the Vietnamese cook traditional foods such as Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake), Gio Lua (Vietnamese pork sausage), pickled onions, and various sweet treats. Each dish carries symbolic meaning, reflecting wishes for luck, prosperity, and happiness in the Vietnamese New Year.
House Decoration
Similar to some Asian countries, Vietnamese people believe in Feng Shui. Therefore, red or yellow are primary colors used when decorating the house for Tet. They represent good luck, prosperity, and harmony.
Homes are adorned with colorful flowers, particularly peach blossoms, apricot trees, and kumquat trees, symbolizing prosperity. Besides, messages indicating their wishes about the new year are hung in the house, especially by the ancestor altar.
New year, new clothes
In the festive atmosphere, it is impossible to do some shopping to make yourself look good. Women especially love to dress up for a holiday by buying new clothes. It is common to see them wearing even modernized “Ao daiâ€.
A month before the Vietnamese New Year, you can find the bustle in clothing shops and shopping malls. They display promotions, and the stores are always overcrowded with people.
Generosity and Gift-Giving
Tet is a time for generosity and exchanging gifts as a gesture of goodwill. It is common for people to offer “li xi” or lucky money in red envelopes to children and unmarried individuals. This act symbolizes the transfer of good luck and blessings from the older generation to the younger.
Fireworks Extravaganza
In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Tet is welcomed with a spectacular fireworks show. The colorful explosions light up the night sky. They create a festive atmosphere. This atmosphere symbolizes the casting away of evil spirits. It also signifies the ushering in of a prosperous new beginning.
Tet Flower Markets
Flower markets spring to life in the lead-up to Tet, transforming the streets into a riot of colors and fragrances. Peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and kumquat trees are among the most sought-after items. These flowers are believed to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity to the households that show them.
A Quiet Tet Day
On the first day of Tet, it is customary to keep a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Loud noises, arguments, and any negative behavior are avoided to make sure a harmonious start to the New Year. This practice reflects the Vietnamese belief in setting a positive tone for the upcoming year.
Xông đất
A good or bad year is actually determined by the first person who enters the house in Vietnamese tradition. The action is called xông đất, one of the most important rituals during the Vietnamese New Year. A person who has a zodiac animal that suits the family host is a sign of luck. Thus, some visited a person with a good temper, personality, and zodiac animal to first enter their house.
Vietnamese Tet is a celebration that goes beyond the mere marking of a new year. It is a cultural extravaganza steeped in tradition, family, and joy. From the elaborate preparations and feasts to the vibrant festivities that light up the streets, Tet encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese culture. These fun facts about Tet offer a glimpse into the heart of this beloved holiday. They showcase the warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit that define the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.