Each of us is full of memories of Tet celebration such as wearing new clothes, receiving lucky money, or staying up late to observe the Chung cake pot. Tet holiday has prolonged to be a part of cultural tradition in Vietnam and Asia.
Let’s take a look at some featured activities of Tet celebration in Asian countries!
- China
There are some similarities in the way of Tet celebration between Vietnam and China because of the dramatic traditional influence. As for the Chinese, the New Year’s Eve reunion meal plays a pivotal role in their life since it is the occasion for family members to reunite and share what they have experienced with one another. Typically, the whole fish dish is served in this meal as fish represents the flourishment. The street is filled with the red color of couplets, lanterns, and lucky money envelopes because red is supposed to symbolize luck.
- Korea
While Tet in China lasts for a week, Korean people celebrate Tet only for 3 days, from 30th December to 2nd January. Like in other countries, the Korean clean their house prior to New Year’s Eve. On the evening before the 30th, people bathe in hot water to purify themselves and wear hanbok to perform the ancestral worship ritual. Another unique feature is that people burn bamboo sticks in the house to exorcise evil spirits.
- Singapore
The Lion Island has common grounds with China in Tet celebration because the majority of the population is of Chinese origin, however, they celebrate New Year in their own way. Typically, they organize festivals such as the Lantern Festival, the River Hongbao Festival and the largest is the Chingay Street Festival, attracting a large number of tourists and inhabitants to engage in the parade. This is an activity that serves entertaining purposes and strengthens solidarity between ethnic groups nationwide and worldwide.
- Mongolia
Perhaps Mongolia is the country that has the longest period of Tet celebration. This is not only a holiday that signifies the end of winter and the arrival of Spring, but it is also the occasion for family members to gather and strengthen relationships. During the first 3 days of the New Year, people only wear traditional costumes, and a flock of people come to the oldest person’s house.
It is apparent that each nation has an exclusive way of Tet celebration, and everyone is elated to welcome Tet. Wishing you a warm and happy At Ty Tet with your family and friends!
Phạm Thị Ngoan