In Vietnam, Tet, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is the most significant and eagerly awaited holiday of the year. Also known as the Lunar New Year, Tet marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and the welcoming of a fresh start. This joyous celebration usually falls in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar.
Preparations for Tet begin well before the actual holiday. Families clean and decorate their homes, and the streets come alive with vibrant colors and festive lights. It’s a time when people pay off debts, forgive past grievances, and try to start anew, symbolizing a fresh and prosperous beginning for the coming year. One of the essential aspects of Tet is the emphasis on family. Vietnamese people place great importance on spending time with loved ones during this holiday. Families come together to cook traditional dishes, share stories, and honor their ancestors. Many people travel long distances to be with their families, resulting in bustling transportation hubs and crowded roads as everyone rushes to reunite with their loved ones.
One of the most iconic customs during Tet is the giving and receiving of Li Xi, or lucky money. Elders give red envelopes containing money to children and unmarried individuals as a gesture of good luck and prosperity. This tradition is meant to bring good fortune and happiness to the recipients, and it is eagerly anticipated by children who look forward to these red envelopes. Tet is also a time for delicious feasting. Families prepare a variety of traditional foods, such as Banh chung, a square sticky rice cake with pork and mung beans, and Gio lua, a type of Vietnamese pork sausage. These dishes hold deep cultural significance and are enjoyed together during Tet meals. In addition to home-cooked meals, many families also indulge in festive street food, creating a lively atmosphere in markets and food stalls.
Another integral part of Tet is the Tet tree, or Cay Neu, a bamboo pole adorned with various decorations like good luck charms, flowers, and red envelopes. The Tet tree is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to the household. It is typically placed in front of the house or in the garden, creating a festive and auspicious atmosphere. As Tet approaches, the Vietnamese people engage in a custom known as Xong Nha, or the first visit to someone’s home in the new year. This visit is considered a gesture of goodwill, fostering positive relationships and starting the year on a harmonious note. Guests often bring gifts and well-wishes to their hosts, and in return, they receive warm hospitality and festive treats.
Tet in Vietnam is a time of joy, unity, and cultural richness. The holiday showcases the deep-rooted traditions and values of the Vietnamese people, emphasizing the importance of family, renewal, and the pursuit of good fortune in the coming year. Tet is a celebration that encapsulates the spirit of Vietnam, bringing people together to cherish their past, enjoy the present, and look forward to a brighter future.
Chau Thi Hong Tham
