The Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Have you ever visited Vietnam during Tet (Vietnamese New Year)? You should try it sometime!

Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, is the most important and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam. It marks the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and usually falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar. More than just a festival, Tết represents new beginnings, family reunion, and cultural traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Tết is a time for Vietnamese people to say goodbye to the old year and welcome a new one with hope, luck, and prosperity. It is believed that what happens during the first days of the new year will influence the entire year ahead. Therefore, people focus on positive actions, good words, and harmony.

Family plays a central role during Tết. Many people travel long distances to return home, making Tết the biggest annual migration in Vietnam. Homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome good fortune, and families prepare offerings to honor their ancestors, expressing gratitude and respect.

Traditional Tết decorations include peach blossoms in the North, apricot blossoms in the South, kumquat trees, red couplets, and lanterns. These symbols represent luck, happiness, and prosperity. Red and gold are the dominant colors of Tết, believed to bring good fortune.

Food is an essential part of Tết celebrations. Popular dishes include bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) in the North and bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cake) in the South, along with pickled vegetables, boiled chicken, and various traditional sweets. Each dish carries symbolic meaning related to abundance and family unity.

During Tết, people wear new clothes, visit relatives and friends, and exchange lì xì (lucky money) in red envelopes, especially for children and the elderly. Visiting pagodas, watching lion dances, and enjoying fireworks are also common activities during the holiday.

While modern celebrations have become simpler, the core values of Tết remain unchanged. Today, Tết continues to be a meaningful time for reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future, blending traditional customs with contemporary lifestyles.

Tết is not only a holiday but also the heart of Vietnamese culture. It reflects the deep importance of family, respect for ancestors, and the wish for a prosperous and peaceful new year. Experiencing Tết offers a unique and unforgettable insight into the spirit of Vietnam.