The Lunar New Year is the most important and beloved holiday in Vietnam. Not only does it mark the arrival of spring and the start of a new year, but Tết is also the time of reflecting, reconnecting with families, and honoring ancestors for a new year of prosperity and good fortune.
An Overview of the Lunar New Year in Vietnam
Lunar New Year in Vietnam, also known as Tết Nguyên Đán, plays a pivotal role in Vietnamese culture. The word “Tết” means festival and Nguyên Đán means the first day of the year. Both of these words come from Sino-Vietnamese – a linguistic mixture of Vietnamese and Chinese morphemes.
The Vietnamese New Year is closely tied to Vietnam’s agrarian culture, which follows the lunar calendar, and falls between January and February. It serves as a time to pay homage to gods of prosperity and pay respects to ancestors, seeking blessings for a wealthy harvest and good fortune next year.
Today, the holiday is celebrated nationwide, following the lunar calendar of mid January or late February, and usually lasts for 5 to 7 days, promoting a sense of unity through this joyous community gathering.
The Lunar New Year in Vietnam versus Chinese New Year
Many comparisons suggest that the Lunar New Year in Vietnam is influenced by Chinese customs. However, there are ancient texts, including writings by Confucius – a Chinese philosopher, that mention such festivals in the region, indicating that Tết may have indigenous origins independent of Chinese customs. These passages describe the lively gatherings, feasting, and celebrations tied to the new planting season, depicting the values believed by the Vietnamese ancestors.
There are of course some similarities in terms of customs such as family reunions, decorative elements, and the exchange of lucky money. The Lunar New Year in Vietnam, however, includes instinctive style and personality that are deeply linked with the country’s identity. For example, the historical legend of “Banh Chung Banh Day,” states during the Hung Kings period, before the Chinese occupation, Vietnamese people had been celebrating the new year’s fortune.
Preparation for the Lunar New Year in Vietnam
1. Cleaning and Decorating the House
In the days before the Lunar New Year, Vietnamese families will gather to clean their house. It is believed that this will sweep away any bad luck and bad energy to welcome good fortune. Then, the house itself will be decked with colorful decorations such as red banners, followers, and sometimes reorganization, symbolizing a positive fresh start. The most important decoration is the kumquat trees, peach blossoms, or apricot blossoms, tying the spirit of the new year together.
2. Shopping for Lunar New Year
Shopping during the Lunar New Year is a significant experience, more than about preparing and acquiring the items themselves. Tet market is bustling and full of various products, from traditional dishes like Banh Chung (glutinous rice cake), fruits such as oranges or pomelos (symbol of prosperity), and vibrant flowers. As mentioned, the kumquat tree, cherry, or apricot blossoms are more than a decoration. They represent each household’s personality and symbol of good fortune, so people chatter, discuss, and evaluate with each other, to get the best plant for their homes. Together, it reinforces a sense of community, shared happiness, and wealth.
3. Offering to Ancestors
A must-include part of the Lunar New Year in Vietnam is the altar, a place to honor the ancestors. People prepare offerings of fruits, cakes, and fresh incense to pay respects and invite their ancestors to join in the celebration. This practice emphasizes the importance of family relationships during Vietnamese celebrations. Some prominent traditions include the tradition of presenting the “5 fruits” tray, visits to the ancestors’ graves, or the traditional Year-End ceremony.
Celebration of Traditions and Customs during Lunar New Year in Vietnam
1. The First Visitor of the Year (“Xông Đất”)
The first person to enter the house during the New Year is considered a good luck charm. The tradition known as “Xông Đất” is based on the belief that the character and fortune of the first visitor will influence the family’s prosperity and happiness throughout the year. Select guests are usually invited into the house after midnight on New Year’s Eve or during the early hours of Tết, thus, the timing is crucial. But it is also important that the guest has a good moral reputation, is considerate, and is successful in his or her endeavors, as these characteristics are credited with influencing the fate of the new year. Over time, this tradition has become an important part of the new year which encapsulates hope for a successful start to the new year.
2. Family Reunions
Tết has become one of the most anticipated for Vietnamese people and family gatherings are the heart of this holiday. This time of year is meant to show respect for family relationships from ancestors to renewing relationships with loved ones. It encourages families near and far to come together to share warmth, happiness, and contemplation.
Also during this time, the family table is filled with traditional dishes that have been passed down from generations. Dishes such as Bánh Chung (square glutinous rice), Bánh Tét (cylindrical glutinous rice), Thịt Kho Tàu (grilled pork with egg), and many vegetables on the menu are not only nourishing but also connect each generation to its cultural heritage. Each dish has a symbolic meaning, representing elements of prosperity, health, and rebirth. Everyone in the family comes together to share food, wisdom, and reflection on the old years, hence, preserving family traditions and values which have become an important foundation of Vietnamese culture for centuries.
3. Giving and Receiving “Lì xì” (Red Envelopes)
Lì Xì or red envelopes is a symbol of good health, and prosperity, and is believed to be a protection against bad luck. These red envelopes usually contain money and are exchanged between family, friends, and acquaintances to wish others success, happiness, and good health in the year ahead. The amount of money in the envelope is generally modest, emphasizing gestures and the goodwill they represent.
Those who received the most lì xì were children and young adults, the future generation of the family, and so older members always wished for their children a bright year ahead. On the other hand, children express their gratitude with kind words and wish the elderly good health and prosperity. This shift emphasizes the reciprocal nature of traditions where respect and blessings are shared between generations.
Lunar New Year in Vietnam: Festive Food Delights
Food plays an important role in Tết celebrations, with each region of Vietnam offering a different menu that symbolizes prosperity, health, and happiness. It is an essential part of this holiday that not only serves a nutritious purpose but also carries a deep meaning in relation to wishes of good luck into the new year.
Northern Vietnam
In the north, the most prominent dish during Tết is Banh Chung – a square cake of sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. This dish is a symbol of the earth and is made to pay homage to the ancestors. The North also enjoys dishes such as Dua Hanh (pickled onions), which balances the richness of Banh Chuong, and Xôi (glutinous rice) often served with pork sausages.
Central Vietnam
In the central region, Bánh Tét is a cylindrical rice cake that is most often topped with spicy pork or figs and green beans, representing the harmony of earth and heaven. This signature dish reflects the refined culinary traditions of the country’s regions. It tends to be smaller than northern cake, but it is no less important for Tết celebrations.
South Vietnam
The South is known for its rich and healthy food during the Tet festival. Thịt Kho Tàu (braised pork with egg) is a popular dish that symbolizes abundance and harmony. Another popular Southern food is Canh Kho Qua (stuffed bitter melon soup) which is served for good luck for a long life and empowerment away from bad luck. Southern families also enjoy fresh fruits such as kumquats, oranges, and pomelos.
Tips for Travelers Experiencing Lunar New Year in Vietnam
Make the most of your trip if you are planning to visit Vietnam around the Tet holiday for that immersive cultural experience, and even to receive good luck for the new year with these insider tips, ensuring a trip filled with valuable insights and cultural escape.
Unlimited and Unique Celebration across Cities
Popular cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An come alive with Tết festivals. There are opportunities to stroll through lively markets, participate in a traditional parade, and experience the power of local culture during this important time of the year. Some off-beaten track celebrations worth participating in include the spiritual celebration at Perfume Pagoda Tet Festival (6th day of lunar January), or Yen Tu Pagoda Tet Festival in Quang Ninh (10th day of lunar January) and Cau Ngu Festival in Central Vietnam (1st – 12th day of lunar January) for celebration of bountiful harvest and prosperity for fishermen,…
Planning Ahead
During Tet, many stores and services closed down for several days as people returned to their hometowns to celebrate with family. Including public transport services like trains and buses, there may be limited hours or reservations required due to high demand. To avoid unpleasant experiences, it is necessary to guarantee accommodation and book passengers well in advance. Our recommendation is to pick a tour close to the Lunar New Year celebration such as a luxury train adventure on the SJourney during early January. On this journey, you are immersed in Vietnamese culture through exciting off-train excursions and possibly witnessing the atmosphere transition to this beloved holiday.
Celebrating Lunar New Year in Vietnam
The Lunar New Year in Vietnam is a lively festival of tradition, happiness, and family bonds. It’s a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the future with hope and optimism. There is no better way to explore the essence of Vietnamese culture than experiencing Tet. So plan your visit to Vietnam around Tet holiday and be a part of this magical celebration for yourself!