{"id":5375,"date":"2021-01-05T13:19:25","date_gmt":"2021-01-05T05:19:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=5375"},"modified":"2021-01-05T13:19:25","modified_gmt":"2021-01-05T05:19:25","slug":"tet-traditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/tet-traditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Vietnamese T\u1ebft Traditions And Customs: Everything You Need To Know About Vietnam\u2019s Lunar New Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vietnamese T\u1ebft traditions<\/h2>\n
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T\u1ebft \u2013 the Vietnamese Lunar New Year \u2013 is the biggest festival of the year for Vietnamese people. It’s a time for us to put aside work and worries to reunite with our loved ones, and wish one another all the best for the new year.<\/span><\/p>\n

So if you happen to be in Vietnam during this major occasion, here is everything you need to know about <\/span>Vietnamese T\u1ebft traditions<\/b> and customs<\/b> to appreciate the meaning behind each of the ceremonies and activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Sending off the \u201cKitchen Gods\u201d to heaven<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @diep.su_<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In Vietnamese belief, each household has a trio of minor gods known collectively as <\/span>\u201c\u00d4ng C\u00f4ng \u00d4ng T\u00e1o\u201d<\/b> \u2013 or the \u201c<\/span>Kitchen Gods\u201d<\/b>. Residing in the kitchen, they watch over the household\u2019s activities and return to heaven at the end of the year to report to the Jade Emperor \u2013 the ruler of all the gods.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Ceremonial clothing made of votive paper is offered at the altar, then burned as a gift to the Kitchen Gods<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @linhh271092<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This belief gives birth to a ceremony carried out every year on the 23rd day of the last lunar month. On this day, Vietnamese people buy golden koi fish or carps in markets and release them into rivers and lakes, believing that these fish will become mounts taking the Kitchen Gods to heaven.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>A scene from the G\u1eb7p Nhau Cu\u1ed1i N\u0103m show<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> Ng\u01b0\u1eddi Lao \u0110\u1ed9ng<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This custom has also become the theme for the massively popular Vietnamese comedy show \u201cG\u1eb7p Nhau Cu\u1ed1i N\u0103m\u201d (Year-End Meeting) \u2013 where famous comedians take on the role of the Kitchen Gods to discuss major events that happened in the country in the past year in a humorous way.<\/p>\n

Aired in the evening of the last day of the lunar year for over a decade, the show was looked forward to by millions of Vietnamese people during <\/span>T\u1ebft<\/span><\/em>, until it was canceled last year.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Making b\u00e1nh ch\u01b0ng \u2013 a traditional Vietnamese cake<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>B\u00e1nh ch\u01b0ng is a must-have on Vietnamese family tables during T\u1ebft<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @_tocxu_<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

An indispensable part of every Vietnamese <\/span>T\u1ebft<\/span><\/em> meal would be <\/span>b\u00e1nh ch\u01b0ng<\/b><\/em> \u2013 a traditional cake made by wrapping sticky rice with mung beans and fatty pork in a kind of leaf called \u201cl\u00e1 dong\u201d, then boiling the whole thing in a pot of water.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @banhbao_bingo<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

B\u00e1nh ch\u01b0ng <\/span><\/em>supposedly has its roots traced back to the era of the <\/span>H\u00f9ng <\/span><\/i>Kings \u2013 who are regarded as the ancestors of all Viet people. Its square shape and green color represent the earth, whereas its cousin <\/span>b\u00e1nh gi\u1ea7y<\/span><\/em> \u2013<\/span><\/i> a white, flat, and round type of rice cake \u2013 represents the sky.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @snow230187<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In the past, most Vietnamese households would make their own <\/span>b\u00e1nh ch\u01b0ng <\/span><\/em>in the days leading up to <\/span>T\u1ebft. <\/span><\/i>In fact, many 80s and 90s Vietnamese kids probably still recall with fondness those cold nights huddling up next to the boiling pot of <\/span>b\u00e1nh ch\u01b0ng<\/span><\/i>, drifting off in their parents\u2019 arms to the crackling sound of the burning embers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, however, the tradition is rarely seen in major cities anymore, and most people opt to buy <\/span>b\u00e1nh ch\u01b0ng <\/span><\/em>from markets. Regardless, the dish remains a must-have on the table during <\/span>T\u1ebft<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Preparing peach or apricot blossoms<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>The images of peach and apricot blossoms are synonymous with T\u1ebft in Vietnam<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @thibichngocle<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Come T\u1ebft, it is customary for northern Vietnamese families to display a <\/span>peach tree<\/b> whose flowers are in full bloom in their houses. Meanwhile, southerners instead use <\/span>apricot trees<\/b> to decorate their homes for the occasion.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @thibichngocle<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

The blooming flowers are a symbol of growth and prosperity and are also believed to have the power to ward off evil. They reflect the people\u2019s hopes for a fruitful new year.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Family reunions on New Year\u2019s Eve<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>The last dinner of the year is a time for family reunions<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @phuong_anh0208<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In Vietnamese culture, the last dinner of the lunar year is one dedicated to a <\/span>family reunion<\/b>. On this day, people set aside all business to return to their hometowns to have a meal with their parents, siblings, and relatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

The meal includes traditional Vietnamese dishes such as <\/span>b\u00e1nh ch\u01b0ng<\/span><\/em>, <\/span><\/i>nem <\/span><\/em>\u2013<\/span><\/i> Vietnamese spring rolls, boiled chicken, and sticky rice. The food must first be offered at the family\u2019s ancestral altar along with a tray containing 5 types of fruits \u2013 the particular fruits used vary across different provinces of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>A year-end meal of a Vietnamese family<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @trangbilee<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The gesture is considered an act of respect toward our forefathers. By displaying food, lighting incense, and praying at the altar, we ceremonially invite them over to share the meal with us. It is also common to burn votive money and other offerings as tributes to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Watching fireworks to usher in the new year<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Fireworks at Saigon\u2019s famous Landmark 81<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @wandering.hihiu<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Watching fireworks during New Year\u2019s Eve<\/b> to usher in the new year has become a tradition in many parts of the world, and Vietnam is no exception. But besides the 1st of January, we also catch views of fireworks on the first day of the lunar year \u2013 which normally falls in late January or early February.<\/span><\/p>\n

On this day, visit Hanoi\u2019s iconic Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm Lake, Saigon\u2019s towering Landmark 81, or major landmarks in other big cities to mingle with locals in the festive atmosphere. From lovers hand in hand to parents carrying their children on their shoulders, all are clad in their best attire with a big smile on their faces while eagerly awaiting that magical moment when one year comes to an end and the next begins.<\/span><\/p>\n

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6. \u201cX\u00f4ng \u0111\u1ea5t\u201d \u2013 welcoming the first visitor of the year to bring good luck<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @michu.bae<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The term <\/span>\u201cx\u00f4ng \u0111\u1ea5t\u201d<\/i><\/b> refers to when someone becomes the first person to enter a house \u2013 be it their own or someone else\u2019s \u2013 in the new year. According to Vietnamese belief, this person\u2019s fortune can affect that of the household for the entire year either positively or negatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

As such, the homeowner will often choose a person, usually a friend or a relative, to \u201cx\u00f4ng \u0111\u1ea5t\u201d for them for good luck. The chosen one could be someone with good health, success in life, or simply someone whose Eastern zodiac sign goes well with the homeowner\u2019s and with the new year.<\/span><\/p>\n

In any case, if you decide to drop by someone\u2019s house early on the first day of the new year \u2013 immediately after watching the fireworks, perhaps \u2013 it\u2019s best to wait until you\u2019re invited before you cross their door\u2019s threshold.<\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Visiting friends and relatives and exchanging lucky money<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>It is customary for people to visit their family and relatives during T\u1ebft<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @tinyactionhero<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

For the main celebration of <\/span>T\u1ebft, <\/span><\/i>which usually spans across the first 3 days of the new year, Vietnamese people go about <\/span>visiting their family, relatives, friends, and neighbors to exchange gifts and wishes<\/b>. This is the part that many kids look forward to, as they get to receive lucky money wrapped in red envelopes from the adults in an act called <\/span>\u201cm\u1eebng tu\u1ed5i\u201d<\/span><\/i> or more casually, <\/span>\u201cl\u00ec x\u00ec\u201d <\/span><\/i>\u2013 which represents hope that they\u2019ll grow up strong and talented.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @pham.vukhoa<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

People who\u2019ve just lost a family member, however, generally avoid visiting others so as to avoid bringing a gloomy aura into their homes during this joyous occasion. It is also taboo to sweep one\u2019s house during these few days as some believe you could sweep your luck away.<\/span><\/p>\n

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8. Going to pagodas and temples to pray for good luck<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Locals praying at the V\u0129nh Nghi\u00eam Pagoda, Saigon<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> Ph\u00e1p Lu\u1eadt Plus<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Every year during T\u1ebft, <\/span>pagodas and temples<\/b> in major cities are packed full of locals visiting to light incense and pray. People believe that paying tribute to Buddha and other deities on this special occasion is another way to bring fortune to their own families.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visit the Tr\u1ea5n Qu\u1ed1c Pagoda in Hanoi, the V\u0129nh Nghi\u00eam Pagoda in Saigon, or<\/span> other major pagodas in Vietnam<\/span><\/a> during this occasion if you want to partake in these spiritual activities. Offerings are optional \u2013 you can choose to bring fruits or cakes if you like.<\/span><\/p>\n

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9. Getting calligraphy pieces to display at home<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @vii.van<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Another tradition that Vietnamese people still uphold to this day is <\/span>visiting calligraphers<\/b>, usually on the second or third day of the new year, to ask for a piece of their work to display in their houses.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tradition stems from ancient times when those who could read and write well were considered well-educated and thus were respected. Calligraphic works, therefore, were regarded highly, which was why many people would bring offerings to scholars to ask for their writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @namtoi<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Nowadays, during <\/span>T\u1ebft<\/span><\/em>, you can find calligraphers offering their service at the historic Temple of Literature in Hanoi, which is considered Vietnam\u2019s very first university at almost a millennia old. On the other hand, if you\u2019re in Saigon, drop by the Cultural House of Youth on Ph\u1ea1m Ng\u1ecdc Th\u1ea1ch Street to bring home a piece of calligraphy of your choosing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the popular words to ask calligraphers for are <\/span>T\u00e2m<\/span><\/em> (<\/span>\u5fc3, or<\/span>\u00a0Heart<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>T\u00e0i<\/em> <\/span>(<\/span>\u624d, or <\/span>Talent<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>L\u1ed9c<\/span><\/em> (<\/span>\u797f<\/span>, or Fortune<\/span><\/i>), or <\/span>Th\u1ecd<\/em> <\/span>(<\/span>\u58fd, or<\/span>\u00a0Longevity<\/span><\/i>), which can all be written in either Sino-Vietnamese or Vietnamese characters.<\/span><\/p>\n

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T\u1ebft traditions and customs in Vietnam<\/h3>\n
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The modern way of life has no doubt changed many of our old customs, but no matter how much things change, T\u1ebft will always hold a special place in the hearts of Vietnamese people. It is a time for us to return to our roots, to honor our ancestors, and uphold traditions that date back thousands of years.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, familiarize yourself with all these T\u1ebft traditions and join us in our celebrations!<\/span><\/p>\n

For more insight into other special occasions in Vietnam, check out:<\/span><\/p>\n