Tet, also known as the Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant holidays in Vietnam. It is a time of great celebration, as families come together to welcome the new year with traditional customs and festivities. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of Tet, the preparations and traditions leading up to the holiday, as well as the many activities and customs that take place during this special time of year.
Importance of the holiday in Vietnam
Tet is not only a time of celebration but also a time for reflection and renewal. It marks the beginning of a new year, a chance for new beginnings and fresh starts. It is a time when families and communities come together, and old grudges are forgotten. It is a time for sharing and giving, as well as paying respect to ancestors and honoring traditions.
In Vietnam, Tet is more than just a holiday; it is an integral part of the culture and a symbol of national identity. The Lunar New Year is celebrated throughout the country and is deeply ingrained in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.
In the following sections, we will delve into the history and traditions of Tet to gain a deeper understanding of this important holiday.
History and Origins of Tet/Lunar New Year
The origins of Tet/Lunar New Year can be traced back to the legend of the Chinese emperor Shennong, who is said to have invented agriculture and medicine. According to the legend, Shennong divided the year into 24 solar terms, each marked by a specific astronomical event or weather phenomenon.
In ancient China, the Lunar New Year was celebrated as a time to honor the gods and ancestors, and to pray for good fortune and a bountiful harvest in the coming year. The holiday was later adopted by Vietnam and other countries in the region, where it became an important part of local culture and tradition.
In Vietnam, the Lunar New Year has been celebrated for over 2,000 years and has its roots in the country's agricultural heritage. The holiday marks the beginning of spring, when farmers traditionally begin preparing their fields for the upcoming growing season.
The significance of the Lunar calendar in Vietnamese culture cannot be overstated. The Lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and is deeply connected to the natural world. Many of the traditional customs and rituals associated with Tet/Lunar New Year are linked to the cycles of the moon and the changing of the seasons.
Today, Tet/Lunar New Year is celebrated throughout Vietnam with a range of customs and traditions that vary from region to region. Despite these regional differences, however, the holiday remains a time for families and communities to come together, to honor their ancestors, and to look forward to the year ahead with hope and optimism. Different interpretations of the origin of Tet/Lunar New Year:
There are various legends surrounding the origin of Tet/Lunar New Year in Vietnamese culture. One popular story involves a fierce monster named Nian who would come down from the mountains to terrorize villagers at the end of each lunar year. The villagers soon discovered that the monster was afraid of loud noises and the color red, leading them to set off firecrackers and decorate their homes with red items to scare Nian away. This is believed to have started the tradition of using fireworks and the color red during Tet/Lunar New Year celebrations.
Another legend involves the story of two gods, who fell in love and were forbidden to be together. They fled to earth and decided to live among the people in human form. They taught the villagers various skills and became revered as cultural heroes. After they passed away, the villagers began celebrating the anniversary of their deaths as a way to honor their contributions to society. This is believed to have led to the creation of Tet/Lunar New Year as a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration.
The evolution of Tet/Lunar New Year celebrations over time
The celebration of Tet/Lunar New Year in Vietnam has evolved over time to reflect changes in society and culture. Originally, Tet/Lunar New Year was a time for people to pay homage to their ancestors and to pray for good fortune in the coming year. As Vietnam became more urbanized, the holiday took on a more secular and commercial aspect, with people now giving gifts and buying new clothes and decorations to celebrate the new year.
During the 20th century, Tet/Lunar New Year became a symbol of Vietnam's struggle for independence and unity. The holiday was used as a platform for political speeches and rallies, with leaders using the occasion to call for unity and national pride. After the war ended, Tet/Lunar New Year remained an important holiday, but it became less politically charged and more focused on family gatherings, food, and traditions.
In recent years, Tet/Lunar New Year celebrations have become more diverse and inclusive, with people of all religions and ethnicities participating in the festivities. The holiday has also become more globalized, with Vietnamese communities around the world celebrating Tet/Lunar New Year in their own unique ways. Despite these changes, Tet/Lunar New Year remains a time of deep cultural significance, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Significance of the Lunar calendar in Vietnamese culture
The Vietnamese calendar is based on the lunar cycle, with each year corresponding to a different animal in the zodiac. The Lunar New Year is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which typically falls between late January and early February.
The lunar calendar has played an important role in Vietnamese culture for centuries. It is used to determine auspicious dates for important events such as weddings, funerals, and business deals. The lunar calendar also governs the agricultural cycle, with farmers using the phases of the moon to plant and harvest crops.
The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle, and as such, it is a time of great significance and renewal in Vietnamese culture. It is a time to honor ancestors, pay respect to the gods, and seek good fortune for the coming year.
In the next section, we will explore the preparations for Tet and the customs that are observed leading up to the holiday.
Cleaning and decorating the house
Cleaning the house before Tet is a crucial task that is taken very seriously in Vietnam. The cleaning is done not just to rid the house of dirt and clutter, but also to get rid of any bad luck that may have accumulated in the past year. It is believed that cleaning the house before Tet will make room for good luck and fortune to come in.
Once the cleaning is done, the house is decorated with bright and colorful flowers, banners, and other festive decorations. One of the most popular flowers used for decoration is the yellow mai flower, which represents good luck and prosperity. The kumquat tree, with its small orange fruits, is also a common decoration that is believed to bring good luck and wealth.
Shopping and cooking traditional foods
In the weeks leading up to Tet, markets and shops are filled with people shopping for traditional foods and treats. Some of the most popular foods include bánh chưng (sticky rice cake), dưa hành (pickled onions), mứt (candied fruits), and hạt dưa (roasted seeds).
Preparing these foods is a laborious task that requires days of preparation. The sticky rice cake, for example, is made by wrapping a mixture of glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork in banana leaves and boiling it for several hours. It is a time-consuming and delicate process, but the end result is a delicious and highly symbolic food that is a must-have during Tet.
Preparing offerings for ancestors
Honoring ancestors is an important part of Vietnamese culture, and this is especially true during Tet. Before the holiday, families prepare offerings for their ancestors, which typically include fruits, sweets, and other treats. These offerings are placed on an altar in the home, along with incense, flowers, and other decorations.
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| offerings for ancestors |
The altar is an important focal point in the home during Tet, and family members often spend time praying and making offerings to their ancestors. It is believed that by honoring one's ancestors in this way, they will receive blessings and good fortune for the new year.
The importance of ancestor worship in Tet/Lunar New Year celebrations:
Ancestor worship is an essential part of Vietnamese culture, and it plays a significant role in Tet/Lunar New Year celebrations. Before the start of Tet/Lunar New Year, families typically prepare an altar to honor their ancestors. The altar is decorated with fruits, flowers, and incense, and it is believed to attract the spirits of ancestors to join the family for the holiday.
During Tet/Lunar New Year, families will offer food and drinks to their ancestors on the altar. This is a way to show respect and gratitude to the ancestors for their blessings and to seek their protection and guidance for the new year.
Ancestor worship during Tet/Lunar New Year is not only a way to honor the past but also a way to connect with family members who have passed away. It is a way to bring generations together and to strengthen family ties, which is a core value of Vietnamese culture.
The significance of the color red in Tet/Lunar New Year decorations:
The color red holds a special place in Vietnamese culture, and it is often used during Tet/Lunar New Year celebrations. Red is considered a lucky color and is associated with prosperity and good fortune. During Tet/Lunar New Year, many households and public spaces are adorned with red decorations, such as red lanterns, red banners, and red flowers.
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| color red in Tet/Lunar New Year |
The color red is also significant because it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. This is why many people wear red clothing during Tet/Lunar New Year and why red envelopes filled with lucky money are given to children.
Tet/Lunar New Year Traditions and Customs
Giving li xi (lucky money) to children
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| Li Xi |
One of the most beloved traditions of Tet is the giving of li xi, or lucky money, to children. Elders, such as parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles, give small red envelopes filled with money to children as a way of wishing them good luck and prosperity for the new year. The amount of money given usually varies depending on the relationship between the giver and the recipient.
Visiting friends and family
Tet is a time for families to come together and celebrate. It is customary for people to visit friends and family during the holiday, often traveling long distances to do so. People also pay respects to their elders and visit the graves of their ancestors.
During these visits, people exchange Tet greetings, such as "Chúc Mừng Năm Mới" (Happy New Year) and "Vạn Sự Như Ý" (May all your wishes come true). It is also common for people to bring gifts, such as flowers or food, as a way of showing respect and gratitude.
Wearing traditional clothes
During Tet, many people choose to wear traditional clothing, known as áo dài for women and áo gấm for men. The áo dài is a long, flowing dress with a high collar and side slits, while the áo gấm is a formal silk robe that is worn with loose-fitting pants.
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| Wearing traditional clothes (Viet Nam) |
Wearing traditional clothing is a way of honoring Vietnamese culture and showing respect for the holiday. Many people also believe that wearing new clothes during Tet brings good luck and fortune for the new year.
Making banh chung (sticky rice cake)
Banh chung is one of the most important traditional foods of Tet, and making it is a beloved tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. The process of making banh chung is labor-intensive and time-consuming, involving several hours of preparation and cooking.
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| banh chung |
Banh chung is made by wrapping a mixture of glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork in a square of banana leaves and boiling it for several hours. The end result is a dense, flavorful cake that is often served with pickled onions and other traditional accompaniments.
These traditions and customs are an essential part of Tet, and they reflect the deep cultural significance of the holiday in Vietnam.
Tet/Lunar New Year Activities
Tet/Lunar New Year is not only a time for family gatherings and feasts, but also for various cultural activities and events. Here are some of the most popular activities and events that take place during Tet/Lunar New Year in Vietnam:
Fireworks Displays
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| Fireworks |
One of the most anticipated events during Tet/Lunar New Year is the fireworks display. The fireworks show takes place on New Year's Eve and is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the new year. In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the fireworks display can be seen from various locations throughout the city.
Attending Cultural Performances
During Tet/Lunar New Year, there are many cultural performances held throughout the country. These performances showcase traditional music, dance, and theater, and are often held in public spaces like parks and squares. One of the most popular cultural events during Tet/Lunar New Year is the Hoi Lim Festival in Bac Ninh Province, which features performances of Quan Ho folk songs, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Participating in Parades and Dragon Dances
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| Dragon Dances |
Parades and dragon dances are common during Tet/Lunar New Year and are a colorful and exciting way to celebrate the holiday. The parades feature floats decorated with flowers and traditional decorations, while dragon dances involve performers dressed in dragon costumes dancing through the streets. These activities are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year.
Visiting Temples and Pagodas
Tet/Lunar New Year is also a time for spiritual reflection and many people visit temples and pagodas during the holiday to pray for good luck and blessings for the new year. Some of the most popular temples and pagodas to visit during Tet/Lunar New Year include the Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi and the Yen Tu Pagoda in Quang Ninh Province.
Playing Traditional Games
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| Bai Choi |
During Tet/Lunar New Year, many families and friends gather together to play traditional games. One of the most popular games is bai choi, a game that involves singing, acting, and guessing. Another popular game is danh chua, a game similar to bingo.
The practice of giving gifts to friends and family during Tet/Lunar New Year:
One of the most cherished traditions of Tet/Lunar New Year is the practice of giving gifts to friends and family. The gifts, known as li xi or lucky money, are typically given to children and unmarried adults. The money is usually given in red envelopes, which symbolize good luck and prosperity.
The amount of money given varies, but it is typically an even number, as odd numbers are associated with bad luck. In addition to li xi, people also give gifts of food, fruits, and flowers to their loved ones.
The practice of giving gifts during Tet/Lunar New Year is a way to show respect and gratitude to friends and family. It is also a way to express hopes for a happy and prosperous new year.
Tet/Lunar New Year Food and Drinks
Tet/Lunar New Year is a time for feasting, and traditional Vietnamese dishes play an important role in the holiday's celebrations. Here are some of the most popular foods and drinks served during Tet/Lunar New Year:
Banh Chung (Sticky Rice Cake)
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| banh chung |
Banh Chung is a must-have dish during Tet/Lunar New Year. It is a savory cake made of sticky rice, pork belly, and mung beans, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for several hours. Banh Chung represents the earth and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year.
Tet Thit Kho (Caramelized Pork and Eggs)
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| Thit Kho |
Tet Thit Kho is a traditional dish made of pork belly and boiled eggs, braised in fish sauce, sugar, and spices until tender and caramelized. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is often served with rice during Tet/Lunar New Year.
Xoi Gac (Red Sticky Rice)
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| Xoi Gac |
Xoi Gac is a sweet and colorful dish made of glutinous rice cooked with Gac fruit, which gives it a bright red color. It is often served as a dessert during Tet/Lunar New Year and is believed to bring good luck and happiness.
Tra Sen (Lotus Tea)
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| Tra Sen |
Tra Sen is a special tea made of lotus flowers and leaves, which are harvested in the summer and dried for use during Tet/Lunar New Year. It has a delicate floral flavor and is often served during family gatherings and visits.
Ruou Gao (Rice Wine)
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| Ruou Gao |
Ruou Gao is a traditional rice wine that is often served during Tet/Lunar New Year. It is made by fermenting cooked glutinous rice with yeast and sugar, and has a sweet and slightly sour taste. It is believed to be a symbol of unity and harmony, and is often shared among family and friends during the holiday.
In addition to these traditional dishes, many families also prepare a variety of other foods, such as nem ran (spring rolls), thit kho trung (braised pork belly and eggs), and mut (candied fruits and vegetables). These dishes are often served in large quantities to ensure that there is plenty of food to share with family and friends who visit during the holiday.
The symbolism behind the traditional foods prepared for Tet/Lunar New Year:
Traditional foods play a crucial role in Tet/Lunar New Year celebrations. Each dish is carefully chosen for its symbolic meaning and the wishes it represents for the new year.
One of the most iconic dishes of Tet/Lunar New Year is banh chung, a square-shaped sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice, pork, and mung beans. The cake is wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for several hours. Banh chung symbolizes the Earth and is a tribute to the agricultural roots of Vietnamese society.
Another popular dish during Tet/Lunar New Year is thit kho, braised pork belly with eggs. The dish represents wealth and abundance, and it is often served during family gatherings.
Fruits also play an important role in Tet/Lunar New Year feasts. For example, watermelon symbolizes good luck and prosperity, while oranges represent wealth and fortune.
Overall, traditional foods are an essential part of Tet/Lunar New Year celebrations, and they serve as a way to connect with Vietnamese culture and history.
Regional variations in Tet/Lunar New Year cuisine:
While there are certain traditional foods that are commonly associated with Tet/Lunar New Year celebrations, there are also many regional variations in cuisine. Different regions in Vietnam have their own unique dishes and ways of preparing them for the holiday.
In the north of Vietnam, for example, one of the most popular Tet/Lunar New Year dishes is banh chung, a square-shaped sticky rice cake filled with pork and beans. In the central region, Tet/Lunar New Year dishes may include banh tet, a cylindrical-shaped sticky rice cake filled with pork, and nem chua, a fermented pork dish. In the south, people may enjoy banh tet in a different form, such as banh tet la cam, which is wrapped in leaves and boiled.
These regional variations in Tet/Lunar New Year cuisine reflect the diverse cultural and historical influences that have shaped Vietnam's culinary traditions over time.
The role of food and drink in Tet/Lunar New Year festivities:
Food and drink play a central role in Tet/Lunar New Year festivities. Traditional dishes are prepared and served during the holiday to symbolize prosperity, good luck, and abundance.
In addition to banh chung, other traditional Tet/Lunar New Year dishes may include thit kho, a braised pork dish, ga tan thuoc bac, a stewed herbal chicken dish, and dua hanh, pickled onions. Special drinks, such as tra sen (lotus tea) and ruou gao (rice wine), may also be served during the holiday.
Tet/Lunar New Year is a time for families to come together and enjoy traditional foods and drinks, often prepared using time-honored family recipes. Sharing meals with loved ones is a way to express love, respect, and gratitude, and to reinforce family bonds.
Tet/Lunar New Year Greetings and Phrases
Tet/Lunar New Year is a time for exchanging greetings and well wishes with family, friends, and acquaintances. Here are some common Tet/Lunar New Year greetings and phrases used in Vietnamese culture:
- Chúc Mừng Năm Mới - Happy New Year: This is the most common Tet/Lunar New Year greeting in Vietnam. It is used to wish someone a happy and prosperous new year.
- Cung Chúc Tân Xuân - Gracious New Year's Greetings: This phrase is used to express graciousness and good wishes for the new year. It is often used in formal situations or when addressing elders.
- An Khang Thịnh Vượng - Security, Good Health, and Prosperity: This phrase is used to wish someone good health, security, and prosperity in the new year. It is a popular phrase used during Tet/Lunar New Year.
- Vạn Sự Như Ý - May Your Every Wish Come True: This phrase is used to express the hope that all of someone's wishes come true in the new year. It is a common phrase used during Tet/Lunar New Year.
- Sống Lâu Trăm Tuổi - Long Life to You: This phrase is used to wish someone a long life. It is often used when addressing elders or people in positions of authority.
- Phúc Lộc Thọ - Happiness, Prosperity, Longevity: This phrase is used to express the wish for happiness, prosperity, and longevity in the new year. It is a popular phrase used during Tet/Lunar New Year.
- Tiền Vào Như Nước - Money Flows In Like Water: This phrase is used to express the wish for financial prosperity in the new year. It is often used when giving li xi (lucky money) to children.
- Năm Này Có Điều Ước - Make a Wish for the New Year: This phrase is often used when giving someone a red envelope or other gift during Tet/Lunar New Year. It encourages the person to make a wish for the new year.
In Vietnamese culture, it is customary to exchange greetings and well wishes during Tet/Lunar New Year. These phrases reflect the hope for happiness, health, prosperity, and longevity in the new year. They are an important part of the holiday's traditions and customs.
The use of traditional poetry during Tet/Lunar New Year celebrations:
Traditional poetry is an important part of Tet/Lunar New Year celebrations in Vietnam. These poems, often called "Liễn," are written on red paper and hung in prominent places throughout the house. The poems may be written by family members or purchased from street vendors and are meant to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to the home.
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| Liễn |
Quat can take many different forms, including couplets, four-line poems, or longer verses. They may be written in classical Chinese or in the Vietnamese language, depending on the preference of the writer. The poems often contain references to historical figures, folk tales, or philosophical concepts.
During Tet/Lunar New Year, it is common for families to gather around and read quat aloud together. This tradition helps to reinforce family bonds and provides an opportunity for people to reflect on the meaning and significance of the holiday.
The cultural significance of Tet/Lunar New Year greetings:
Tet/Lunar New Year greetings are an important part of the holiday, and many different phrases and expressions are used to convey well wishes and good luck. One of the most common greetings is "Chuc mung nam moi," which means "Happy New Year."
Other popular greetings include "An khang thinh vuong," which means "May you have peace and prosperity," and "Suc khoe doi dao," which means "Wishing you good health."
Tet/Lunar New Year greetings are more than just words; they are a way of expressing respect, gratitude, and love for one's family and community. These greetings reflect the values of Vietnamese culture, which places great importance on relationships, community, and social harmony.
During Tet/Lunar New Year, it is common for people to visit friends and family to exchange greetings and well wishes. This tradition helps to reinforce social bonds and promote a sense of shared identity and belonging.
The Significance of Tet/Lunar New Year in Vietnamese Culture
Tet/Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture, and it holds a special place in the hearts of Vietnamese people. Here are some of the ways that Tet/Lunar New Year is significant in Vietnamese culture:
Family Reunions
Tet/Lunar New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Many people travel long distances to be with their families during the holiday, and it is considered a time for forgiveness, reconciliation, and renewal of relationships. Family members gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and participate in traditional activities.
Cultural Traditions
Tet/Lunar New Year is steeped in rich cultural traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. These traditions include cleaning the house, preparing traditional foods, making offerings to ancestors, and visiting friends and relatives. The holiday also features colorful parades, dragon dances, and fireworks displays.
Spiritual Significance
Tet/Lunar New Year has deep spiritual significance for many Vietnamese people. It is a time to honor ancestors, seek good fortune, and make offerings to the gods. Many Vietnamese families visit pagodas or temples during the holiday to pray for good health, wealth, and happiness in the coming year.
Economic Importance
Tet/Lunar New Year is also significant for the Vietnamese economy. Many businesses shut down for several days during the holiday, and people spend large sums of money on food, gifts, and decorations. The holiday is also an important time for the agricultural sector, as many farmers rely on the holiday season to sell their crops.
National Identity
Tet/Lunar New Year plays an important role in shaping Vietnamese national identity. The holiday is deeply rooted in Vietnamese history and culture, and is celebrated by people of all ages and backgrounds throughout the country.
Tet/Lunar New Year provides an opportunity for people to reflect on the values and traditions that define Vietnamese culture, such as respect for ancestors, a strong sense of community, and a deep connection to the land.
Many of the customs and traditions associated with Tet/Lunar New Year, such as the use of red decorations, the giving of li xi, and the making of traditional foods, are unique to Vietnam and reflect the country's distinct cultural heritage.
The ways in which Tet/Lunar New Year reflects Vietnam's agricultural heritage:
Tet/Lunar New Year has its roots in Vietnam's agricultural heritage and is deeply connected to the cycles of planting and harvesting. The holiday falls at the beginning of spring, when farmers traditionally begin preparing their fields for the upcoming growing season.
Many of the traditional foods and drinks associated with Tet/Lunar New Year, such as sticky rice cake, pickled vegetables, and rice wine, are made from ingredients that are commonly grown and harvested in Vietnam.
In addition to its agricultural significance, Tet/Lunar New Year also serves as a time for people to reflect on the importance of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living things. This connection to the land and the natural world is an important part of Vietnamese culture and is reflected in many of the customs and traditions associated with the holiday.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tet/Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in Vietnam, celebrated by people of all ages and backgrounds. The holiday has a rich history and cultural significance, rooted in the lunar calendar and traditional customs and traditions.
Through the comprehensive guide to the holiday's history, preparations, traditions, activities, food and drinks, greetings and phrases, and its enduring significance in Vietnamese culture, we have explored the various aspects that make Tet/Lunar New Year such a special occasion.
Tet/Lunar New Year is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration. It is an opportunity to spend time with family and loved ones, express gratitude and appreciation, and set intentions for the new year. The holiday's customs and traditions reflect the values of respect, gratitude, and community, which are at the heart of Vietnamese culture.
In Vietnam, Tet/Lunar New Year is more than just a holiday. It is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future with hope and optimism. Whether you are a local or a visitor, experiencing Tet/Lunar New Year in Vietnam is an unforgettable and meaningful experience.
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