Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, has captivated international students with its unique traditions and cultural vibrancy.
Hundreds of foreign students at Hanoi University recently celebrated an early Tet, immersing themselves in activities such as gifting lucky money, practicing calligraphy, and wrapping bánh chưng (traditional sticky rice cakes).
A Cultural Revelation for International Students
Red envelopes filled with lucky money (lì xì) delighted students, with many describing the gesture as “charming and meaningful.” Atarashi Saku, a third-year Vietnamese Studies student from Japan, shared her excitement for her second Tet celebration. “Last year, I spent Tet with a friend’s family in Vinh Phuc, and it was unforgettable,” Saku said. From shopping for peach blossoms to donning an áo dài (Vietnamese traditional dress), she embraced traditions like karaoke, festive dishes, and making bánh chưng.
“I love bánh chưng and spring rolls so much that I gained 4 kilograms after the holiday!” Saku joked. Comparing Tet to New Year in Japan, she noted Vietnam’s vibrant preparations and community spirit as a stark contrast to Japan’s quieter temple visits and soba noodle dinners.
This year, Saku plans to celebrate Tet in a friend’s hometown to experience its full essence.
A Taste of Vietnamese Traditions
For Li Na, an exchange student from China, this year marks her first Tet in Vietnam. She found wrapping bánh chưng particularly challenging but rewarding. “In Yunnan, we have a similar dish, but it’s smaller and simpler. Tet traditions here are so rich and lively,” she said, while learning to prepare Vietnamese spring rolls.
Meanwhile, Filipino student Lloyd Julian has made celebrating Tet an annual tradition. “This is my third Tet, and it feels like being back in my own homeland,” he shared. From playing traditional games like ring-toss to enjoying dishes like chả giò (fried spring rolls), Lloyd relishes visiting friends’ homes in different provinces each year, discovering regional nuances of Tet.
Bridging Cultures Through Tet
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Xuan, head of the Vietnamese Studies department at Hanoi University, emphasized the importance of these celebrations in fostering cultural understanding. “Over 700 international students are studying here, and more than half choose to stay for Tet,” she said.
The university organizes immersive activities such as calligraphy, bamboo dancing (nhảy sạp), and clay figurine making (nặn tò he). Students also visit teachers’ homes for New Year’s greetings and meals, deepening their connection to Vietnam’s culture and people.
“These experiences allow students to feel included and appreciated while helping them become cultural ambassadors, bridging Vietnam and the world,” Dr. Thanh Xuan noted.
An Invitation to the World
For international students, Tet is more than just a holiday—it’s a window into Vietnam’s heart. From the joy of receiving lucky money to the warmth of sharing meals, Tet offers foreigners a chance to connect with Vietnamese traditions and hospitality.
Whether it’s learning to wrap bánh chưng, playing traditional games, or experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Tet festivities, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year is a celebration that leaves an indelible mark on all who partake.
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Source: Vietnam Insider