What is Tết?
Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán (meaning “Festival of the First Morning of the First Day”), is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most important celebration in Vietnam. Also referred to as the Spring Festival, it marks the arrival of spring and the start of a new lunar calendar year. While similar to the Chinese Lunar New Year, Tết has distinct traditions and cultural significance unique to Vietnam.
The holiday’s origins date back to the 18th century B.C., influenced by Chinese culture, though it has evolved over centuries to reflect Vietnam’s unique customs. Today, Tết is celebrated not only in Vietnam but also among Vietnamese communities worldwide.
When is Tết?
The date of Tết changes yearly, falling between mid-January and late February, depending on the lunar calendar and the first new moon of the year. For example:
- 2024: February 10
- 2025: January 29
- 2026: February 17
The exact timing may differ slightly from other countries’ Lunar New Year celebrations due to time zones.
Why is Tết Important?
Tết is more than a new year celebration—it’s a time for family, gratitude, and fresh beginnings. Many Vietnamese travel home to reunite with loved ones, honor ancestors, and reflect on the past year. Businesses close, and those working during Tết often receive triple pay.
The holiday also emphasizes starting the year with good fortune. Actions taken during Tết are believed to set the tone for the rest of the year, making it vital to celebrate positively and mindfully.
Key Traditions of Tết
1. Preparations and Cleaning
- Cleaning the Home: Before Tết, families clean their homes thoroughly, symbolizing the removal of bad luck and making space for good fortune. Sweeping during the holiday itself is avoided to prevent “sweeping away” luck.
- Ancestor Worship: Family shrines are cleaned and decorated with photos, incense, flowers, and offerings of fruit. This honors ancestors and expresses gratitude.
2. Decorations
- Flowers and Plants: Northern Vietnam favors peach blossoms for wealth and happiness, while southern Vietnam showcases yellow apricot blossoms for fortune. Orchids and kumquat trees are also popular.
- Red Lanterns: Symbolizing luck and prosperity, red lanterns adorn homes and streets during Tết.
3. Gift Giving
Children and younger family members receive red envelopes (lì xì) filled with money, symbolizing good fortune and blessings.
4. Food
- Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét: These iconic sticky rice cakes, wrapped in leaves, symbolize the Earth and honor ancestors.
- Mứt: Boxes of candied fruits, such as ginger, coconut, and squash, are shared with visitors and loved ones.
- Fruit Trays: Families prepare trays of five symbolic fruits, such as mango, soursop, and papaya, wishing for prosperity. In southern Vietnam, the fruits’ names form a phrase meaning “pray for wealth and sufficiency.”
5. Celebrations
Tết celebrations span three days:
- Day Before New Year’s Eve: Preparations and family reunions.
- New Year’s Eve: Midnight ceremonies and fireworks to welcome the new year.
- New Year’s Day: Visiting relatives, friends, and neighbors, while exchanging blessings.
The Mythology Behind Tết
According to a Han Dynasty scholar, the first eight days of Tết correspond to God’s creation of life: chickens on the first day, followed by dogs, pigs, goats, buffaloes, horses, humans, and finally, cereal. This connection to creation reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance of Tết.
A famous Vietnamese myth associated with Tết is the Legend of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Dày, which tells of a prince who created two rice cakes to symbolize the Earth (square bánh chưng) and the Sky (round bánh dày). This story highlights the harmony between humans and the divine.
The Vietnamese Zodiac
The Vietnamese lunar calendar follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. While similar to the Chinese Zodiac, the Vietnamese version includes the cat (instead of the rabbit) and the water buffalo (instead of the ox). These animals symbolize traits valued in Vietnamese culture, such as hard work and companionship.
How Can Foreigners Celebrate Tết?
If you’re visiting Vietnam during Tết, here’s how you can join in the festivities:
- Visit Local Markets: Experience the vibrant atmosphere as families shop for decorations and ingredients.
- Try Traditional Foods: Sample bánh chưng, bánh tét, and mứt.
- Watch Fireworks: Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City host stunning displays.
- Be Respectful of Traditions: Learn key phrases like “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) and observe customs such as removing shoes before entering homes.
Tết’s Global Significance
Tết is not just a holiday but a reflection of Vietnamese culture, values, and history. Whether you’re in Vietnam or abroad, celebrating Tết offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the country and its people.
So, prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, delicious food, and meaningful traditions of Tết—the Vietnamese New Year!
Related
Source: Vietnam Insider