Tet holiday, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is the most important and festive celebration in Vietnamese culture. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and the arrival of spring.
Tet usually falls in late January or early February in the Gregorian calendar, and lasts for at least three days. During Tet, Vietnamese people enjoy various traditions and customs, such as visiting relatives and friends, worshipping ancestors, giving lucky money to children and elders, eating special foods, and decorating their homes with flowers and fruits.
If you are a foreigner visiting Vietnam during Tet, you may wonder how to join in the festivities and experience the local culture. Here are some tips and suggestions for you to make the most of your Tet holiday in Vietnam.
1. Learn some basic greetings and phrases in Vietnamese. Tet is a time of joy and goodwill, so it is polite and respectful to greet people with a smile and a friendly word. Some common Tet greetings are “Chuc mung nam moi” (Happy new year), “An khang thinh vuong” (Wish you peace and prosperity), and “Suc khoe doi dao” (Wish you good health). You can also compliment people on their appearance or their decorations by saying “Dep qua” (So beautiful) or “Sang trong qua” (So elegant).
2. Respect the customs and beliefs of your hosts. If you are invited to a Vietnamese family’s home during Tet, you should follow some etiquette rules to show your respect and appreciation. For example, you should bring a small gift, such as flowers, fruits, sweets, or wine, to the host. You should also avoid wearing black or white clothes, as they are associated with mourning. You should not point your feet at the altar or the elders, or touch anyone’s head. You should also avoid saying anything negative or unlucky, such as death, illness, or loss.
3. Try some traditional Tet foods. One of the highlights of Tet is the delicious and diverse food that Vietnamese people prepare and enjoy. Some of the most common Tet foods are banh chung (sticky rice cake with pork and mung beans wrapped in banana leaves), banh tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake), thit kho (braised pork with eggs), dua hanh (pickled onions), mut (candied fruits), and cha gio (fried spring rolls). You can find these foods in markets, restaurants, or street stalls during Tet, or you can ask your host to share some with you.
4. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and activities. Tet is a time of fun and entertainment, so you can join in the various activities that take place around the country. You can watch the fireworks display on the eve of Tet, or admire the colorful lanterns and dragon dances in the streets. You can also visit pagodas and temples to pray for good luck and fortune, or join the crowds at flower markets and fairs. You can also participate in some traditional games, such as bau cua ca cop (a dice game), o an quan (a board game), or cau doi (a couplet game).
5. Be flexible and patient. Tet is also a time of chaos and congestion, as millions of people travel to their hometowns or go on vacation. You may encounter some difficulties in transportation, accommodation, or services during Tet, as many businesses close or operate at reduced hours. You may also face higher prices or scams from some vendors or drivers. Therefore, you should plan ahead, book early, bargain hard, and be prepared for some inconveniences. You should also be respectful of the local culture and avoid complaining or arguing.
Tet holiday is a unique and memorable experience for any foreigner visiting Vietnam. By following these tips and suggestions, you can celebrate Tet like a local and enjoy the rich and vibrant culture of Vietnam.
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Source: Vietnam Insider