Tet 2025: Everything You Need to Know About the Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming the coming year with hope and prosperity. This article answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Tet.

What is Tet?

Tet, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, the most important and popular festival in Vietnam. It marks the arrival of spring based on the lunisolar calendar and usually falls in late January or February. Tet is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional foods like bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes). The celebration typically spans three days, filled with customs and traditions aimed at bringing good luck and prosperity for the new year.

When is Tet in 2025?

Tet Nguyen Dan, the Vietnamese New Year, falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This date marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake in the Vietnamese zodiac.

• Tet 2025: Wednesday, 29th January 2025
• Tet 2026: Tuesday, 17th February 2026
• Tet 2027: Saturday, 6th February 2027
• Tet 2028: Wednesday, 26th January 2028
• Tet 2029: Tuesday, 13th February 2029
• Tet 2030: Sunday, 3rd February 2030
• Tet 2031: Thursday, 23rd January 2031
• Tet 2032: Wednesday, 11th February 2032
• Tet 2033: Monday, 31st January 2033
• Tet 2034: Sunday, 19th February 2034
• Tet 2035: Thursday, 8th February 2035
• Tet 2036: Monday, 28th January 2036
• Tet 2037: Sunday, 15th February 2037
• Tet 2038: Thursday, 4th February 2038
• Tet 2039: Monday, 24th January 2039
• Tet 2040: Sunday, 12th February 2040
• Tet 2041: Friday, 1st February 2041
• Tet 2042: Wednesday, 22nd January 2042
• Tet 2043: Tuesday, 10th February 2043
• Tet 2044: Saturday, 30th January 2044
• Tet 2045: Friday, 17th February 2045
• Tet 2046: Wednesday, 7th February 2046
• Tet 2047: Saturday, 26th January 2047
• Tet 2048: Friday, 14th February 2048
• Tet 2049: Wednesday, 3rd February 2049
• Tet 2050: Sunday, 23rd January 2050

How long does Tet last?

Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, typically lasts for seven days, from the first day of the first month in the Lunar calendar. However, celebrations and preparations can extend for a week before and after, leading to a festive period of around two weeks. The official public holiday in Vietnam is five days long, including 2 days before Tet and 3 days after Tet.

The first day of Tet falls on the first day of the Lunar New Year, usually between late January and mid-February. While the first three days are the most significant, with family reunions and special traditions, the festive atmosphere and many related customs continue throughout the first week of the lunar year and beyond.

Before Tet

• Cleaning and Decorating: Weeks before Tet, families thoroughly clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make way for new beginnings. Homes are decorated with apricot blossoms (hoa mai) in the south, peach blossoms (hoa đào) in the north, kumquat trees, and other auspicious symbols.
• Shopping for New Clothes and Gifts: People buy new clothes to wear during Tet, especially for children. Gifts, often food, fruit baskets, or small amounts of “lucky money” (lì xì), are prepared for family and friends.
• Making Traditional Foods: Preparing special Tet foods like sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng in the north, bánh tét in the south) is a labor of love and a crucial part of the pre-Tet ritual.
• Ancestral Offerings: Families prepare offerings of food, incense, and flowers to honor their ancestors and invite them to join in the celebrations.
• Settling Debts and Resolving Conflicts: It is customary to try to settle all debts and mend any broken relationships before the new year.

During Tet

• Family Reunions: Tet is primarily a time for family. People travel from far and wide to be with their loved ones.
• Visiting Relatives and Friends: People visit the homes of relatives and close friends to exchange New Year wishes.
• Giving and Receiving Lucky Money (Lì xì): Elders give red envelopes containing “lucky money” to children and younger adults, symbolizing good fortune and blessings.
• Temple Visits: Many people visit temples and pagodas to pray for good luck, health, and prosperity in the new year.
• Traditional Games and Entertainment: Various traditional games, performances, and festivals are held throughout the country.
• Feasting: Special Tet dishes are enjoyed throughout the holiday, with each meal being a festive occasion.

After Tet

• Return to Work/School: After the main days of Tet, people gradually return to their normal routines, but the festive atmosphere can linger for a week or two.
• Continued Celebrations: In some regions, local festivals and celebrations may continue for several days or even weeks after the official Tet holidays.
• Visiting More Distant Relatives and Friends: Those who couldn’t visit everyone during the main days of Tet may make trips to see more distant relatives and friends in the following days.

What animal is 2025in the Vietnamese zodiac?

In the Vietnamese Zodiac, 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

The Vietnamese Lunar New Year 2025 officially takes place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 according to the solar calendar. However, the most vibrant and festive atmosphere surrounding Tet typically occurs during the week before and after the holiday, specifically from Wednesday, January 22, 2025 to Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

The official Tet holiday in Vietnam lasts 5 to 9 days, depending on the year and as determined by the Government. All individuals, including workers, teachers, and doctors, are entitled to two days off before the Lunar New Year and three days after it.

In Vietnamese culture, the Snake symbolizes wisdom, mystery, and flexibility. People born in the Year of the Snake are often thought to possess qualities such as charm, intuition, and a knack for strategic thinking.

As 2025 approaches, many in Vietnam anticipate the Year of the Snake, embracing the cultural significance and traditions associated with this zodiac sign.

What does Tet celebrate?

Tết Nguyên Đán or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrates the arrival of spring and marks the beginning of a new year according to the Vietnamese lunar calendar. During Tết, Vietnamese families honor their ancestors, exchange gifts, and enjoy special foods as they look forward to a year of prosperity and good fortune.

Why is Tet important in Vietnamese culture?

Tet, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most significant celebration in Vietnamese culture, marking the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and expressing gratitude for the past year while welcoming good fortune and prosperity in the new year. Traditions include cleaning homes to sweep away bad luck, preparing special dishes like bánh chưng, and giving red envelopes (li xi) to children for luck. Tet also reflects Vietnamese values of community, renewal, and respect for heritage, making it a cherished national holiday.

How is Tet different from Chinese New Year?

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) and Chinese New Year share shares a common basis – celebrating the arrival of spring based on the lunisolar calendar – but differ in traditions, customs, and timing. While both follow the lunar calendar, Tet often celebrates unique Vietnamese rituals, such as honoring Kitchen Gods (Táo Quân) and the giving of “Li Xi” (red envelopes). Vietnamese people focus on family reunions, ancestral worship, and distinct Tet foods like Banh Chung and Banh Tet. Chinese New Year emphasizes dragon dances, firecrackers, and dishes symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Additionally, Tet may fall a day earlier or later due to slight lunar calendar variations between Vietnam and China.

What are the traditions of Vietnamese New Year?

Vietnamese New Year, known as Tết (Tết Nguyên Đán), is the most significant celebration in Vietnam, marking the lunar new year. Traditions include:

• Family Gatherings: Families reunite, honor ancestors with offerings, and clean their homes to welcome good fortune.
• Special Foods: Dishes like bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes), thịt kho tàu (braised pork), and pickled vegetables are prepared and shared.
• Red Envelopes (Lì xì): Elders give children and unmarried adults red envelopes containing money for luck.
• Visiting Relatives and Temples: People visit family and friends, exchange greetings, and pray at temples for prosperity.
• Decorations: Homes are adorned with kumquat trees, peach blossoms, and red banners symbolizing wealth and happiness.
• First Visitor of the Year (Xông Đất): The first person to enter a home on New Year’s Day is carefully chosen for their positive traits, as they are believed to bring good fortune for the year.

Tết is a time of joy, renewal, and cultural pride, blending traditions that honor the past while welcoming the future.

How is Tet celebrated?

Tet, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is celebrated with vibrant traditions that emphasize family, gratitude, and fresh beginnings. Preparations begin weeks in advance, including cleaning homes to remove bad luck and decorating with kumquat trees, peach blossoms, and red envelopes for good fortune. Families reunite to share traditional dishes like bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes) and pickled vegetables. During Tet, people honor their ancestors with offerings, visit temples for blessings, and exchange well-wishes. Festivities include lion dances, firework displays, and wearing áo dài (traditional attire). It’s a time for reflection, joy, and wishing for prosperity in the new year.

What are the main events of Tet?

Tet, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is celebrated with a series of important events that reflect tradition and family unity:

1. Kitchen God Farewell Ceremony (Ong Tao): A week before Tet, families offer prayers and food to bid farewell to the Kitchen God as he ascends to heaven to report on the household’s affairs.
2. House Cleaning and Decoration: In preparation for Tet, homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with kumquat trees, peach blossoms, and red banners to welcome prosperity and good fortune.
3. Family Reunion and Ancestral Worship: Tet is a time for families to gather, honor their ancestors with offerings, and share meals together.
4. New Year’s Eve (Giao Thua): The transition between the old and new year is marked with midnight prayers and fireworks, symbolizing renewal and hope.
5. Giving of “Li Xi” (Lucky Money): Elders gift children and younger family members red envelopes containing money as a symbol of good luck and blessings.
6. Visiting Relatives and Temples: During Tet, families visit relatives, friends, and temples to exchange good wishes and pray for health, happiness, and prosperity.

Tet’s vibrant traditions blend spirituality, family bonding, and cultural celebration, making it the most important holiday in Vietnam.

What do Vietnamese people eat during Tet?

During Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, families enjoy traditional dishes that symbolize prosperity, health, and happiness. Key foods include Bánh Chưng (square sticky rice cake) and Bánh Tét (cylindrical sticky rice cake), which represent the Earth and Sky. Pickled Vegetables and Dried Fruits are served to balance flavors and ensure good luck. Thịt Kho Tàu (braised pork with eggs) symbolizes family unity and abundance, while Xôi Gấc (red sticky rice) represents good fortune. Other favorites include Nem Rán (spring rolls) and Canh Măng (bamboo shoot soup), each carrying cultural and festive significance.

What are traditional Tet foods?

Traditional Tet foods are essential to celebrating Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. These dishes symbolize luck, prosperity, and family unity. Common Tet foods include:

1. Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét: Square or cylindrical sticky rice cakes filled with pork and mung beans, symbolizing the Earth and sky.
2. Thịt Kho Tàu: Braised pork and eggs in coconut juice, representing abundance and harmony.
3. Xôi Gấc: Red sticky rice, associated with good fortune and happiness.
4. Dưa Hành: Pickled vegetables, balancing flavors and aiding digestion.
5. Giò Chả: Vietnamese sausage, often served alongside rice cakes.
6. Mứt Tết (candied fruits): A colorful assortment of dried, candied fruits like coconut, ginger, lotus seeds, and kumquats symbolizes a sweet and successful year.
7. Thịt kho tàu (braised pork belly and eggs): This rich, flavorful dish is made with pork belly and eggs braised in coconut water and fish sauce and usually served with rice.

These foods are not just delicious but also carry deep cultural and symbolic significance, making Tet a time to honor tradition and enjoy family togetherness.

What are lucky colors for Vietnamese New Year?

The lucky colors for Vietnamese New Year, known as Tết, are traditionally red, yellow, and gold, symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and good fortune.

• Red: Represents joy, celebration, and protection from bad luck. It is commonly seen in decorations, clothing, and envelopes for giving “lì xì” (lucky money).
• Yellow: Symbolizes wealth and royalty, often reflected in flowers like apricot blossoms (hoa mai) and kumquat trees displayed during Tết.
• Gold: Denotes success and prosperity, enhancing the festive spirit.

These colors play a significant role in Tết customs, creating a vibrant atmosphere that embodies hope for the coming year.

What is Li Xi?

Li Xi (lucky money) refers to the traditional Vietnamese custom of giving red envelopes containing money as a gesture of good luck and prosperity during the Lunar New Year (Tết). The practice symbolizes blessings, health, and happiness for the upcoming year.

Typically, elders gift Li Xi to children or younger family members, while adults may exchange red envelopes with their parents and grandparents as a sign of gratitude and respect. The amount inside the envelope is often less significant than the act itself, which represents the giver’s well wishes and hopes for success.

The tradition, which shares similarities with the Chinese “hongbao,” is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and embodies the values of familial love, mutual respect, and the desire for a fresh start.

How much money should you give for Li Xi (Lucky money)?

The amount of money to give in Li Xi (red envelopes) depends on your relationship and budget. Common amounts are:

• Children: $5–$20
• Close relatives: $50–$100
• Colleagues or acquaintances: $10–$30

Parents often give their children larger amounts, sometimes exceeding $200. Always give amounts in even numbers, avoiding the number 4, and choose crisp, new bills. It is the gesture and blessing that matters most.

What flowers are used for Tet?

During Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, several flowers are commonly used to symbolize prosperity, luck, and renewal. The most popular ones include:

1. Mai (Ochna integerrima): Also known as the Vietnamese Apricot Blossom, its golden yellow flowers represent wealth and happiness, particularly in southern Vietnam.
2. Dao (Peach Blossoms): With their pink hue, these blossoms are a favorite in northern Vietnam, symbolizing love, vitality, and new beginnings.
3. Kumquat Trees: While technically a fruit tree, their lush leaves and bright orange fruits symbolize abundance and prosperity.
4. Chrysanthemums: Often used for decorations, these flowers signify longevity and optimism.
5. Marigolds: Bright orange and yellow marigolds are believed to bring good fortune and ward off bad spirits.

These flowers not only beautify homes but also carry deep cultural significance, making them essential for Tet celebrations.

What should you avoid doing during Tet?

During Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, certain actions are considered taboo as they might bring bad luck for the year ahead. Key things to avoid include:

1. Sweeping or Taking Out Trash: This is believed to sweep away good fortune. Cleaning should be completed before Tet begins.
2. Breaking Items: Shattering objects like dishes or mirrors is seen as a sign of impending misfortune.
3. Lending or Borrowing Money: This symbolizes financial struggles throughout the year.
4. Arguing or Speaking Negatively: Maintaining harmony is crucial; avoid conflict or using foul language.
5. Wearing Black or White: These colors are traditionally associated with mourning and should be avoided during the celebrations.

By respecting these traditions, you can ensure a prosperous and harmonious start to the new year.

What is the First Visitor Tradition (Xông Đất) in Tết?

In Vietnamese culture, Xông Đất, or the First Visitor tradition, is a key ritual during Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year). The first person to enter a household after the new year begins is believed to influence the family’s fortune, health, and prosperity for the entire year. Families carefully select this person based on their zodiac sign, personality, and luck. Some even invite a specific individual to perform this role, ensuring a positive start to the new year. This tradition reflects the importance of good omens and harmonious relationships in Vietnamese culture.

What to Wear to a Tet Celebration

For a Tet celebration, traditional Vietnamese attire is most appropriate. Women often wear the ao dai, a long, flowing tunic paired with fitted pants, typically in bright, festive colors like red, yellow, or gold to symbolize luck and prosperity. Men may wear traditional ao gam or ao dai designs or opt for modern suits in respectful, celebratory tones. Accessories like jewelry or headpieces, such as the khan dong, can complement the outfit.

Comfortable yet elegant clothing in red, pink, or gold is a great alternative if traditional attire isn’t available. Avoid wearing black or white, as these colors are associated with mourning in Vietnamese culture.

Is Tet a Good Time to Visit Vietnam?

Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is both a festive and unique time to visit Vietnam. It typically falls in late January or early February and offers an opportunity to experience vibrant cultural traditions, including lively markets, beautiful flower displays, and traditional ceremonies. However, travelers should be aware that many businesses close during Tet, transportation may be limited, and popular tourist spots can be crowded. To make the most of your trip, plan ahead, book accommodations early, and immerse yourself in local celebrations like firework displays and family gatherings. Tet provides a rare cultural experience but requires thoughtful preparation for a smooth visit.

What are good gifts for Vietnamese New Year (Tết)?

Popular gifts for Vietnamese New Year include:

1. Lucky Money (Lì Xì): Red envelopes with cash symbolize good fortune and prosperity, especially for children and the elderly.
2. Fruit Baskets: Fresh fruits like watermelon, oranges, and pomelos are considered auspicious and represent abundance.
3. Bánh Chưng or Bánh Tét: Traditional sticky rice cakes are a thoughtful and culturally significant gift.
4. Tea and Wine: High-quality tea or wine is a popular choice to share during celebrations.
5. Gift Sets: Prepackaged Tết hampers containing sweets, cookies, and specialty items are convenient and appreciated.
6. Decorative Items: Lucky charms, red and gold decorations, or calligraphy scrolls symbolize good luck and happiness.

These gifts reflect Vietnamese traditions, emphasizing prosperity, respect, and unity during the New Year.

What is the history of Vietnamese New Year?

Vietnamese New Year, known as Tết Nguyên Đán or simply Tết, has its roots in ancient Vietnamese agrarian traditions and the lunar calendar, influenced by Chinese culture. Dating back over 2,000 years, Tết originally marked the beginning of the farming cycle, celebrating the arrival of spring and paying respect to ancestors and deities. Over time, it evolved into Vietnam’s most significant holiday, symbolizing renewal, family unity, and hope for prosperity in the new year. Today, traditional customs such as cooking bánh chưng (square rice cakes), giving red envelopes, and honoring ancestors are deeply cherished aspects of the celebration.

What is the story behind Tet?

More than just a New Year, Tet’s story is rooted in ancient Vietnamese legends, particularly the tale of Ong Tao, the Kitchen God, who returns to heaven on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month to report the family’s activities to the Jade Emperor. This period leading up to Tet is filled with cleaning and preparation to welcome good luck. Tet itself is a multi-day festival focused on honoring ancestors, spending time with family, and hoping for a prosperous year ahead. Its origins date back thousands of years, reflecting Vietnam’s rich agricultural heritage and deep respect for tradition.

How does the lunar calendar work?

The lunar calendar tracks time based on the Moon’s phases, with each month corresponding to a complete cycle from new moon to new moon. This cycle takes approximately 29.5 days, called a synodic month. Because 12 synodic months only add up to roughly 354 days, pure lunar calendars fall about 11 days short of the solar year. To reconcile this difference, many cultures, like the traditional Vietnamese calendar, use a lunisolar calendar, adding an extra month (intercalary month) periodically to align with the solar year and its seasons. This ensures that lunar months stay roughly consistent with the corresponding season.

What Is the Spiritual meaning of Tet?

Tet, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, holds deep spiritual significance as a time of renewal, gratitude, and harmony. Rooted in ancient traditions, Tet represents the balance between heaven and earth, the celebration of family unity, and the honoring of ancestors. During Tet, Vietnamese families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck, offer prayers and food to ancestral spirits, and practice forgiveness to ensure a prosperous and harmonious year ahead. It is both a cultural and spiritual occasion to reflect on the past, set intentions for the future, and cultivate blessings for the community.

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