Vietnamese New Year Traditions

Vietnamese New Year, also known as Tet or Lunar New Year, is the most important and festive celebration in Vietnamese culture. It marks the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar, which usually falls in late January or early February in the Gregorian calendar.

Tet is a time for family reunions, ancestor worship, traditional customs, and delicious food. In this article, we will explore some of the most common and meaningful Vietnamese New Year traditions that reflect the rich and diverse heritage of Vietnam.

Tết has many traditions that reflect the rich and diverse heritage of Vietnam. Some of these traditions include:

• Wrapping Banh Chung and Banh Tet, the traditional rice cakes that symbolize the earth and the sky, and the loyalty and gratitude of the Vietnamese people.
• Praying to the Kitchen Guardians, the three deities who watch over the family and report to the Jade Emperor on the 23rd day of the last lunar month.
• Visiting ancestral tombs, cleaning and decorating the house, and preparing a five-fruit tray and a New Year tree to welcome the new year.
• Celebrating the New Year’s Eve with fireworks, worshiping ceremonies, and Giao Thua, the sacred moment of transition from the old to the new year.
• Giving lucky money in red envelopes, visiting relatives and friends, going to the pagoda, and asking for calligraphy on the first days of the new year.
• Participating in various festivals, games, and activities that showcase the folk culture and the national identity of Vietnam.

We will explore the meaning and significance of these Vietnamese New Year traditions, and how they are celebrated in different regions and contexts. We will also provide some tips and suggestions on how to enjoy and experience the authentic and vibrant spirit of Tết.

Li xi (Lucky money)

One of the most popular and beloved Vietnamese New Year traditions is giving and receiving li xi, or lucky money. Li xi are red envelopes containing cash that are given by elders to children and younger relatives as a symbol of good fortune, health, and happiness.

The amount of money inside the envelope is usually small and even, such as 10,000 or 20,000 VND (about 0.5 or 1 USD). The red color of the envelope represents luck and prosperity in Vietnamese culture.

To receive li xi, children and young people have to greet their elders with respectful and auspicious phrases, such as “Chuc mung nam moi” (Happy New Year), “Cung chuc tan xuan” (Gracious wishes of the new spring), or “Song lau tram tuoi” (Live up to 100 years old).

They also have to show their gratitude and appreciation by bowing or kissing their elders’ hands. Giving and receiving li xi is not only a way to exchange blessings, but also a way to strengthen family bonds and respect.

Li xi (Lucky money) is a Vietnamese New Year tradition that involves giving a small amount of money in a red envelope to children, relatives, or friends as a wish of luck, health, and happiness.

The red envelope symbolizes secrecy, prosperity, and joy, while the money symbolizes wealth, abundance, and generosity. Li xi is derived from a Chinese legend about a monster that was scared away by the light of gold coins under a child’s pillow.

Li xi is usually given on the first day of the lunar new year, or during the visit to the elders or the juniors. Li xi is not only a way of expressing gratitude and respect, but also a way of spreading good fortune and blessings.

House cleaning

Before Tet, Vietnamese people usually clean their houses thoroughly to get rid of the old and welcome the new. They believe that cleaning the house will sweep away the bad luck and misfortune of the previous year and make room for the good luck and fortune of the new year.

Cleaning the house is also a way to show reverence to the ancestors and the gods who will visit the house during Tet.

House cleaning usually involves dusting, sweeping, mopping, washing, and decluttering every corner of the house, from the living room to the kitchen, from the bedroom to the bathroom, and from the balcony to the garden.

Every item in the house, such as furniture, appliances, utensils, clothes, and decorations, is also cleaned and polished. House cleaning is often a family activity, where everyone participates and helps each other.

However, house cleaning should be done before the first day of Tet, as it is considered unlucky to clean the house during Tet, as it may sweep away the new year’s luck.

Tet decoration

One of the most exciting and enjoyable activities for Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, is decorating the house. This is a way of creating a festive and auspicious atmosphere, as well as showing respect and gratitude to the ancestors and the gods.

There are many things that people buy and do to decorate their house for Tet, such as:

• Buying flowers: Flowers are the symbol of spring and renewal, and they add beauty and fragrance to the house. The most popular flowers for Tet are peach blossom and apricot blossom, which represent luck and prosperity. People also buy other flowers, such as chrysanthemum, orchid, or marigold, which have different meanings and colors.
• Buying plants: Plants are the symbol of growth and vitality, and they add greenery and freshness to the house. The most popular plants for Tet are kumquat trees and lucky bamboo, which represent wealth and fortune. People also buy other plants, such as cherry blossom, plum blossom, or bonsai, which have different shapes and styles.
• Buying cakes and candies: Cakes and candies are the symbol of sweetness and joy, and they are often served to guests as snacks or desserts. The most traditional cakes for Tet are banh chung and banh tet, which are glutinous rice cakes filled with mung bean and pork, wrapped in leaves. They represent the earth and the sky, and the gratitude and loyalty of the Vietnamese people. People also buy other cakes and candies, such as jam, coconut candy, or dried fruits, which have different flavors and textures.
• Painting and cleaning the house: Painting and cleaning the house are the ways of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new, as well as making the house look new and clean. People often paint the walls, the doors, and the fences with bright and cheerful colors, such as red, yellow, or green. They also clean the floors, the windows, and the furniture, and remove any dust, dirt, or clutter.
• Hanging decorations: Hanging decorations are the ways of creating a festive and auspicious atmosphere, as well as showing respect and gratitude to the ancestors and the gods. People often hang red banners, couplets, paper cuttings, or lanterns on the doors, the walls, or the windows. They also hang pictures, paintings, or calligraphy on the altar, the living room, or the bedroom. They write or choose words or phrases that express their wishes and aspirations for the new year, such as “Happy New Year”, “Peace and Prosperity”, or “Wisdom and Success”.

By decorating the house for Tet, people not only have fun and pleasure, but also gain insight and appreciation for the Vietnamese culture and civilization.

Clothing

Another way to welcome the new year with a fresh start is to wear new clothes, especially on the first day of Tet. Vietnamese people believe that wearing new clothes will bring them good luck and fortune in the new year.

They also avoid wearing black or white clothes, as these colors are associated with mourning and bad luck. Instead, they prefer to wear bright and cheerful colors, such as red, yellow, green, or pink, to reflect the festive and optimistic mood of Tet.

The traditional costume for Tet is the Ao Dai, a long silk tunic worn over trousers. The Ao Dai is elegant and graceful, and can be customized with different patterns, colors, and accessories.

Many Vietnamese women and girls wear Ao Dai during Tet, especially when visiting temples or relatives.

Men and boys wear a traditional costume similar to Ao Dai, name Ao Tu Than, or opt for a simpler shirt and trousers. Some ethnic minorities in Vietnam have their own distinctive costumes for Tet, such as the Hmong, the Thai, or the Cham.

Kitchen God day

One of the most important and sacred Vietnamese New Year traditions is the Kitchen God day, which falls on the 23rd day of the last lunar month.

According to Vietnamese folklore, the Kitchen God is the guardian spirit of the kitchen, who watches over the household and reports to the Jade Emperor, the supreme ruler of heaven, on the family’s deeds and misdeeds throughout the year.

On this day, Vietnamese families prepare a special offering for the Kitchen God, which usually consists of a live carp, fruits, sticky rice, and incense. The carp is believed to be the vehicle for the Kitchen God to travel to heaven, while the fruits and sticky rice are his farewell gifts.

The family members gather around the altar and pray to the Kitchen God, expressing their gratitude for his protection, asking for his forgiveness for any mistakes, and wishing for his blessings for the new year.

Then, they release the carp into a river or a lake, hoping that the Kitchen God will deliver a good report to the Jade Emperor and return with good news on the first day of Tet.

Offering sacrifices to ancestors

Another essential ritual for Tet is offering sacrifices to ancestors, or “Cúng ông bà, tổ tiên”, which shows the respect and filial piety of Vietnamese people towards their forefathers.

Ancestors are considered as the source of life, protection, and guidance for the living, and they are honored and worshiped on the family altar, which is usually placed in a prominent location in the house.

On the eve of Tet, the family members prepare a lavish feast for the ancestors, which may include various dishes, such as Banh Chung, boiled chicken, spring rolls, sticky rice, and pickled vegetables.

They also offer fruits, flowers, candles, and incense on the altar. The five fruits tray and the offering sacrifices to ancestors are ways of showing gratitude and respect to the past and the future in Vietnamese New Year.

The head of the household leads the ceremony, in which he invites the ancestors to join the celebration, reports to them the achievements and difficulties of the family in the past year, and asks for their support and wisdom for the new year.

The family members then bow and kowtow to the ancestors, expressing their gratitude and reverence. After the ceremony, they share the food and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Visiting Pagodas on the First Day of the Lunar New Year

One of the most common and meaningful Vietnamese New Year traditions is visiting pagodas on the first day of the lunar new year, or “đi lễ chùa đầu năm”. This is a religious and spiritual practice that aims to pray for peace, happiness, and prosperity in the new year. People also seek the guidance and protection of the Buddha and other deities, as well as pay respect to their ancestors.

During the visit, people dress in their best clothes, preferably in traditional ao dai, and bring offerings of flowers, fruits, incense, and candles to the pagoda. They join the monks and nuns in chanting sutras, meditating, and listening to dharma talks.

They also receive a red thread bracelet, which is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil, and a branch of peach blossom, which is a symbol of spring and renewal. Some people also ask for a fortune-telling paper, or bai boc, which gives them a hint of their destiny in the new year.

Visiting pagodas on the first day of the lunar new year is not only a way of expressing and fulfilling one’s wishes and aspirations, but also a way of learning and appreciating the Buddhist culture and philosophy.

It is also a way of connecting and sharing the joy and celebration of the new year with the community and the world.

Family reunion dinner

One of the most important and meaningful Vietnamese New Year traditions is the family reunion dinner, or “bữa cơm tất niên”, which takes place on the last day of the old year, or the last day of the last lunar month.

This is a time for all family members, near and far, to gather around a warm and cozy table, share delicious food, and reminisce about the past year.

The family reunion dinner is also a way to express gratitude and affection to each other, and to wish for a happy and prosperous new year.

The family reunion dinner usually consists of various dishes that are rich in flavor and symbolism. Some of the common dishes are:

• Bánh chưng or bánh tét: These are square or cylindrical glutinous rice cakes filled with mung bean paste and pork, wrapped in banana leaves. They represent the earth and the sky, and the harmony between nature and humans.
• Thịt kho tàu or thịt kho hột vịt: This is braised pork with eggs, cooked in coconut juice and fish sauce. It symbolizes fertility, abundance, and longevity.
• Dưa hành or dưa món: These are pickled vegetables, such as onions, carrots, radishes, and cabbage. They add a sour and crunchy taste to the meal, and also symbolize good health and digestion.
• Cá kho: This is caramelized fish, usually catfish or carp, cooked in a clay pot with sugar, fish sauce, and spices. It represents luck and prosperity, as the word for fish, cá, sounds like the word for surplus, dư.
• Canh măng: This is a soup made with bamboo shoots and pork ribs, seasoned with fish sauce and sugar. It has a sweet and sour taste, and signifies growth and strength.
• Xôi gấc: This is sticky rice cooked with gac fruit, which gives it a bright red color. It is often shaped into a cone or a ball, and symbolizes luck, happiness, and success.

Watching fireworks

Another exciting and joyful Vietnamese New Year tradition is watching fireworks, or bắn pháo hoa, which are set off at midnight on the first day of Tet.

Fireworks are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck and fortune to the new year. They also create a festive and colorful atmosphere, and attract thousands of people to the streets and public places.

The best places to watch fireworks in Vietnam are usually in the major cities, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hue, where the fireworks displays are spectacular and impressive.

Some of the popular spots are:

• Hoan Kiem Lake, Thong Nhat Park, and West Lake in Hanoi;
• Bitexco Tower, Landmark 81, and Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City;
• Han River Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and Marble Mountains in Da Nang;
• Ngo Mon Gate, Huong River, and Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue.

Special foods for lunar new year

Besides the family reunion dinner, there are many other special foods that are prepared and eaten during Tet, each with its own meaning and significance. Some of the most common and delicious foods are:

• Mứt Tết: These are candied fruits, nuts, seeds, or vegetables, such as coconut, ginger, lotus, squash, or tamarind. They are sweet and crunchy, and are often served to guests as snacks or desserts. They symbolize sweetness, happiness, and hospitality in the new year.
• Bánh tét: This is a cylindrical glutinous rice cake filled with mung bean paste and pork or banana, wrapped in banana leaves. It is similar to bánh chưng, but it is more popular in the south of Vietnam. It represents the gratitude and loyalty of the Vietnamese people to their homeland and their ancestors.
• Nem rán or chả giò: These are spring rolls, which are rice paper wrappers filled with minced pork, shrimp, crab, mushroom, carrot, and vermicelli, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are usually eaten with lettuce, herbs, and dipping sauce. They symbolize wealth, abundance, and good luck in the new year.
• Bánh Chưng: This is a square glutinous rice cake filled with mung bean paste and pork, wrapped in dong leaves. It is the most traditional and symbolic food for Tet, and it represents the earth and the sky, and the harmony between nature and humans.
• Thịt đông: This is a dish of pork, chicken, or duck that is cooked with spices and then frozen until it becomes jelly-like. It is usually eaten with pickled vegetables and rice. It symbolizes the coldness and hardness of the winter, and the hope for a warm and soft spring.
• Bánh dày: This is a round and flat glutinous rice cake that is often eaten with pork pie, sausage, or sugar. It is similar to bánh chưng, but it is more popular in the north of Vietnam. It represents the sky and the completeness of the family.

Lunar New Year Eve’s ceremony

One of the most solemn and sacred Vietnamese New Year traditions is the Lunar New Year Eve’s ceremony, or giao thừa, which takes place at midnight on the first day of Tet.

This is the moment when the old year ends and the new year begins, and when the heaven and the earth are in harmony. It is also the moment when the ancestors and the gods return to the house to celebrate with the living.

During the Lunar New Year Eve’s ceremony, the family members prepare a special offering for the ancestors and the gods, which may include a boiled chicken, a sticky rice cake, a plate of five fruits, and a bowl of rice.

They also light candles and incense on the altar, and hang a red banner with the words “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) on the door.

The head of the household leads the ceremony, in which he invites the ancestors and the gods to join the celebration, thanks them for their protection and guidance, and wishes them a happy and prosperous new year.

The family members then bow and kowtow to the ancestors and the gods, expressing their reverence and gratitude. After the ceremony, they stay up late and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Wrapping Banh Chung or Banh Tet

Another Vietnamese New Year tradition that is unique and tasty is eating and sharing “Banh Chung”, also known as square cake or sticky rice cake.

This is a specialty that is prepared and served only in Vietnam, usually on the eve or the first day of Tet. It is also a way of honoring and remembering the legend and the origin of the Vietnamese people.

Bánh Chưng is a square-shaped cake that is made from glutinous rice, mung bean, pork, and other ingredients, and wrapped in dong leaves. It is cooked by boiling or steaming for several hours, until it becomes firm and green.

It is usually cut into slices and eaten with pickled vegetables, such as onion, carrot, or radish. Bánh Chưng is not only delicious and nutritious, but also meaningful and symbolic.

It represents the earth, the sky, the yin, and the yang, which are the basic elements of the Vietnamese cosmology and philosophy. It also represents the gratitude and loyalty of the Vietnamese people to their ancestors and their homeland.

Bánh chưng is based on a legend that dates back to the 18th century BC, when the sixth king of the Hung dynasty, who ruled over the ancient Vietnam, wanted to choose his successor among his 22 sons.

He decided to hold a contest, in which each son had to present him with a special dish that could represent the essence and the spirit of the Vietnamese culture and cuisine.

The youngest son, named Lang Lieu, was poor and humble, but he was also smart and creative. He decided to make two kinds of cakes, one was “bánh chưng”, which symbolized the earth, and the other was “bánh dày”, which symbolized the sky. He presented his cakes to his father, who was impressed and touched by his son’s sincerity and wisdom.

He chose Lang Lieu as his successor, and declared that bánh chưng and bánh dày would be the traditional and symbolic foods for the Vietnamese people to celebrate Tet.

New Year markets

One of the most lively and colorful Vietnamese New Year traditions is visiting the New Year markets, or “chợ Tết”, which are set up in the streets, squares, or parks, usually a week or two before Tet.

They are also a way of shopping and preparing for the Tet celebration, as well as enjoying and experiencing the festive and vibrant atmosphere.

The New Year markets offer a variety of goods, products, and services, such as flowers, fruits, food, clothes, decorations, toys, games, and fortune-telling. They are usually crowded and noisy, with people bargaining, buying, selling, or browsing.

They are also full of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes, that reflect the diversity and richness of the Vietnamese culture and cuisine.

Offering greetings

One of the most common and polite Vietnamese New Year traditions is offering greetings, or “chúc Tết”, which are words or phrases that express good wishes and blessings for the new year.

Offering greetings is a way of showing respect, gratitude, and affection to the elders, the juniors, and the peers, as well as a way of spreading joy, happiness, and prosperity to everyone.

There are many different greetings for different occasions, situations, and relationships, but some of the most popular and general ones are:

• Chúc mừng năm mới: This means “Happy New Year”, and it is the most basic and universal greeting for Tet. It can be used for anyone and anytime during Tet.
• Cung chúc tân xuân: This means “Gracious wishes of the new spring”, and it is a more formal and poetic greeting for Tet. It can be used for elders or superiors, or for written messages or cards.
• An khang thịnh vượng: This means “Peace and prosperity”, and it is a greeting that wishes for stability and wealth in the new year. It can be used for business partners or colleagues, or for people who are in need of financial support or success.
• Sống lâu trăm tuổi: This means “Live up to 100 years old”, and it is a greeting that wishes for longevity and health in the new year. It can be used for grandparents or seniors, or for people who are sick or frail.
• Học giỏi ngoan ngoãn: This means “Study well and behave well”, and it is a greeting that wishes for academic and moral excellence in the new year. It can be used for children or students, or for people who are pursuing education or career goals.

Asking Calligraphy for the New Year

One of the most interesting and cultural Vietnamese New Year traditions is asking calligraphy for the new year, or xin chữ, which is an activity that involves seeking a calligrapher to write a word or a phrase that represents one’s wish or aspiration for the new year.

The calligraphy is usually written on red paper with black ink, using a brush and a seal. The calligraphy is not only a beautiful and artistic work, but also a meaningful and spiritual one.

Asking calligraphy for the new year usually takes place in the temples or the parks, where many calligraphers set up their stalls and display their skills and styles.

People who want to ask for calligraphy have to choose a calligrapher that suits their preference and personality, and then tell them their wish or aspiration for the new year. The calligrapher will then write a word or a phrase that matches the wish or aspiration, such as “Happiness”, “Success”, “Wisdom”, or “Love”.

The calligrapher will also explain the meaning and the origin of the word or the phrase, and give some advice or guidance to the person. The person will then pay a small fee to the calligrapher, and take the calligraphy home or hang it on the wall.

Asking calligraphy for the new year is not only a way of expressing and fulfilling one’s wish or aspiration, but also a way of learning and appreciating the Vietnamese language and culture.

Staying up late

One of the most fun and exciting Vietnamese New Year traditions is staying up late, or “nghi thức đón giao thừa”, which is an activity that involves staying awake until midnight or beyond on the first day of Tet.

Staying up late is believed to bring good luck and longevity to oneself and one’s parents, as well as to share the joy and celebration of the new year with family and friends.

Staying up late usually involves various activities, such as playing games, watching TV, listening to music, or chatting. Some of the popular games are bầu cua cá cọp, a dice game that involves betting on different animals; “cờ tướng“, a chess game that involves strategy and tactics; or “bài tây”, a card game that involves skill and luck.

Some of the popular TV shows are Táo quân, a comedy show that satirizes the social and political issues of the past year; or “Nhạc hội đón xuân”, a music show that features famous singers and songs.

Some of the popular music genres are “nhạc xuân”, which are songs that celebrate Tet and spring; or “nhạc trữ tình”, which are songs that express love and nostalgia.

Staying up late is not only a way of having fun and entertainment, but also a way of bonding and connecting with family and friends.

Visit family, friends and relatives

Another warm and friendly Vietnamese New Year tradition is visiting family, friends and relatives, or “đi chúc Tết”, which is an activity that involves traveling to the homes of one’s family, friends and relatives to greet and bond with them, usually on the second day or the following days of Tet.

It is also a way of showing respect, gratitude, and affection to the elders, the juniors, and the peers.

Visiting family, friends and relatives usually involves bringing gifts, such as fruits, candies, cakes, or wine, and exchanging greetings, such as “Chúc mừng năm mới”, “An khang thịnh vượng”, or “Sống lâu trăm tuổi”.

The hosts usually welcome the guests with hospitality, offering them tea, snacks, or meals, and chatting with them about their lives, work, or plans.

The guests usually compliment the hosts on their decorations, food, or children, and express their appreciation and happiness for their visit. The visit usually lasts for an hour or two, depending on the relationship and the situation.

Visiting family, friends and relatives is not only a social and polite activity, but also a cultural and emotional activity. It is a way of maintaining and strengthening the ties and the bonds between the family members and the friends.

Conclusion

Vietnamese New Year is a festival that is rich and diverse in its traditions and customs. It is a festival that is celebrated and enjoyed by millions of people in Vietnam and around the world.

It is a festival that is full of joy, prosperity, and reunion. It is also a festival that is full of culture, history, and meaning. By learning and following the Vietnamese New Year traditions, you can not only have fun and pleasure, but also gain insight and appreciation for the Vietnamese culture and civilization.

I hope this article has helped you to understand and appreciate the Vietnamese New Year traditions, and I wish you a happy and prosperous Vietnamese New Year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Vietnamese New Year in 2024?

The Vietnamese New Year in 2024 is on February 10, which is the first day of the first lunar month. The zodiac animal of the year is the Dragon. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year holiday in 2024 will be from February 8 to February 14, which is from the 29th day of the last lunar month to the 5th day of the first lunar month.

What are some of the gifts that are suitable and appreciated for the Vietnamese New Year?

Some of the gifts that are suitable and appreciated for the Vietnamese New Year are:

• Fruits, especially those that are round, yellow, or orange, such as oranges, grapefruits, pineapples, or pomelos. They represent luck, wealth, and happiness in the new year.
• Candies, especially those that are sweet, colorful, or wrapped, such as chocolates, caramels, or lollipops. They represent sweetness, joy, and generosity in the new year.
• Cakes, especially those that are traditional, symbolic, or homemade, such as bánh chưng, bánh tét, or bánh dày. They represent the earth, the sky, and the gratitude and loyalty of the Vietnamese people.
• Wine, especially those that are high-quality, imported, or branded, such as champagne, whiskey, or cognac. They represent celebration, sophistication, and success in the new year.
• Tea, especially those that are high-quality, imported, or branded, such as oolong, jasmine, or earl grey. They represent health, culture, and elegance in the new year.

What are some of the taboos or superstitions that are related to the Vietnamese New Year?

Some of the taboos or superstitions that are related to the Vietnamese New Year are:

• Avoid cleaning the house, sweeping the floor, or throwing away the garbage during the first three days of Tet, as it may sweep away or discard the good luck and fortune of the new year.
• Avoid saying or doing anything negative, unlucky, or rude, such as cursing, arguing, breaking things, or crying, as it may affect the mood and the fate of the whole year.
• Avoid wearing black or white clothes, as these colors are associated with mourning and bad luck. Instead, wear bright and cheerful colors, such as red, yellow, green, or pink, to reflect the festive and optimistic mood of Tet.
• Avoid visiting or being visited by anyone who has experienced a recent misfortune, such as a death, a sickness, a divorce, or a bankruptcy, as it may bring bad luck or bad influence to oneself or one's family.
• Avoid borrowing or lending money, or repaying debts, as it may imply a lack of wealth or a dependence on others. Instead, give or receive li xi, or lucky money, as a symbol of good fortune, health, and happiness.

How long does the Vietnamese New Year last?

The Vietnamese New Year lasts for seven days, from the first day to the seventh day of the first lunar month. However, the most important and festive days are the first three days, when most of the traditions and customs are performed and celebrated.

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