Buzz
When we mention Tet, we evoke the beauty of traditional customs and ancestral worship culture. Let's explore the unique Tet rituals in the Western region with Mytour to appreciate the cultural richness of the locals here.
The distinctive Tet rituals of the Westerners
The grave cleaning ceremony
Tet worship ceremonies of the Westerners must first mention the grave cleaning ceremony from the 15th to the 25th of the 12th lunar month (from the day after the 15th to the 25th of the lunar December).
During this period, each family will choose a suitable day to clean the grave and then light incense, lay out a simple meal to offer at the ancestral grave site.
After the ritual, the family members gather to enjoy a meal together and reminisce about the events of the past year.
Offering to the Kitchen Gods
Offering to the Kitchen Gods on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month is a familiar custom in the Western region before welcoming Tet. The way people in the West offer to the Kitchen Gods is quite simple, without elaborate altars or ritual of releasing carps, just a modest offering based on what each household has. However, the sincerity of the offering remains paramount.
In the past, offerings typically included sweets. Nowadays, offerings may also include candied ginger, candied lotus seeds, or watermelon seeds. Additionally, paper clothes are burnt for the Kitchen Gods to wear as they ascend to the Heavenly Palace. Some families prepare a full meal to send the Kitchen Gods off to the heavens.
Escort of Ancestors on the 30th of Tet
For generations, escorting ancestors on the 30th of Tet has become a distinctive tradition of the Vietnamese people. This marks the last day of the year and also the day with the most elaborate rituals. To honor this last day, families prepare a sumptuous feast with traditional Tet dishes such as bitter melon soup, braised pork belly, pickled onions... laid out to honor the ancestors as an expression of filial piety, gratitude, and respect. On this day, the Kitchen Gods are also escorted back home, the procession resembling the one when they were sent away.
New Year's Eve Ritual
The night of the 30th is the most eagerly awaited moment, filled with excitement and anticipation. It marks the transition between the old and the new year. Amidst the joyful atmosphere, love, and togetherness, family members gather to prepare fruits and preserves. They sit together, chat, sing... welcoming the new year. At midnight on New Year's Eve, when the clock strikes twelve, people in the Western region perform the ritual of welcoming the new year; the form of offering varies by family, some offer simply cakes, tea, and fruits, while others meticulously prepare a full meal to welcome the new year.
Offerings on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd days
Traditionally, on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days of Tet, every family still sets up an offering table to pray for luck, peace, and all the best things to come to their family.
As per Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourDecember 12, 2022
