Top 17 Unique Traditional Tet Games

While challenging and requiring strength, agility, and balance, stilt walking always draws a large crowd. Those who aren't participating cheer on the players enthusiastically. Stilt walking contests during Tet in rural areas often bring joy and laughter to spectators due to the excitement and unpredictability of the game. Once a winner is chosen, the stilt walking team, along with their supporters, moves on to the next village to compete, keeping the festive spirit alive across the countryside.

Stilts are made from thick bamboo poles, carefully selected for their durability and flexibility. The poles are typically harvested from mature bamboo forests, providing strong yet pliable supports for the legs. In the past, the stilts were often quite tall, around 2 meters high, especially when young men would use them for playful banter or courting. The footrests are designed for balance, with one end secured to the main bamboo pole and the other providing a sturdy foot support, ensuring stability as the participant walks.

Wrestling is a traditional martial art that has become a popular sport during Tet and festival seasons. Held annually from the 4th to the 6th day of Tet, it attracts a large number of participants, particularly among the middle-aged and young adults. In Vietnam, wrestling competitions are not only held during Tet but also in various village festivals such as those in Lang Sinh, Liễu Đôi, Hà Nam, and Mai Động. In the past, areas like Bắc Ninh and Phú Thọ were home to renowned wrestling schools and famous wrestlers. Traditionally, before the match begins, the wrestlers perform a ceremonial greeting, showcasing elegant moves that honor their ancestors and national heroes. This adds a spiritual aspect to the competition, creating an exciting atmosphere filled with cheers and the rhythmic beat of drums.

On the wrestling grounds, strong, bare-chested wrestlers, wearing blue or red headbands, sway and strike, waiting for the perfect moment to overpower their opponents. The general rule is that the winner must either pin their opponent on their back or lift them off the ground. This game requires not only physical strength but also quick thinking and strategy. Wrestling is a noble sport, deeply rooted in Vietnam's cultural and festival traditions, with competitions in regions like Lang Sinh, Liễu Đôi, Hà Nam, and Mai Động. Historically, famous wrestling schools and wrestlers have made a name for themselves in areas like Bắc Ninh and Phú Thọ.

No matter when you play, tug of war is always fun with friends, but playing it during the Traditional Tet holiday adds a unique atmosphere, don't you think? This folk game not only helps improve physical fitness but also brings joy and relaxation. Being a team-based game, it fosters unity and strengthens bonds between participants. Tug of war is often played during harvest festivals as a symbol of the agricultural community's hopes for good weather, bountiful crops, and prosperous, happy lives. It's a tradition not just for the Kinh people, but also for many other ethnic groups in Vietnam such as the Thai, Tay, Nung, and Giay, who also have their own variations of the game.

In traditional festivals, the tug of war is typically part of the celebration, symbolizing teamwork, discipline, and the strength of unity. The game encourages the development of physical endurance, resilience, strategic thinking, and persistence. A tug of war match involves two teams of equal size, each holding one end of a rope with a red ribbon marking the center. When the signal is given, both teams pull with all their might, and the team that moves the marked center to their side wins. Each match consists of three rounds, and if one team wins two rounds, they are declared the winner without needing a third round. Each round lasts no longer than two minutes, so every participant must give their best effort.

Walking on the bamboo bridge is an ancient Vietnamese folk game that, despite its simplicity, is incredibly enjoyable and attracts many participants. Walking on the bamboo bridge may seem easy at first glance, but it's actually quite challenging. The game is typically set up on a raised piece of land, with a bamboo pole acting as the bridge. One end of the bamboo is placed on the ground, while the other is tied securely to a post. In some villages, especially during Tet, the bridge is set up over a pond, making the game even more difficult. The objective is to carefully walk across the wobbly bridge to reach the prize at the other end. The challenge grows as players try to maintain balance without support, adding excitement and a competitive spirit.

Today, only one or two villages along the Red River in Gia Lam, Hanoi still organize bamboo bridge walking during Tet celebrations. The game is usually set up near the village well or in front of the communal house. A thick, straight bamboo pole is chosen, one end tied to the shore while the other is connected to a rope attached to a post in the middle of the pond. The bridge sways on the water's surface, and at the end, a branch of bamboo is used to hang red envelopes as prizes. The player’s task is to walk across the shaky bamboo bridge to grab the prize. It’s the most exciting part of the game since players often fall into the water before reaching the prize. If they fall before reaching the prize, they must try again. Some players manage to grab the prize just as they fall into the water, while others fall without making any progress. On sunny days, it’s easier, but in the cold, it’s much harder. Despite getting wet, players often join in multiple times, making it a fun and thrilling activity during the festive season.

Tung con (also known as throwing the con) is a traditional folk game that has been practiced for generations, deeply intertwined with the daily lives and work of ethnic minority groups, especially the Thai and Muong. The game is typically played during the Lunar New Year and other annual festivals. It serves as an occasion for socializing, making new friends, and even finding a romantic partner, with a large number of young men and women taking part. To play, you need a con, a tall bamboo pole (called a cây nêu), and a wide open field. The con is made of colorful fabric pieces sewn together, with sand inside, measuring about 5 to 6 cm in diameter, and weighted to fly a good distance. At the corners of the con, small colorful fabric strips, about 5 cm long, are attached.

In the center of the con, a strong fabric string of about 50 cm is sewn in. Along the string, every 10 cm, smaller pieces of colorful fabric are tied, forming vibrant tassels that not only enhance the con’s beauty but also guide it in the air, helping it land properly on the target. A tall bamboo pole is set up in the center of the field, with a hoop made of bamboo (45–50 cm in diameter) hanging near its top. The hoop may be decorated with paper or left plain. The game requires two teams, typically one male and one female team, or a mixed-gender team, all dressed in their traditional ethnic costumes. The teams face each other, with the bamboo pole between them. There’s no limit to the number of players on each team. Each team creates two con pieces, striving to make their con the most beautiful and colorful.

Cockfighting is a refined pastime that combines entertainment with promoting the farming tradition of the past. It has been a popular activity during festivals, particularly the Lunar New Year, when people meticulously select breeding roosters. The process begins with choosing the right pair of parent chickens, followed by the careful selection of chicks based on their physical characteristics such as legs, beaks, and bodies. These roosters are raised with great care, trained to fight other roosters to prepare them for battles. Cockfights always attract a large crowd. In the ring, the roosters fiercely fight, pecking at each other, flapping their wings, and attempting to strike vital spots like the neck, chest, or underarms. The battles can go on for hours without a clear winner.

Onlookers engage in lively discussions, especially during the Lunar New Year, adding to the festive atmosphere. If a rooster shows signs of exhaustion during a match, the owner may call a halt to the fight to avoid injury. The victor doesn't receive a cash prize, but rather the losing side treats the winner to a hearty meal. The outcome of the fight is sometimes less important than the opportunity for rooster owners to exchange experiences, while spectators enjoy the thrilling displays of the roosters, creating a fun and lively atmosphere for the holiday season.

Blindfolded Goat Catching is an ancient folk game that has been passed down through generations. It is depicted in traditional paintings, with variations across regions, but the core idea remains the same: one goat must always be involved. Among all the folk games, this one is arguably the most widespread, enjoyed not only in rural areas but also in urban places across the country. The rules are quite simple: after a game of rock-paper-scissors, the loser is blindfolded and must try to catch the others. The remaining participants form a circle by holding hands, and the blindfolded player moves around, trying to catch someone. When a person is caught, the blindfolded player must guess who it is. If they guess correctly, the caught person replaces the blindfolded one; if not, the game continues with the original person still blindfolded.

Although many believe that “Blindfolded Goat Catching” is a children's game, it originally was a form of entertainment for adults, particularly for young men and women during festivals like the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival. A famous Đông Hồ folk painting shows a young man and woman, both blindfolded, with a goat inside a loosely enclosed wooden pen. They both wear tattered clothes that make rustling sounds as they move, helping them locate each other. Bells are tied to their ankles and the goat's neck, making jingling sounds that further aid in finding their target. Like the folk game “Swinging”, this game was not intended for children but was a playful way for young people to meet, flirt, and break through the social boundaries of feudal customs.

Folk games during the Lunar New Year contribute to the cultural beauty of the nation, preserving and promoting the traditional values of the Vietnamese people. Since ancient times, every Tet festival has been filled with joy as families partake in fun and lively folk games. These games, full of vibrant energy, bring a refreshing atmosphere and prepare the people for a new year filled with vitality. They also offer a chance to relax, shaking off the difficulties of the old year and welcoming a bright, happy new year. Coin tossing is one of the most common folk games played in rural Vietnam during Tet.

This game is widely enjoyed in rural areas, loved not only by children but also by adults. It showcases the dexterity of the players and the thrill of a friendly wager, albeit small. During Tet, children receive small gifts of money from the elders, which they can use to play games such as coin tossing. The rules are simple: on a flat ground, a hole is dug – the size depends on the difficulty level set by the players. A larger hole is easier, while a smaller one is more challenging. Players then take turns standing at a set distance and tossing coins into the hole. The distance is also adjustable, making it harder as it gets farther away. If a coin lands in the hole, the player wins and the game continues until there are no more coins left to toss.

The Mandala Game, Ô ăn quan, is a traditional folk game that has been enjoyed across rural areas for generations. It's not just a game for children but also for adults, as it requires skill and offers a lighthearted competition, even if the stakes are minimal. During Tet, children receive small sums of money from the elders, which they eagerly spend on such games. The rules are simple: the game is played on a flat surface with a rectangular board divided into ten square sections, with five squares on each side. At the ends of the rectangle, two semi-circular or crescent-shaped areas are marked, which are called 'Ô quan' (the official's spaces). The remaining squares are called 'Ô dân' (the commoner's spaces).

The pieces in the game consist of two types: 'Quan' (officials) and 'Dân' (commoners). These pieces are made from various stable materials such as pebbles, stones, or even plastic if manufactured industrially. The 'Quan' pieces are larger than the 'Dân' pieces to make them easily distinguishable. Each player starts with 50 'Dân' pieces and 2 'Quan' pieces. The pieces are placed in the squares and semi-circular spaces accordingly. Players take turns moving pieces around the board, with the goal of capturing pieces from their opponent. The game is a test of strategy, requiring players to think ahead and use their pieces wisely. The game usually involves two players, each controlling their side of the board, aiming to outsmart the other with each move.

This traditional Tet game is especially loved by children. It brings laughter and helps create a joyful atmosphere for the New Year celebrations. The game requires both strength and skill. The rules are simple: one person is the 'doctor' (sometimes called the 'host'), while the others line up, holding onto the person in front by their clothes or waist. The game begins with everyone singing: 'Dragon and snake climb to the clouds, with a swaying tree...', as they walk in a circle. They then stop in front of the 'doctor' and ask, 'Which section do you choose?'

When the chant ends, the 'doctor' will respond. If the answer is 'No house', the group continues walking and singing. If the answer is 'There’s a house', a question-and-answer exchange happens. Then, the 'doctor' tries to catch one of the players. The first person in line must protect the others by spreading their arms and maneuvering to prevent the 'doctor' from catching anyone. If someone is caught, they must replace the 'doctor'. Once the 'doctor' selects a section, they must find a way to catch someone in that section while the first player in line protects and guides the group to avoid being caught.

When thinking about traditional games that require skill and intellect, games like 'đánh đáo' or 'pháo đất' come to mind. But in terms of physical games that engage both boys and girls, we must mention 'jumping hopscotch.' This folk game is loved by children and is played in groups, typically from 2 to 5 people, although larger groups can play, albeit at a slower pace.

This game was commonly played in schoolyards in the past. Players would choose a spacious area, draw a rectangular grid, and divide it into 7 to 10 squares, depending on the players' preferences. Each square is numbered consecutively from 1, 2, 3, and so on. Players then pick a slipper or a small brick and take turns throwing it onto the grid to determine who goes first. After that, each player takes turns throwing their slipper or brick into the squares and hopping on one foot in the empty squares. The first player to complete the course and build their 'house' by hopping through all the squares wins the game.

Catching Fish in the Jar is a folk game that requires two players, one male and one female, to work together in this playful task. The game begins with a row of jars—typically five—each filled two-thirds with water, with a fish placed inside each jar. To participate, a couple must follow the tradition of the village: they must hold each other while trying to catch the fish. The girl uses her right hand to hold the boy’s waist, while her left hand stirs the water in the jar. The boy, meanwhile, uses his right hand to stir the water, and his left hand holds the girl around her body. The game continues until the fish is caught.

The couple who catches the fish first wins a prize. The rewards typically include a pink silk scarf, tea, betel leaves, and sometimes even money. The village elders and officials serve as the judges. Watching the couples try to catch the fish, the elders will intervene if they notice any couple stopping their embrace while reaching for the fish. The audience gathers around the jars, cheering and encouraging the couples to hold each other tighter. Alongside other old customs like the worship of the harvest gods, the night-light festival, and the night procession, the game of 'catching fish in the jar' in Van Trung village subtly represents the traditional belief in the harmony of yin and yang. Through this game, many couples in the village have found their life partners and gone on to marry.

For the Vietnamese, the Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán) is a special and sacred celebration. During the final days of the old year, families rush to clean and decorate their homes in preparation. At midnight, families gather to welcome the New Year together. The early days of the new year are for visiting relatives, offering New Year wishes, or going to the temple to light incense and pray for peace in the year ahead. Despite being far or near, everyone tries to reunite with their loved ones during Tết, sharing sweet treats and enjoying the warmth of heartfelt conversations. Beyond the fragrant coconut and ginger candies, there’s also the spirit of Tết reflected in the folk games, stories, and cherished traditions, all of which deepen our connection to the New Year and fill us with hope.

The Phết Game is a traditional spring festival competition in the northern plains of Vietnam. Played in a temple yard, the field is marked by a circle or a hole at both ends of the ground (east-west orientation). The two teams use bamboo sticks to strike a round wooden ball painted red, symbolizing the Sun. The goal is to land the ball into the opponent's circle or hole to score a point. Some believe the game of Phết has roots in ancient Sun worship, with the ball moving east to west and vice versa. The game is also linked to the legend of the Trưng Sisters training their soldiers. Phết competitions draw large crowds, with people cheering and encouraging players, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. This excitement is captured in the saying, 'Vui ra phết' (Fun beyond measure).

During Tết, many Vietnamese villages have traditional games designed to bring good luck and blessings for the year ahead. One such game, Blindfolded Duck Catching, is quite popular. Participants and spectators gather in a large open area, forming a circle. Anyone who wishes to join the game registers with the organizers.

Large, healthy ducks are chosen for the game, as they need to be fast and agile. Two players are blindfolded and placed in the center of the circle, while a duck is released. The frightened duck flaps and runs wildly, and the players must chase it based on its sounds. The game ends once the duck is caught. Two new participants then take their turn.

Breaking Clay Pots is a traditional game popular in many northern rural villages in Vietnam. The game is usually held at a communal yard or a spacious area. Before the game starts, two poles are set up 5 meters apart in the middle of the field, with a rope connecting them to create a hanging spot for clay pots. A starting line is marked around 3 to 5 meters from the hanging pots. Players are blindfolded and given a stick, standing behind the starting line. They must judge the direction and distance to the pots, trying to hit one of them. When a player breaks a pot, they win a prize, which is a small piece of paper inside the broken pot.

This game, which has existed for a long time, is widely played, especially during the Lunar New Year festivals. To prepare, two poles are set up and clay pots are hung on a rope. Players, blindfolded and armed with a stick, must aim for the pots. Whoever breaks a pot gets a prize. The simplicity and excitement of the game attract many participants, making it a fun and lively activity to enjoy with friends during the festive season.

Human Chess is a popular traditional game often played during festivals and Lunar New Year celebrations. It is an intellectual and elegant game that provides players with both entertainment and mental stimulation. The game consists of 32 pieces, divided into two teams (16 red and 16 black). These pieces are represented by real people who take their positions on a large outdoor field. The two generals (one male, one female) are dressed in beautiful attire and carry flags, with an umbrella over their heads to protect them from the sun. Each piece is accompanied by someone holding an umbrella, and the players sit behind their pieces, issuing commands. A drum is sounded whenever a piece moves. The rules of the game are similar to traditional chess: the knight moves in an 'L' shape, the bishop moves diagonally, and the rook moves in straight lines. To win, players must think several moves ahead, avoid distractions from the audience, and carefully plan each move. A game can last for hours before a winner is determined. Human Chess is more than just a game; it’s a beautiful display of Vietnamese culture, often preserved during the Lunar New Year as a way to honor both intellect and tradition.

The swing is made of four large bamboo poles, forming two main supports, a swing platform, and a crossbar. The crossbar connects the two poles, and the hand grips are smaller bamboo sticks fixed securely so players can hold onto them while swinging. The platform is where the player stands. There are different types of swings, with the most popular being the single swing and the double swing. A single swing is typically for one person, while the double swing is for two. The female single swing is graceful and rhythmic, while the male swing often demonstrates strength and the ability to swing high. The most captivating and enjoyable is the mixed-gender double swing, where the spring air and blooming flowers create a perfect atmosphere for young couples to celebrate life and love.

Furthermore, swinging together as a couple symbolizes the ancient idea of balance—Yin and Yang, heaven and earth, man and woman coming together—creating a lively, harmonious atmosphere for the Spring Festival. As they swing, the couple faces each other, holding onto the swing's frame, pushing themselves higher and higher with their legs. The higher the swing goes, the more exhilarating it becomes, and the goal is often to catch a prize hanging from the top. Swinging today remains a common and simple game enjoyed by people of all ages, regardless of social class, gender, or age. While the game is accessible to everyone, it requires participants to be calm, strong, and a little brave, as the excitement can lead to swinging very high, adding an element of thrill to the game.