Have you ever heard of the phrase 'waiting for Congo Tet'? Do you know what Congo Tet is? Why do we say wait until Congo Tet? In this article, Mytour shares detailed insights about this country and explores the profound meaning behind the phrase 'waiting for Congo Tet'.
What exactly is Congo Tet?
The term 'Congo Tet' is familiar to many, but what many don't know is that there are actually two countries with the name Congo coexisting. One is the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville) and the other is the Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo Kinshasa). These two countries have capitals facing each other across the Congo River, so close that people on one side can hear the shouts of the people on the other side.
Like all nations around the world, they must all welcome the new year. In Congo Brazzaville, people celebrate Tet very normally. Every year, on this day, from the old to the young, everyone takes a break from school and work, gathers together to sing and dance to bid farewell to the old year. However, Congo Kinshasa is not as fortunate as its neighboring brother to the northwest, where people have to wait
Congo Kinshasa, a large and populous country in Central Africa, is also one of the 10 poorest countries in the world. The causes of this poverty and backwardness stem from over a century of Belgian colonization, political crises, conflicts, and transitions. In addition, unemployment, lack of investment in healthcare and education have led to economic stagnation.
Despite such poverty, Tet in Congo Kinshasa is indeed a grand celebration, with a joyful atmosphere. After half a century of waiting, the citizens of Congo Kinshasa enthusiastically decorate their homes and immerse themselves in festivities that last for 3 months.
There are many reasons to explain this unique way of celebrating the new year. Some believe it is a characteristic of the long-standing culture of the Congolese people, while others believe that continuous civil wars and poverty have become barriers, forcing the people here to patiently wait for 'Congo Tet'.
Even in normal years without celebrating Tet, the people of this country still organize some important holidays such as Independence Day (June 30), Father's Day (August 1), and Youth Day (October 14).
Why do we often say wait until Congo Tet?
Currently, researchers worldwide have not been able to determine the regular Tet holiday of the Congolese people. Therefore, only the people of this country can answer the question 'when is Congo Tet?'
Therefore, 'waiting until Congo Tet' refers to the Tet of Congo Kinshasa, a distant time milestone and 'still a long way to go'. That's why it has long become a common saying for many generations when referring to waiting and a very difficult task to happen.
Surely after reading this far, you may have found the answer to 'Why do we often say wait until Congo Tet?'. Hopefully, this article has provided you with more useful information. Share this information with your friends so everyone can learn about Congo Tet, alright?