Top 9 Best Explanatory Essays on Lunar New Year

Among all the traditional holidays in Vietnam, Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán, is considered the most significant and special occasion. Despite the busy preparations and numerous tasks that come with it, the Vietnamese eagerly anticipate Tết every year. Over thousands of years, while many aspects of life have changed, the traditional customs of celebrating Tết have been preserved without fading away. Tết Nguyên Đán is the largest and most important festival in Vietnam, much like Christmas is for Christian countries in the West. It marks the beginning of a new year, starting on the first day of the first lunar month. Tết can fall around mid-February on the Western calendar. In Vietnam, preparations for Tết include a long holiday break, typically lasting over a week, with several days off before the 30th of the lunar month. Spiritually, Tết involves honoring three kitchen gods who are believed to oversee household matters. On the 23rd of the last lunar month, the Vietnamese conduct a ritual to send these deities back to the heavens to report to the Jade Emperor about the family's past year. This marks the start of the Tết celebrations. During Tết, families, who are often busy throughout the year, finally have the chance to gather, share their joys and sorrows, and reflect on the past year. Tết symbolizes return, reunion, and unity. It is deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese psyche that no matter where one is—whether at home or abroad—everyone strives to return to their family during Tết to celebrate together. This return fosters a sense of connection, reminding people of their roots and the importance of honoring their ancestors. One of the most iconic Tết foods is bánh chưng and bánh tét, which are made from familiar ingredients like glutinous rice, green beans, pork, dong leaves, and banana leaves. These cakes are found in every household, whether in rich urban areas or rural villages, symbolizing the country’s agricultural heritage. As the cakes are made, grandparents and parents often share stories about the legend of Lang Liêu, who created the first bánh chưng to honor King Hùng. The act of making these cakes requires skill and care, as the cakes must be perfectly shaped to be offered to ancestors. Alongside the cakes, a variety of fruit and other offerings like sweets, flowers, and wine are arranged, creating a unique and deeply Vietnamese Tết celebration. According to Vietnamese customs, the first day of the new year is considered crucial to setting the tone for the rest of the year. If the first day goes well, it is believed that the entire year will be prosperous. As a result, the first visitor to a household on New Year's Day is highly significant. Families often invite someone who is believed to bring good luck, such as a relative or a friend with an auspicious zodiac sign. Additionally, the tradition of giving red envelopes, or lì xì, is common during Tết, symbolizing good wishes for prosperity and good health in the coming year. Tết remains a time to uphold traditional customs, while also adapting to modern life, ensuring that its values are passed down through generations.

When people think of Vietnam, they often think of the country's rich historical and cultural heritage. This includes its cuisine, art, and, particularly, its traditions of festivals and celebrations. These cultural elements are not only part of Vietnam's traditions but also embody the deep spiritual significance of the Vietnamese people. One such tradition is the Lunar New Year (also known as Tet or Tet Nguyen Dan).

Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan) marks the official start of the new year in Vietnam, also referred to as Tet Ta, Tet Am Lich, or simply Tet. The most common term, however, remains Tet Nguyen Dan. 'Nguyen' means beginning, and 'Dan' refers to the early hours of the day. Just as the morning marks the start of a new day, Tet Nguyen Dan signifies the beginning of a new year. Tet is a tradition shared by many countries influenced by Chinese culture. In China and other countries in the region, the lunar calendar is used, so Tet typically falls later than the Gregorian New Year, often between late January and mid-February, and lasts for 4-6 days. For the Vietnamese, Tet carries great spiritual significance, especially as a time to honor ancestors and remember one's roots. It is also a time to look forward to a new beginning, leaving behind the hardships of the past year in hopes of prosperity and happiness in the year ahead.

Although the saying 'the 30th is not yet Tet' is commonly heard, in reality, the Tet atmosphere begins to fill the air from the 27th or 28th of the 12th lunar month. People believe that the New Year should start off on the best possible note, filled with luck and positive energy to last throughout the year. As such, preparations for Tet begin well in advance. Traditionally, Vietnamese families would repaint their homes to prepare for the celebration, sometimes starting days before Tet. While repainting may not be as common today, people still focus on tidying up and decorating their homes. They buy new items for the holiday, ensuring their homes are ready for the festive season.

Tet celebrations span from New Year's Eve to the 5th or 6th day of the lunar new year. In the past, the term 'eating Tet' referred to the time of abundant food and family reunions, lasting until the 8th or 9th day. However, with the busy modern lifestyle, Tet nowadays typically ends by the 5th day, and the focus has shifted from 'eating Tet' to 'celebrating Tet'. The Vietnamese New Year is divided into three main phases. First is the period leading up to Tet, starting on the 23rd of December (the day to send off the Kitchen Gods). In the days before Tet, people take a break from work and school, with students typically off from the 27th or 28th. Next comes the 30th, or 'Tất Niên', when people visit the graves of ancestors or deceased relatives. The most important part of the celebration is welcoming the New Year at midnight on the 30th, marking the transition from the old year to the new one.

In the past, the Vietnamese tradition was to stay home on New Year's Eve to prepare offerings to the gods, ancestors, and the spirits. A key ritual was the 'xông đất', where the first person to enter a house after midnight was believed to bring either good or bad fortune for the coming year. Today, this tradition has faded somewhat, with many people opting to celebrate outside, at parks or public places where fireworks can be seen. The concept of 'xông đất' has evolved as well, with people no longer strictly adhering to the belief that an outsider must bring luck. Now, anyone returning home on New Year's Eve is considered to 'xông đất' for the family.

New Year's Day, the first day of the lunar new year, marks the beginning of the most important traditional celebration for the Vietnamese. It is a time for festivities, reunions, and for those who have moved away to return home to honor their ancestors. During Tet, people avoid anger, arguments, and sweeping the house, as it is believed that such actions could bring bad luck and cause financial losses for the coming year. It is a time for reconciliation, forgiveness, and correcting past wrongs. Children receive 'lì xì' (red envelopes) for good luck. The color red dominates during Tet, as it is believed to bring good fortune—red fireworks, red banners, red decorations—all embodying prosperity.

The most important part of Tet is the first three days: the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days. These are days for visiting family, friends, and loved ones to exchange well wishes. One of the most cherished traditions is the giving of red envelopes by adults to children, symbolizing the hope for good things to come in the year ahead.

Celebrating Tet has always been an important part of Vietnamese culture, whether for those living in Vietnam or those abroad. It is a time when all Vietnamese, regardless of where they are, come together to celebrate. Even international tourists visiting Vietnam are often fascinated by the way the country celebrates the Lunar New Year. So, as proud Vietnamese, shouldn’t we all play a part in preserving and promoting these beautiful traditions?

Vietnam, with its rich 4000-year history, is a country steeped in diverse cultural traditions, with unique customs, festivals, and especially its vibrant Tết celebrations. Among many other significant holidays such as the Mid-January Full Moon, Tết Đoan Ngọ, Tết Thanh Minh, the Mid-Seven Full Moon, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Tết Ông Công Ông Táo, the most notable and important is Tết Nguyên Đán. Tết marks not only the beginning of a new year but also serves as a cultural tradition deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese way of life.

Tết Nguyên Đán, also known as Lunar New Year, Tết Cổ Truyền, or simply Tết, is the most significant holiday in Vietnam. It follows the lunar calendar, with three main days of celebration (Tân Niên), namely the first, second, and third days of the first lunar month. During Tết, families suspend all work to gather together, clean and decorate their homes, buy new clothes, prepare food offerings for ancestors, and visit relatives and friends to wish them health and prosperity. The Tết celebration can extend for a week, starting from the 27th or 28th of the 12th lunar month, all the way to the 10th day of the new lunar year, depending on the family's circumstances. The origins of Tết trace back to the East Asian agricultural practices, where the start of the lunar year marked the first season for planting rice. It became a time for praying for bountiful harvests and good fortune. Over time, Tết transformed into a holiday of family reunion, relaxation, and a celebration of Vietnamese cultural identity.

The Tết celebrations include several important activities. Firstly, there is the ritual of releasing carps into rivers, a symbolic gesture to send the Kitchen Gods (Táo Quân) back to Heaven to report on the household's activities over the past year. A week later, on the 30th of the 12th lunar month, families welcome the Kitchen Gods back to celebrate the new year. The rituals typically take place at the family's ancestral altar, often located in the kitchen. Additionally, there is the Tất Niên ceremony, which involves a family gathering to prepare traditional foods like bánh chưng, giò chả, rice porridge, and fruit offerings. The family cleans up, dresses neatly, and prays for a prosperous new year. Other rituals include the Giao Thừa ceremony, marking the transition from the old year to the new year, and the Tân Niên offerings during the first three days of the lunar new year.

Beyond these rituals, certain customs remain a core part of Tết. For example, making bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes) and displaying red couplets are key symbols of Tết. No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without these items. Another important custom is decorating homes with flowers. While traditional flowers like apricot blossoms and peach blossoms are still popular, today, many homes also display chrysanthemums, roses, lilies, and other vibrant flowers to symbolize good fortune and a prosperous year ahead. After the Tất Niên dinner, families enjoy spending time together watching the New Year’s Eve program on television, awaiting the arrival of the new year. This shared moment signifies a deep familial bond, where even the most mundane actions—like watching TV or waiting for the new year—hold a sacred significance.

In the early days of the new year, customs like “xông đất” (the first visitor to the home) and “hái lộc” (plucking the first flowers of the year) take place. These rituals are believed to bring good luck and positive energy for the new year. People also visit relatives and neighbors to exchange New Year wishes, give red envelopes to children and the elderly, and perform other acts of goodwill. Many also visit temples to pray for blessings and good fortune in the upcoming year. Tết is an essential part of the Vietnamese identity, not just as a celebration but as a time for family reunion, reflection, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Tết Nguyên Đán remains an integral part of Vietnamese culture, embodying traditions that have been passed down for thousands of years. It is not only an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of the new year but also a time for family bonding, relaxation, and a deep connection to Vietnamese roots, especially for those far from home. There is no greater wish for the Vietnamese people, particularly those living abroad, than to reunite with their families and celebrate the traditional Tết festival together.

Vietnam is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions. Visitors to Vietnam eagerly seek to immerse themselves in this vast historical and cultural tapestry, with the traditional Tết holidays and festivals being among the most cherished. The most significant of these is the Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán.

The Lunar New Year is one of Vietnam’s most important celebrations. Similar to how Christmas is sacred in Western Christian cultures, Tết holds the same profound significance in Vietnam. Tết Nguyên Đán, also known as the Lunar New Year, marks the most important period of the year for the Vietnamese people.

The holiday begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, which typically falls between late January and mid-February. In Vietnam, as Tết approaches, people—whether working or studying—generally enjoy a holiday break, ranging from one week for workers to several days off for students before the 30th of the 12th lunar month.

In preparation for Tết, families engage in various activities like buying new clothes, cleaning their homes, and preparing offerings for their ancestors. The Tết feast is often the most meticulously prepared meal of the year, with each region adding its own distinctive touch. However, some elements remain consistent across the country: chicken, bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes), and savory dishes served with rice. Unlike everyday meals, the Tết feast is grander and more elaborate. It is carefully prepared by the women of the household, with each family observing their own customs for ancestor worship. This typically occurs at midnight on the 30th of the lunar year or during a family meal on the evening of the 30th. Offerings continue on the first, second, and third days of the new year.

In addition to food offerings, the ancestral altar is adorned with fruits, candies, soft drinks, beer, and flowers. The flowers chosen are vibrant, symbolizing good luck for the coming year. Many families also place peach blossoms or apricot branches on the altar to represent prosperity. The altar reflects the family’s prosperity in the past year, and this practice remains a key part of the Tết traditions.

Tết is also a time for visiting elderly relatives, family members, and friends. During these visits, it is customary for the head of the household or elders to give “lì xì” (red envelopes) containing money to children and elderly individuals, along with best wishes for health, wealth, and happiness in the new year. This practice is a hallmark of Vietnamese culture, symbolizing love, respect, and the hope for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead.

Beyond the traditional customs, Tết is filled with various activities, such as folk games and lively Tết markets. Popular games include pot smashing, sack races, tug-of-war, skipping rope, and human chess, which are often held at communal halls or village temples to enhance the festive atmosphere. Annual flower markets also bloom during Tết, adding to the celebratory spirit. Many people visit temples during Tết to pray for a blessed new year, and this demonstrates the spiritual aspect of Vietnamese culture. From the elderly to the young, everyone heads to the temple to seek blessings for the year ahead.

Tết is seen as a time for family reunions, a moment for loved ones to come together. For many, it’s a rare opportunity to share a meal with their families, especially those who have been living far from home. Hanging red couplets on the door has become an iconic image of Tết, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the year to come.

Personally, my favorite part of Tết is watching the process of wrapping bánh chưng. Watching the square rice cakes being wrapped and boiled while the family gathers around the warm fire, singing together, creates a cozy and joyful atmosphere. The children excitedly help with the wrapping, adding to the festive energy. These moments, filled with warmth and laughter, are unforgettable and encapsulate the essence of Tết for every Vietnamese family.

In conclusion, the Lunar New Year is more than just a holiday; it is a cultural symbol, the most significant festival of the year for the Vietnamese people. It is a time for family, for honoring ancestors, and for continuing cherished traditions.

The Lunar New Year in Vietnam holds profound cultural significance, symbolizing the continuity of life and humanity's yearning for harmony between Heaven, Earth, and Man.

The Lunar New Year represents the relationship between humans and nature in the spirit of agricultural culture; between families and communities; and embodies the sacred and noble beliefs in spiritual life.

Lunar New Year (also called Tết Cả, Tết Ta, Tết Âm lịch, Tết Cổ truyền, New Year or simply: Tết) is the most important celebration in the culture of the Vietnamese people and several other cultures influenced by Chinese traditions. The term "Tết" originates from the word "tiết", and the characters "Nguyên Đán" come from Chinese, where "nguyên" means the beginning or origin, and "đán" refers to the early morning. Therefore, the correct pronunciation should be "Tiết Nguyên Đán" (today, the Chinese refer to it as Xuân Tiết, Tân Niên, or Nông Lịch Tân Niên).

Due to differences in the lunar calendars between Vietnam and China, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year does not exactly coincide with the Chinese New Year and the celebrations in other regions influenced by Chinese culture.

Because the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, the Lunar New Year occurs later than the Gregorian New Year. With the lunar leap month rule, the first day of the Lunar New Year never falls before January 21 or after February 19 in the Gregorian calendar, typically occurring between late January and mid-February. The entire Lunar New Year holiday lasts for about 7 to 8 days, from the 23rd of December to the 7th of January in the lunar calendar.

Historically, the origin of the Lunar New Year in China dates back to the era of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, evolving through various dynasties. The Xia dynasty, preferring the color black, chose the first month (January) as the start of the year. The Shang dynasty, favoring white, selected the 12th month, while the Zhou dynasty, fond of red, chose the 11th month. Different emperors aligned the New Year with various cosmic events, symbolizing Heaven, Earth, and humanity, until the Han dynasty, when Emperor Wu set the New Year in the first month. Since then, no further changes have been made to the New Year's month.

According to Eastern philosophy, each day of the New Year symbolizes the birth of different animals. The first day represents the rooster, the second day the dog, the third day the pig, and so on. Thus, the New Year's period typically lasts from the first day to the seventh day.

From a cultural perspective, Tết symbolizes the changing of seasons and the cosmic cycle, marking the beginning of the spring cycle. For an agricultural society like Vietnam, it holds significant meaning. The holiday serves as a time to honor nature's spirits, such as the gods of Earth, Rain, Thunder, Water, and Sun, and to pay respects to animals and plants that sustain the people.

The Vietnamese have a tradition of returning home for Tết, regardless of occupation or location. It is a time for family reunions, offering prayers at ancestors' altars, visiting ancestral graves, and reminiscing about cherished childhood memories. The saying "Going home for Tết" is not just a physical journey but a spiritual pilgrimage back to one's roots.

The Vietnamese view Tết as a time for family reunions, strengthening relationships within the community. It also serves as a time to honor those who have passed. On New Year's Eve, families offer incense to invite their ancestors and departed loved ones to join in the celebrations, sharing in the joy of the New Year.

The family altar holds great significance during Tết, representing respect for ancestors. The offerings include carefully selected fruits, delicious foods, and traditional dishes that reflect the deceased's preferences.

Throughout Tết, the smoke from incense intertwines with the sacred atmosphere, reinforcing the bond between family members. After the festivities, life resumes its routine, with people returning to their daily work, carrying with them the warmth and affection of family, seeking new joys and successes in the coming year.

Tết is a time for renewal, both physically and emotionally. Homes are cleaned and decorated, new clothes are worn, and old debts are settled. It is a time to let go of past grievances, focusing on harmony and respect in interactions. For at least three days, people strive to maintain a positive, calm demeanor to ensure a prosperous and harmonious year ahead.

The Vietnamese believe that a joyful start to the new year will bring good fortune. If the previous year was prosperous, the good luck will continue into the new year. Tết is a time of optimism and hope, a celebration of life and renewal.

Tết is also a celebration of everyone's birthday, as people grow a year older. It is customary for adults to give blessings to children and elderly relatives, wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity. The elderly, in turn, bless the younger generation, ensuring continuity and respect across generations.

During Tết, gratitude is central. Children thank their parents, and employees express appreciation to their employers. Leaders also show gratitude through festive gatherings and gifts, reflecting the interconnectedness of society.

With its rich rituals and profound humanistic meaning, the Lunar New Year remains a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture, representing the essence of national identity. However, globalization has brought some changes, and certain traditional practices have been adapted or abandoned to suit modern life.

Today, the way people celebrate Tết has evolved. Many aspects of the holiday have been influenced by Western culture, with more emphasis on convenience and consumption. For example, fewer people engage in traditional cooking and more opt for ready-made foods. Tết feasts now feature a variety of foods, including those introduced from Western cultures.

As society progresses, the perception of Tết has also changed. It has become a time for relaxation and enjoyment rather than just a focus on food and family gatherings. People often take vacations or travel with friends and family, making it a time for leisure rather than just tradition.

Gift-giving during Tết has evolved as well. While traditional gifts included rice cakes and sausages, today people exchange more expensive gifts that may lack the personal touch and instead reflect economic interests.

The blending of Eastern and Western cultures has inevitably changed Tết, making it less about the traditional preparations and more about convenience. Children no longer gather around their parents and grandparents to make rice cakes, and the joy of watching the cooking process has faded. Yet, Tết now offers new experiences, such as traveling with loved ones and enjoying a wider range of delicious foods, including Western dishes.

We cannot deny the positive aspects of cultural exchange. If we close ourselves off and celebrate Tết only among ourselves, it will remain a singular cultural tradition, unable to become a truly international symbol. The openness to other cultures helps showcase Tết to the world. The key is to preserve the essence of Tết while embracing global influences, ensuring that Vietnamese New Year retains its unique cultural identity.

In conclusion, Lunar New Year is a vibrant celebration that blends traditional values with the modern world. It continues to represent the deep humanism of Vietnamese culture, and it is a holiday that will remain an integral part of the national identity for generations to come.

Visiting Vietnam is stepping into a land rich with ancient culture, deeply embedded in everyday life. The beliefs and customs of the Vietnamese people have been passed down for over 4000 years, and even today, beautiful cultural traditions are clearly expressed during the nation's most significant celebration: the Lunar New Year - Tết Nguyên Đán. Tết Nguyên Đán (also known as Tết Cả, Tết Ta, the Lunar New Year, or simply Tết) is the most important holiday in Vietnam's culture, influenced by the Lunar New Year customs of China and the broader East Asian region. The word 'Tết' originates from 'tiết', signifying the 24 seasonal divisions in the agricultural calendar, with the most crucial being Nguyên Đán, marking the start of a new cycle of planting and harvesting. The term 'Nguyên Đán' comes from Chinese characters: 'Nguyên' meaning the beginning, and 'Đán' meaning dawn, the early hours of the morning when the sun rises. The Vietnamese believe that everything during Tết should be fresh and new, so preparations begin two weeks prior, with families cleaning, decorating their homes, buying flowers, and stocking up on food, discarding anything believed to bring bad luck. Tết consists of various stages, each with its unique atmosphere. The 'Tất Niên' meal, marking the final day of the lunar year, is a time for families to reunite. The transition from the old year to the new, known as the 'Giao Thừa' or New Year's Eve, is marked by an important ritual where families offer sacrifices at their ancestral altars and to the spirits of the heavens and earth. During this time, many families also prepare for a traditional feast. The 'Mâm Ngũ Quả' (Five-fruit Tray) symbolizes prosperity and ancestral veneration, and the colors and arrangement of the fruits have deep meanings in Vietnamese culture, such as red for fortune and gold for wealth. On the first day of the new year, 'Mồng Một', families typically stay home, offering prayers and well-wishes among family members. The following days, 'Mồng Hai' and 'Mồng Ba', are dedicated to honoring mothers and teachers respectively, as well as visiting friends and relatives. Tết's origins date back before the Common Era, and it continues to preserve its cultural and spiritual significance today. While preparations for Tết begin weeks before, the centerpiece of the festival includes cleaning, decorating, offering fruits, and preparing special foods such as bánh chưng, the traditional square rice cake. These practices are steeped in tradition, with each item symbolizing different values, from prosperity to respect for ancestors. The Lunar New Year festivities also include the custom of 'Xông Đất' or 'first-footing', where the first person to enter a home in the new year brings blessings. The exchange of well-wishes and the giving of red envelopes or 'lì xì' to children also play a vital role in fostering family and community ties. Tết is not only a time for celebration but a deeply meaningful occasion for families to reconnect, honor ancestors, and express hopes for the year to come. As we celebrate, let us remember the spirit of Tết and its significance in preserving the unique cultural identity of the Vietnamese people.

Every year, as spring arrives, the hearts of people eagerly await the celebration of Tết Nguyên Đán. This holiday has been a significant part of Vietnamese culture for centuries. It’s not only a time to ring in the new year but also a special occasion for families to reunite. Tết is not exclusive to Vietnam, but is also widely observed in several other countries across Asia.

The term 'Tết' is known by various names such as Tiết, Tết Cổ Truyền, and Tết Nguyên Đán. However, the Vietnamese generally call it 'Tết Nguyên Đán'. The words 'Nguyên' and 'Đán' are of Chinese origin, symbolizing a new day or a new year.

Tết Nguyên Đán originally began in China during the era of the Three Sovereigns and was celebrated during the first month of the lunar calendar. It remains the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture and among other cultures influenced by Chinese traditions. Since countries like China follow a lunar calendar, Tết occurs later than the Western New Year (Tết Tây).

Tết Nguyên Đán can be divided into three phases. The first phase is the time leading up to Tết, beginning on the 23rd of the last lunar month (the day of the Kitchen Gods). As Tết approaches, most businesses close, and students have holidays starting from the 27th or 28th of the lunar month. The second phase is the 30th of the lunar month, also known as Tất Niên, where people visit the graves of their ancestors. The most significant event happens at midnight on the 30th when families prepare to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Traditionally, Vietnamese families would stay at home, offering food to the spirits and ancestors and performing the 'Xông Đất' ritual. This custom involved the first person entering the house after midnight, bringing either good or bad fortune for the year ahead. However, today many people prefer to attend public events, like fireworks displays, instead. The tradition of 'Xông Đất' has also evolved. Now, people returning home from celebrations consider themselves the ones who bring luck to their families. The first day of the new year, 'Mồng Một', marks the beginning of the most significant holiday in Vietnam. It’s a time for festivals, reunions, and a time to remember ancestors.

During Tết, people avoid arguing, sweeping, or cleaning, fearing that it could bring bad luck and cause a loss of wealth in the coming year. It’s a time to forgive, heal old wounds, and make amends for past grievances. Tết carries deep meanings for the Vietnamese people. It’s a time for family reunions, a time to reflect on the year that’s passed and to wish for better fortune in the year ahead. Tết strengthens bonds and promotes forgiveness. This is why Tết is cherished and awaited by everyone.

Each country and culture has its own unique traditions and practices. The Lunar New Year in Vietnam is a special occasion, rich in cultural value, passed down through generations. Despite historical changes and the blending of customs, the spirit of Tết remains strong in the hearts of the Vietnamese, wherever they are in the world.

Throughout the year, numerous important events take place. However, when the lunar calendar reaches the 12th month and the final pages of the calendar are torn off, people become filled with excitement and anticipation as the old year prepares to depart and the new year approaches. No matter where they are, every Vietnamese person eagerly awaits the arrival of the Lunar New Year – a celebration of the nation and a family reunion.

For the Vietnamese, the New Year celebrations typically last for three days. However, preparations begin a week before the holiday. Men in the family will spend time painting and decorating the house to welcome the new year, while women organize the shopping for food and necessary items for the holiday. The iconic flower of the North during Tết is the peach blossom, while in the South, people favor the yellow apricot blossom. Another indispensable decoration is the Five Fruits Tray, which differs between the North and South. In the North, the fruits usually include pomelo, banana, persimmon, mandarin, and chili peppers, while in the South, it includes custard apple, fig, coconut, and papaya. During this time, the atmosphere is lively and full of hustle and bustle, with children excited about their holiday break, new clothes, and shopping.

The traditional Tết celebrations are rich in customs passed down through generations. On the morning of the 23rd of the lunar month, people often buy beautiful carp to offer in rituals, symbolizing the sending of the Kitchen Gods back to heaven. Every family’s kitchen will also have a special offering to honor their ancestors. On the night of the 30th, people go out to gather fresh branches to bring home, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the new year. Another well-known tradition is the 'Xông Nhà' ritual, where a person is selected to enter the house after midnight to bring luck for the year ahead. The chosen person must have a compatible zodiac with the homeowner to ensure prosperity.

The customs surrounding Tết are incredibly diverse. These include well-wishing, giving lucky money (lì xì), preparing the Five Fruits Tray, setting up the New Year tree, wrapping bánh chưng, and hanging red couplets. These traditions create the vibrant cultural atmosphere of Tết in Vietnam. One such tradition is the hanging of red couplets, a custom practiced by both scholars and common folk. These couplets, written in classical Chinese or Vietnamese, are typically inscribed in black or yellow ink on red or pink paper, symbolizing good fortune. Red couplets have a special place in Vietnamese culture and are an essential part of Tết. A popular couplet for the holiday goes:

Pork fat, pickled onions, red couplets

New year tree, firecrackers, green bánh chưng.

Couplets are a form of parallel literature, with two contrasting parts that express the author’s thoughts or emotions on social phenomena. They symbolize a harmonious balance and unity, representing the essence of Tết. Red couplets, considered vital for the New Year, bring a sense of vitality and warmth to the festivities. Their red color is linked to strength and vitality, and in combination with the green of bánh chưng and the yellow of apricot blossoms, it enhances the atmosphere, giving a sense of joy and optimism.

From ancient times, Lunar New Year has become an integral part of Vietnamese cultural identity. It is inseparable from the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people, manifesting through rituals such as giving well-wishes and offering lucky money, and especially through the tradition of hanging red couplets. These customs must be preserved and cherished as they reflect the essence of Vietnamese culture.

Vietnam is famous for its distinctive and profound culture. Tourists visiting Vietnam are eager to experience its deep cultural heritage. One of the most notable aspects of Vietnamese culture is its festivals. These events are always filled with people and buzzing with energy. When festivals are mentioned, they evoke the spiritual world of the Vietnamese people. And when discussing spirituality, the Lunar New Year is a central part of the conversation.

For Vietnamese people, the Lunar New Year typically lasts for three main days, but preparations begin a week before. The men of the household take charge of repairing and decorating the home to welcome the new year, while the women handle the shopping and organization of food and necessary supplies for the festival. In the northern regions, peach blossoms are a symbol of the New Year, while the southern regions prefer apricot blossoms. The five-fruit tray is also an important decoration, but the fruits vary between the two regions. In the north, the tray features pomelo, banana, persimmon, tangerine, and chili peppers. Meanwhile, the southern tray includes custard apple, fig, coconut, papaya, and mango. During this time, everywhere you go, you can feel the lively, bustling atmosphere. Children are excited as they have time off school, play, and shop for new clothes.

In preparation for the important occasion, families are busy with various tasks. One of the most meticulous and significant parts of the preparations is the ceremonial meal offered to honor the ancestors. While the New Year meals differ by region, they all share some common features: chicken, sticky rice cakes, and savory dishes served with rice. Unlike regular meals, the New Year feast is richer and packed with more nutrients, containing higher levels of fat, protein, and calories compared to everyday meals. As a result, eating this way for several days can cause indigestion. This carefully prepared feast is an essential part of Vietnamese families’ New Year celebrations. The most sacred moment is when families make their offerings at midnight on the 30th day of the Lunar New Year, followed by ceremonies on the first, second, and third days of the new year.

The family altar is not just adorned with food offerings but also with a five-fruit tray, candies, soft drinks, beer cans, and flowers arranged in vases. These flowers are selected carefully, usually in vibrant colors, to bring good fortune for the year ahead. Additionally, many families choose to place branches of peach or apricot blossoms on the altar. Just like the flowers, other items on the altar are displayed beautifully, with bright and cheerful colors. In northern Vietnam, it is a tradition for guests to observe the host’s altar during the New Year, as it reflects the family's prosperity and well-being during the past year. This is a key aspect of ancestor worship.

Lunar New Year is a time for returning home, family reunions, and togetherness. This sentiment has become deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese psyche. No matter where they are—within Vietnam or abroad—Vietnamese people always make an effort to return to their families to celebrate the New Year. It is a time to gather, share meals, pay respects to ancestors, and preserve the tradition of remembering one’s roots.

Fatty pork, pickled onions, red couplets
New Year tree, firecrackers, green sticky rice cakes

From the time of King Hung’s founding of the nation, over 4,000 years of history have passed, and the tradition of making sticky rice cakes during the Lunar New Year has been passed down through generations. Later, as the southern regions expanded, people developed their own tradition of making “Tet” cakes, which are similar to sticky rice cakes in ingredients but cylindrical in shape rather than square. These green sticky rice cakes are made from familiar ingredients such as glutinous rice, green beans, pork, dong leaves, banana leaves, and bamboo strings. Throughout the country, whether rich or poor, urban or rural, the green sticky rice cakes are a staple during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

On the first day of the new year, family members gather at the home of their grandparents or parents to perform the ancestral worship ceremony, honor the elderly, and give red envelopes to children. People wish each other good luck, health, and prosperity in the new year. They pray for the elders to live long lives and for the younger generation to grow well. The adults also give children red envelopes with money and blessings for good behavior and happiness.

Today, traveling during the New Year has become more common, with people going on both domestic and international trips. People not only visit local landmarks and historical sites but also travel to new places to experience festivals, explore customs, and enjoy the natural beauty of different regions.

Over the millennia, Vietnamese New Year has preserved its unique spirit and remains the most important, warm, and fulfilling holiday for the Vietnamese people. Every spring, when the New Year arrives, these traditions are revived, celebrated, and passed down to future generations, making it a special time to honor Vietnamese culture and ensure its continuity.