Buzz
The Southern Lunar New Year is a celebration filled with deep cultural significance, offering unique traditional experiences through meaningful activities that embody the essence of the holiday.
Plucking the petals of the apricot blossoms signals the arrival of spring
When talking about Southern Lunar New Year, one cannot overlook the sight of the blooming yellow apricot tree. Plucking the petals from the apricot tree about two weeks before Tết is a traditional activity that cannot be missed. According to folk belief, apricot flowers symbolize luck and prosperity.
Plucking the apricot petals is not just a simple task, it requires skill and experience. The locals must carefully calculate the timing of the plucking, considering the weather and the size of the flower buds, to ensure that the apricot blossoms just in time for Tết. After the petals are plucked, the apricot tree is nurtured carefully with just the right amount of water, so by the 29th or 30th of the lunar month, the golden apricot blossoms will bloom, filling the garden with a lively, cheerful atmosphere.
Preparing for Tết while preserving cultural beauty
From the 23rd day of the Lunar month, people in the South begin to bustle with activities preparing for Tết. The ceremony of sending off the Kitchen Gods, which holds deep spiritual significance, features a unique offering tray with dishes like Tam Sen and sweet sticky rice dumplings, symbolizing respect and hopes for a prosperous and peaceful new year.
In addition, families busily clean, decorate their homes, and prepare the Five-fruit tray. The Southern version of the Five-fruit tray includes five types of fruit: custard apple, fig, coconut, papaya, and mango, representing the wish: 'May there be just enough to live on.' This distinctive feature of Southern Tết differs from other regions, as bananas are avoided due to the fear of a life 'bowing down.'
Wrapping bánh Tét, the taste of home during Tết
The sight of families gathering to wrap bánh Tét is a familiar one during Southern Tết. From the 26th to the 27th day of the Lunar month, everyone works together to prepare the ingredients—washing the glutinous rice, cleaning banana leaves, cooking the beans, and marinating the meat. The square and cylindrical bánh Tét represent unity, warmth, and prosperity.
The process of cooking bánh Tét is also a time for family to reunite. The men take turns tending the fire and watching over the bánh as it cooks through the night, while the women continue their other kitchen tasks. The aroma of the bánh Tét fills the air, blending with lively chatter and laughter, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
The Tết feast, a taste of spring and togetherness
In addition to bánh Tét, the Southern Tết feast cannot be complete without two traditional dishes: braised pork with eggs and bitter melon stuffed with meat. Braised pork with eggs, featuring tender meat and round, full eggs, symbolizes completeness and fulfillment. Meanwhile, the bitter melon stuffed with meat represents the wish: may all suffering pass, and a bright new year is welcomed.
Although simple and humble, each dish is filled with love and care from the family, bringing everyone together in unity.
Spring outings with community bonding experiences
During Tết, people in the South often go out to celebrate the new year by visiting flower markets. They also enjoy traditional folk games or travel with their families. Stalls with loto games, bottle tossing, and spring-themed miniatures attract visitors of all ages. The bustling atmosphere in these markets vividly reflects the excitement of Tết. Boats laden with fresh flowers, ornamental plants, and Tết goods arrive from all directions.
The essence of Southern Tết can be felt in the lively, eager atmosphere in every street and river. It’s a time for people to enjoy the spring air and strengthen family bonds. Tết is not just a traditional holiday, but also a moment for nostalgia and remembrance.
